Towra Point and Cape Banks aquatic reserves will be expanded and two new protection zones added in Port Hacking and Royal National Park as part of the proposed Sydney Marine Park.
Seven of the 25 sites in the proposed marine park are between Botany Bay and Royal National Park.
However, a proposed site around Cronulla’s Shark Island was left out of the plans unveiled on Thursday by Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
Cronulla MP and Attorney-General Mark Speakman said he would continue to advocate for its inclusion, and encouraged people who care about the marine environment to provide feedback during the public consultation period.
There will be three types of zones in the proposed marine park, which will extend from Newcastle to Wollongong.:
- Sanctuary zone, designed to enhance biodiversity and allow activities such as snorkeling, diving and boating, but banning fishing and other extra-active activities.
- Conservation zone would provide a high level of environmental benefit and allow abalone and lobster fishing.
- Special purpose zone would address a specific threat but also allow a certain activity such as recreational fishing on scuba diving at an artificial reef.
The sites include:
Towra Point Aquatic Reserve would expand from 1448 hectares to 1797 hectares.
The existing 556 hectare sanctuary zone, in which all forms of fishing are prohibited, would not be unchanged, but the boundaries of the existing refuge zone, renamed a special purpose zone, would expand to take in additional adjacent Posidonia australis seagrass and shore bird habitat.
Hand fishing and oyster farming on existing leases would continue to be allowed in the special purpose zone.
Cape Banks Aquatic Reserve would become a sanctuary zone, expanding from 18 hectares to 69 hectares.
Line and spear fishing, which is allowed at present, would be prohibited, but snorkelling, scuba diving and recreational boating would be allowed.
Cabbage Tree Creek. A new, 23 hectare sanctuary zone would be created in Port Hacking near Maianbar, incorporating all of Cabbage Tree Creek and The Basin.
The creek is popular with tourists and locals for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing.
Boating access to the creek is limited due to the shallow water at the entrance to the creek, and a low footbridge over the creek. Upstream of the bridge, the creek opens into a deep basin
Line fishing, which is permitted at present, would be banned. Spear fishing is already prohibited.
Royal National Park. A new 85 hectare conservation zone is proposed for the area from Martin Head to the northern end of Garie Beach, including Wattamolla Beach and Wattamolla Lagoon, and 100 metres seaward from the mean high water mark.
Recreational shore and boat-based line and trap fishing would be banned.
Boat Harbour Aquatic Reserve would become a special purpose zone, with no changes to management rules.
Shiprock Aquatiic Reserve, in Port Hacking, would become a sanctuary zone, with no changes to management rules.
Southern Sydney Artificial Reef. A 42 hectare special purpose zone would be created around the artificial reef off Jibbon Head, with no changes to management rules.
Mr Speakman welcomed the new and expanded protection zones in Sutherland Shire.
He said the sites had been carefully analysed by the NSW Marine Estate Management Authority, but he would continue to advocate for the inclusion of Shark Island.
”I am grateful for the advocacy earlier this year by local swimming group and marine protection zone enthusiasts, Shelly Ocean Swimmers,” he said.
“The group drew my attention to potential zones at Jibbon, around Hungry Point and Shark Island.
“I am particularly interested in continuing to advocate for the inclusion of Shark Island in the marine park.
“As the Shelly Ocean Swimmers pointed out, the proposed reserve will protect a unique rocky reef habitat that supports different species and larger pelagic visitors.
“It will also provide an iconic area for tourism and ocean swimming, snorkelling and diving.”
Information booths:
- Saturday, September 15, 8am – midday, Cronulla mall.
- Sunday, September 16, 8am – midday, Bundeena – Start of Wedding Cake Rock walk.
- Sunday, September 16, 11.30am – 2.30pm, Audley Visitors Centre
Details of the marine park can be seen at: marine.nsw.gov.au.