Re the announcement of additional Marine Park Zones (Leader , August 22).
The proposed Shark Island and surrounds Zone was unfortunately excluded.
We are keen, year round ocean swimmers and, along with many others enjoy the beauty of marine life off Cronulla foreshores and around Shark Island and Blackwoods Beach.
For many years we have been privileged to experience the joy of seeing the swagging blue groper in all his vivid blueness, manta rays, quaint coy turtles, seals as well as many schools of blackfish and whiting.
More recently, however, we have noticed diminishing numbers of these beautiful creatures.
Protection of our marine life by our state government should be a top priority.
We urge the State Government to take firm and immediate action to protect these areas by including Shark Island and its surrounds into the specifically identified Sanctuary Zone.
Our own Cronulla MP, Mark Speakman staunchly continues to advocate for this inclusion.
We invite Mr Speakman and any other government representative to join us for a swim and view for themselves the glorious sea-life that is being endangered.
Our wish is to protect these exquisite creatures and to allow them to be appreciated and enjoyed by future generations.’’
Cheryl and Peter Poppett, Grays Point
Marine reserves are vital to protect fish types and stocks.
Foreshore protection reserves are also needed around Botany Bay. Strips back from high tide line should be no access zones to protect mangroves and other marine life.
J Brett, Miranda
