The Federal Government is being criticised for proposing to change the level of protection over waters on and around parts of the Great Barrier Reef. Environmentalists say about 50 per cent of the Coral Sea would have its National Park protection status slashed under the new plan. The Government’s head of National Marine Parks has confirmed the plans allow for more commercial fishing but says much more of the sea floor will be protected and there needs to be a balance between the environment and coastal community livelihoods.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-21/fed-govt-slammed-over-proposal-to-allow-commercial/8732962
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-21/fed-govt-slammed-over-proposal-to-allow-commercial/8732962