BREAKING: Western Australia’s brand-new South Coast Marine Park is here!
After months of community consultation and tens of thousands of letters calling for strong sanctuary protection, Western Australia’s South Coast Marine Park is here!
This is an incredibly important marine park, covering a critical stretch of Australia’s Great Southern Reef. So how does it stack up?
The main takeaway is that about 20% of state waters along 1000 km of WA’s south coast from just east of Bremer to the South Australian border will now be fully protected in marine sanctuaries.
Until now, there has been no sanctuary protection in state waters for this richly diverse marine environment – home to spectacular creatures, some of which are found nowhere else in the world.
It’s also great to see the South Coast Marine Park, made up of four adjacent marine parks – Mamang Maambakoort, Wudjari, Western Bight and Mirning – will be jointly managed with Traditional Owners
Make no mistake, this area was afforded protection because you and thousands of other concerned Aussies spoke up.
On behalf of our South Coast marine life, thank you!
There is, however, plenty of room for improvement.
Critical fish breeding grounds close to shore have been left out of the sanctuaries, as have important waters where endangered southern right whales raise their young and where endangered Australian sea lions feed, breed and rest.
Our community, alongside leading scientists, called for increased sanctuary protection around many of these habitats.
To leave them out is disappointing, and a missed opportunity.
However, this remains an incredible achievement for a special part of our state – beloved by our coastal communities, holidaymakers, boaties, divers, surfers and fishers. Fully protected sanctuaries help keep our waters healthy, so that we can all enjoy them into the future.
There’s no doubt the South Coast Marine Park would have looked completely different without your support! Thank you once again Talitha.
Today’s announcement lays a good foundation on which we must continue to build a truly world-class marine park network, which protects our treasured marine life and way of life.
All the best.
Image: Scott Portelli