Bearing in mind that coral reef health is crucial to the health of our oceans...

Paul Murray is talking on the push for marine parks for the Oceans XI crew...wealthy pro marine park proponents.
Speaking to the pros about it now..

www.6pr.com.au

Media Release:

http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/burke/2011/mr20110823.html

Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

Media release
23 August 2011

The Gillard Government today released draft marine bioregional plans and proposed marine reserves networks to protect Australia's north and north-west marine environment.

Environment Minister Tony Burke outlined details of draft north and north-west bioregional plans and proposed Marine Reserves Networks that will be open for three months community feedback before the plans and proposals are finalised under national environmental law.

The proposed network for the north covers global refuges for turtles, dugongs and sawfish and the pristine north-west is vital to the survival of many marine species which are facing population decline.'

The South West Marine Parks thread seems like heaps of fun so I thought I would throw this one up.

The Proposal:

http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/north-west/consultation/index.html#networkproposal

The Map:

http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/north-west/pubs/nw-map.pdf

How to keep up to date:

http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/getting-involved.html

The North West Conservation Atlas:

http://www.environment.gov.au/arcgis-framework/apps/cva/cvanw.jsf

Perthies probably missed it, but on WIN news this afternoon there was a report from Albany school students testing the biodegradability of soft plastics over a 6 month period (I think).  I missed a fair bit of it, so anyone that saw more and can quote better, please advise.  But effectively most of the plastics didn't dissolve and some of them even ate away the plastic container they were stored in, causing serious environmental concern and mis-leading advertising on soft plastic packets.

Apparently the results of these tests are being tabled and will be presented to the Fisheries Minister.  Who knows what may happen as a result....

Check this out guys, apparently you don't have to pay entry fees to the Exmouth National Park if you show your rec fishing license and say you are entering specifically for the purpose of fishing, this is what the website says:

http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/campgrounds/index.php?option=com_jomres&Itemid=2&task=viewproperty&property_uid=106

• Seniors' Card, Age Pension, Disability Support, Disability Support (Blind), Carer Payment, Carer Allowance, Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), Companion Card

The accompanying companion/carer of a Companion Card holder is entitled to free entry when entering an attraction or venue where 'per person' fees apply. This also applies to camping fees.

Community groups travelling on buses may be entitled to a reduction in fees so check with the local DEC office before you visit.

Holders of Recreation Fishing licences may enter a park at no charge if they are entering for the purpose of their licence - licence to be shown on request."

Cheers,

Adam

I have followed this up:

For those persons that hold a current fishing licence, whether it be boat fishing, rock lobster, netting etc. and enter the park for the sole purpose of carrying out that fishing activity they are entitled to free entry.  However if they camp then they have to pay camping fees and if they do any other activity in the park then they have to pay entry fees.

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/animals/freed-barra-suffer-from-acts-of-kindness-20110813-1irqz.html

'It took ichthyologists at the Australian Museum to solve the barramundi mystery after several fish were spotted at Rose Bay, Darling Harbour and Manly in recent years.

Comparison of scale specimens from a barra speared in the harbour with scales from shop-bought fish suggested the harbour inhabitants were originally from fish farms.

Subsequent investigations found local Buddhists had been buying live fish from retailers and releasing them as an act of kindness.'

Support for this convoy is growing out of control already. 


Coalition of Industries supporting a vote of ‘NO CONFIDENCE’ in the Federal Government and sponsored by the National Road Freighters Association.
Come one, come all, join the Convoy from your location, show your disapproval for the current Federal Government.
The Convoy will start on the 17th of August and will arrive at Parliament House Canberra on the 22nd of August.
Convoys will be on all major highways leading to Canberra, come in your truck, car, camper,
caravan, bus or horse & cart, anything that moves, just join in!
Together we can force an Election!
For more info ring Mick 0429413161, Darryl 0418 450641
Peter 0427 025591 or Terrie 0427 713712


Australia Fights Back
The Coalition of Industry are proposing to host a convoy from around Australia into Canberra between the 17th & 22nd of August 2011.
The National Road Freighters Association will be the co-ordinating body to assist with the set-up and route planning.
We refer to this as a Positive Action Plan and has been brought about by the continuing incompetence of the elected Federal Government; the influence of the (artificial) Greens and the (destructive) Independents has destroyed the democratic process.
The people of Australia have the right to remove a government that has failed in every way possible, their fiscal management, their policy development, crisis management and ability to respond to the basic needs of the people has been catastrophic.
A demonstration of ‘people power’ will be required to convince the Governor-General to dissolve both houses of parliament and send the people back to the polls.
The Coalition of Industry is a collection of every business enterprise across Australia that have joined together to remove this current Federal Labor Government before the country has a total meltdown financially.
The Convoy of ‘NO CONFIDENCE’ is not a politically initiated action and has not been driven by special interest groups, it will however serve as a reminder to all political parties that the people will only cop so much before they revolt.
Mick Pattel is the instigator of this ‘Positive Action Plan’ and decided to enact the plan when it was obvious that petitions, talking, meetings and all the lobbying was in vain we had only one course of action left open to us.
We will push for a return to the polls to elect a government with a clear mandate to govern without being held to ransom by minority groups.
May God bless the Australian people and protect the Australian way of life.

Convoy Routes
'Coalition of Industry ‘No Confidence Convoy’
Due to such high demand, we have decided to announce the preliminary Convoy Routes.
Please note;
All convoy times will be added to this update. Please check your maps, based on your area and the route number that you will be taking.
I hope to get links to maps up as soon as possible, however I am sure that participants will be able to look their areas up in the interim.
All convoy overnight meeting places have to be confirmed, therefore as such, are not announced yet.
If you are a resident of any of the proposed overnight stays in the towns listed below, please contact your Mayor to see if the showgrounds in the town listed, is available for that night, and send me the details – this is vital to the participants of all convoys – we need your help if you are participating in the convoy.
We are aiming to have a paramedic accompany each convoy. If you are a paramedic, planning on joining the convoy, or you know of a paramedic who is planning to come along, we need to know in the interest of all participants in case of a medical emergency on the convoys. This call for paramedics is of high priority – we need your help.
In all correspondence, please refer to the convoys by the numbers allocated to them below.
For all people traveling to meet up with the convoys en route, please, drive safely and allow ample time. Peter Whytcross has crisscrossed roads as much as possible, so as many people as possible can join in without too much driving to join in.
Finally, as this early announcement is being made ahead of schedule, please check regularly for any unforeseen changes in the towns.

Convoy number 1.
16th of August Port Hedland WA to Halls Creek WA
17th August Halls Creek WA to Katherine NT
Please note People from Darwin are to travel down to Katherine this day 17th of August.
18th Katherine NT to Mt Isa Qld
19th Mt Isa Qld to Blackall Qld
20th Blackall Qld to Bourke NSW
21st August Bourke NSW to Cowra NSW
22nd August Cowra NSW to Canberra

Convoy number 2.
18th August Cairns Qld to Townsville Qld
19th August Townsville Qld to Springsure Qld
20th August Springsure Qld to Dirranbandi Qld
21st August Dirranbandi Qld to Forbes NSW
22nd of August Forbes NSW to Canberra

Convoy number 3.
20th August Rockhampton Qld to Goondiwindi Qld
21st August Goondiwindi Qld to Parkes NSW
22nd August Parkes NSW to Canberra
Convoys from Brisbane. Please note there are 2.

Brisbane Convoy 4
20th August Brisbane Qld to Tamworth NSW (Via Warwick)
21st August Tamworth NSW to Coonabarabran to Parkes NSW
22nd August Parkes NSW to Canberra

Brisbane Convoy 5
20th August Brisbane Qld to Beresfield NSW
21st August Beresfield NSW to --- running through Sydney at this stage tbc stop over destination
22nd August TBA to Canberra.

Convoy number 6.
17th August Perth WA to Norseman WA
18th Norseman WA to Nullarbor Road House WA
19th Nullarbor Road House WA to Port Augusta SA
20th August Port Augusta SA to Mildura Vic
21st Mildura Vic to Wagga NSW
22nd August Wagga NSW to Canberra

Convoy number 7.
21st August Adelaide SA to either Narrandera / or Wagga tbc
22nd Narrandera / or Wagga tbc to Canberra

Convoy number 8.
21st August Melbourne Vic to Albury Vic
22nd Albury Vic to Canberra.

Filtering in.
Please note people from Bega, Bombala, Cooma and surrounding areas will be able to filter in once the exact maps are posted, or meet the convoy at Parliament House once the time schedule is announced for arrival on the 22nd August.
For all other people filtering in across all states, you know your closest place, drive safely allow plenty of time to arrive. We look forward to seeing Aussie flags joining the peoples Convoy of no Confidence in the Federal Government. You are now part of history, thank you for joining your mates.

h ttp://justgroundsonline.com/forum/topics/breaking-news-exclusive-to?id=3535428%3ATopic%3A237313&page=6#comments

Interesting perspective on how 'some' sunscreens bleach coral..

Appearing in the peer-reviewed Environmental Health Perspectives, the study found that the UV filters listed above, that is, oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) and octyl methoxycinnamate (octinoxate) as well as propylene glycol, “cause the rapid and complete bleaching of hard corals, even at extremely low concentrations. The effect of sunscreens is due to organic* ultraviolet filters, which are able to induce the lytic viral cycle in symbiotic zooxanthellae with latent infections.” (Environmental Health Perspectives)

http://mvorganicsblog.com/reef-safe-sunscreen-not-safe/

From 4pm (WA time) tomorrow...former UK parliamentary angling spokesman Martin Salter and Fishing World's Jim Harnwell debate MPAs with the Conservation Council's Tim Nicol.
Should be essential listening.
Listen at...Radio National

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/

Martin was the parliamentary angling spokesman under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown in the UK.

Now living in Sydney, he recently released his Keep Australia Fishing report.

He's in Perth at the moment...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KyI3Xug9FE

Under the heading "Local Fishers Support Sanctuaries" Tim Nicol of the Conservation Council claims 63% of West Australians beleive marine stocks are in decline and 6 out of 10 fishermen support protecting 30% of WA waters. How in the hell do these idiots get this media exposure by making such stupid statements without providing any evidence to support what they'r saying. I see there is a comment section at the bottom of the article so feel free to comment.

Martin salter, former UK spokesman for angling on 6PR until noon.

Does he know more than all the Fisheries researchers? And Murdoch researchers?
Does he even know more than people on here?
Because he definitively says that our fish stocks in WA are rapidly declining and has gone on the record for Save Our Marine Life.
"We've been lucky,"
"Our fish stocks are tanking, we are catching them faster than they can breed and recover.
"We are fishing ourselves right out of paradise."
Luc says he knows because he's been fishing up and down the coast recently.
Seriously....at least he was once a good basketballer.
Incidentally, I also hear he has a boat with an ecotourism charter licence.

Former UK parliamentary angling spokesman Martin Salter will hold a public forum in Perth to discuss the marine parks debate on June 23.

Martin recently produced a report calling for a national campaign to protect recreational fishing.

Titled ‘Keep Australia Fishing’, the independent report was commissioned by AFTA and the Boating and Fishing Council of Australia (BFCA) and prepared by the former UK politician and Sydney resident.

Mr Salter, who served as Parliamentary Spokesman for Angling under the governments of both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, said the 54-page report drew on “best practice” from other countries around the world where recreational fishing was properly respected and valued as a significant economic contributor.

“Australia’s recreational fishing industry has been under threat for many years, from fish kills on major rivers, habitat degradation, urban pollution and unjustified marine park lock-outs,” Mr Salter said.

“While Australia still boasts some of the best recreational fishing in the world, pressure is mounting from poor land use practices and extreme Green movements that regard anglers as part of the problem rather than the solution.

“Responsible recreational anglers are the true guardians of the aquatic environment and sensible conservationists should be working with them to protect and enhance our fisheries.”

Joining Martin for the evening will be former Olympian Emma George and Kane Moyle, from Recfishwest.

What: Fisheries management in Australia public forum

When: 7pm, Thursday, June 23

Where: Marmion Aquatic and Angling Club, West Coast Drive, Marmion

Entry is free.

After intense pressure not seen before on the ABC report of Slaughterhouse antics in Indonesia the Gillard Government has suspended the live trade in Cattle to Indonesia.

In the interests of encouraging all anglers to have their say on the draft marine park plan for the South-West, we have set up a website to make it simple.
 

Either just use the template we have on there, add some of our suggestions, or put it in your own words.
 

Add your name and details and away it goes!
 

Simple and easy - no excuse not to have your say now!

Please forward link to as many people as you can, we need to encourage all fishers to have their say.

www.rla.net.au/index.html

A joint Department of Fisheries and Murdoch University study has revealed the department’s management initiatives in Western Australia are achieving their intended results.

The study was funded with a grant of $576,510 from the Commonwealth Government’s Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and ran for five years.
Most importantly, the researchers found no evidence to suggest that fishing activity was having any major impact on the aquatic food chain within the State’s four marine bioregions.

“The study found that, although species composition of catches has changed, there had been no detectable change in the food chains that underpin healthy ecosystems in the state's four bioregions,” said Dr Dan Gaughan, the Department of Fisheries’ Acting Director of Research.  “On the contrary, the research reveals that overall food chains are stable in each of those bioregions, which suggests that, at least at the bioregion level in WA, reports about 'fishing down the food web' are highly exaggerated.”

Dr Gaughan said over recent years the department had adopted a range of initiatives that have culminated in an ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) approach.  The EBFM approach takes into account not only the direct effects of fishing on the target species, but also the indirect effects of fishing on other species within the ecosystem.

“One of the major drivers for this new approach was a concern that a number of prominent demersal (bottom-dwelling) scalefish species, such as WA dhufish and pink snapper, were being overfished in the West Coast Bioregion,” Dr Gaughan said.

“The department responded to these concerns by bringing much of the recreational and commercial open access line fishing under more robust and formal management arrangements, aimed at reducing catches of those demersal species by 50 per cent.  “Simulations undertaken in the research study found that stock numbers have increased as a result of this approach and should continue to rise over the next few years.”

A final report - “Development of an ecosystem approach to the monitoring and management of Western Australian fisheries” - is available on both the department’s and FRDC’s websites.  The Department of Fisheries has also received international recognition in its EBFM initiatives.  Director of Research Dr Rick Fletcher is currently in Rome, after an invitation from the United Nations, to work with the Food and Agriculture Organisation for four months, to assist with broader adoption of WA’s approach to keeping fisheries sustainable and ecosystems healthy.

Just to show how backward the WA State Government is with it's future marine park planning, in NSW they have started to lift fishing restrictions and scrap any future marine park planning because it is so unpopular with little benefits. This can be viewed by going to ABC.Net. AU/environment and clicking on Oceans and Reefs. In the State budget 14.2 mill. under the royalties for regions and the nationals Brendan Grills the capes to capes marine park is to developed up over a 4 year period.Now that is in Troy Buswell's electorate of Vasse and there is no doubt he is the driving force behind it and even though he has found a new way for the state liberal party to get into bed with greens it appears a few of his colleages want to get into the action and make a threesome or foursome or even more. We must somehow get them to address their most offensive behavour and follow NSW 's example. 

.... environmentalists have outlined a number of hot spots along the coast that require better protection.....

Get ready for a battle

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/05/05/3208437.htm

 http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/9275089/minister-slams-marine-sanctuaries/

HMAS Adelaide goes under after dolphin display delays scuttling

A pod of dolphins delayed the scuttling for almost 90 minutes this morning, after more than a year of battles between the NSW government and environmentalists over whether to turn it into a dive wreck off Avoca Beach on the central coast.

At 11.50am a flare was let off and the decommissioned warship quickly sank about 30 metres.

The ship - which served in war, rescued asylum seekers and saved solo round-the-world yachtsmen Tony Bullimore and Thierry Dubois - will now be home to sea creatures.

Terrigal Dive Centre's Byron Potter, who has dived through many wrecks, said the ship would soon be covered in bright green algae, and be filled with molluscs, barnacles and fish.

There she goes ... the detonation on HMAS Adelaide that led to her sinking. Photo: Nick Moir

 

"It will be this really evolving beautiful eco-system," Mr Potter said.

Even underwater, the history of the ship will come to life, with many of its corridors and compartments preserved in the darkness.

"It will be like a big adventure maze," Mr Potter said. "You do get a very large sense of how hard it would be to work on some of these ships.

The sky's the limit for protesters. Photo: Nick Moir

 

"With the scuttle wreck, it's a beautiful, gorgeous end to her life. It basically becomes this really nice dive.

"Hundreds of servicemen over the years have worked on this vessel protecting us. You'll get this really great sense of  'this is what it was really like'."

The NSW government anticipates the site will be open to divers in about a week, once the ship has been deemed safe.

The dolphins get up close to the bow of HMAS Adelaide. Photo: Nick Moir

 

Divers will have to buy tickets to explore the ship themselves or go through dive companies, but the ticket price has not yet been set.

Group loses battle

The No Ship Action Group failed to halt the sinking over their environmental concerns yesterday, in the end of a battle that dates back to late 2009.

The pod of dolphins passes HMAS Adelaide off Avoca before the scuttling operation today. Photo: Nick Moir

 

The group filed a summons at the Land and Environment Court, addressed to NSW Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson and NSW Environment Minister Robyn Parker, but the scuttling went ahead.

Protesters attributed the presence of the dolphins to a local Aboriginal elder, Lila Kirby, who performed a whale calling ceremony on Sunday. Ms Kirby said the dolphins were making a statement.

"I've got nothing to do with it now," she said. "I've let them go to do what they want to do. This is their turf and this is their land."

The dolphins only metres away from the doomed warship. Photo: Nick Moir

 

A federal judge approved the sinking last year but imposed stringent conditions.

The ship was scuttled by allowing a controlled flow of water to inundate the vessel through holes cut above and below the water line.

There were 16 so-called "cutting charges" in the hull below the water line, which were detonated, forming liquid copper to cut through the steel hull and allow water to flood into the ship.

Spectator craft wait for the scuttling off Avoca Beach. Photo: Nick Moir

 

Around the beach, local businesses were buzzing with crowds who had come to see the sinking.

Tracey Boxsell from The Point Cafe said staff at the 80-seat beachfront eatery were happy to be "inundated" with customers.

But it wasn't such a jubilant morning for everyone.

Final journey ... HMAS Adelaide was towed out of Sydney Harbour on Monday. Photo: Nick Moir

 

Jeremy Moses, who was filming the protesters on the beach, said children began slowly banging drums as the ship sank, marking an emotional moment.

"A lot of people were kind of hugging their loved ones and crying because for them it was the end of a long process."

Hi All

I went to a public meeting on monday night at the port Bouvard Recreational and Sporting Club club house. The meeting was conducted by the Peel Preservation group inc, and the hot topic for the public meeting was the proposed new channel to be cut across the Peel estuary from the east end of the cut to Point Grey The meeting was facilitated by the Hon David Templeman and a lot of information about the possible effects of this channel was provided by Dr Vic Semeniuk who spoke on Coastal processes, intra estuarine sedimentation and Principles of acid sulphate soils their significance and various other matters the dredging could affect.

Dr Chris Hallet (Fisheries Research) gave an overview of fish and invertebrates fauna reserch findings relating to the estuary changes to the fish community resulting from the cut.

Two other speakers also gave presentations on possible effect that could result of this proposed channel being dredged.

And guess what the Peak body representing amateur fisherman gave a great talk on the possible effects that the channel will have on fishing in the estuary and how it will put in a submission against the channel being dredged- YEAH RIGHT !

The supposed PEAK Body looking after amateur fishermen has been noticeably missing at any public meetings that take place south of the river that will have affect on rec fishing, like the meeting held in Rockingham last year when the extent of the removal of sea grasses needed for the proposed marinia in Mangles Bay was disclosed

It appears to myself and a couple of mates that if it happens south of Fremantle who cares it's too far for the peak body representing amateur fishermen to attend and make representation or supply information to rec fishermen about something that may have far reaching adverse result on fishing.

This peak body has lost all respect for it by half a dozen estuarine fishermen, the only person to give some information about adverse affects on fishing came from a much respected pro fisherman.

One very disgusted fisherman.

Werent the particular anglers concerned about the number of Dhufish and other demersal species turning up in Commercial shark gill nets?

That Dhufish bycatch by particular Commercial shark fishermen was well exceeding wetliners efforts for which the Commercial shark fishermen were not licenced to target demersal species yet sold all the same?

That loads of Dhufish were dying in Commercial shark fishermen nets. That netting sharks had taken its toll on demersal species in the area?

Is by-catch recorded for measuring the amount of extraction occurring?

=============================================================================
DANIEL MERCER, The West Australian
April 7, 2011, 6:06 am

Commercial shark fishermen have dismissed as ill-informed and hysterical calls for them to be banned from fishing in coastal waters off the State's south.

A group of recreational fishers incensed the commercial fishing lobby last month when it claimed the shark fishing industry was overfishing southern coastal waters.

The group, led by spokesman Jack Jennings, said the gill nets used by shark fishers indiscriminately caught prized scale fish as well as sharks.
The WA Fishing Industry Council, which represents the State's commercial fishing sector, has angrily hit back at the claims.

Council executive officer Guy Leyland said the comments were the "superficial arguments of a disgruntled fisher" that ignored many of the facts.

Mr Leyland argued that WA's shark fishermen were subject to some of the toughest restrictions in the world and this ensured the fishery was sustainable.

He said the commercial shark fishery was vital to the State's restaurant and hospitality industry.

Jim Robb, who has run a commercial shark fishing business out of Windy Harbour and Busselton for three decades, shrugged off the criticism.
He said shark and many other fish stocks off the south coast were in a healthy shape, and the suggestion gill nets were harming the populations was wrong.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/9150582/shark-fishers-bite-back-at-ban-calls/

Had a meeting here in Adeliade last night regarding the marine parks (i.e. no take zones in particular) was a huge turnout which was good to see.  I reckon there was more than 1,000 the hall was full and many could not get inside.  Sadly the enviorment minister decided he nor anyone from his department would attend.

ANGRY anglers have threatened to blockade Port Rd with boats over the Government's "no-take" zones.

The threat was made during a public meeting, organised by Liberal Vickie Chapman, at Burnside Town Hall last night, where almost 1000 people gathered to voice their opposition to the plan.

Loud cheers echoed through the hall as a woman who gave her name as Jenny from Edithburgh called for the anglers to use their boats to block the entrance to Adelaide, which was followed by a commitment to a rally.

Many were outraged because they said the no take-zones appeared to be in the most productive recreational fishing areas.

Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond promised the crowd the Liberal Party would "scrap" no-take zones if elected.

SA Recreational Fishing Advisory Council executive officer Trevor Watts was among four speakers who took the stage before the crowd had a chance to air concerns.

"This is the largest gathering of anglers in this state I have ever seen," he said.

"You should be asking the Government 'show us where anglers cause harm to the environment' - I can't say that I've really seen any.

"Marine parks fine, but no-take zones really need to be justified and I haven't seen any justification for that."

Peter Bourke, of Port Victoria, said a no-take zone would have a negative and permanent effect on the local economy and lifestyle.

"Fishing is part of the reason we moved there," he said.

Environment Minister Paul Caica, whose absence sparked resounding boos from the large crowd, said he did not attend because it was a political rally.

"There's not going to be opportunity for me or my department to get a message across or even have a debate on the issue," Mr Caica said.

The Department of Environment and Conservation will hold a series of public information days.

The first is on Saturday, April 9, at the Holdfast Bay Community Centre."

Todays Advertiser also lists the for and against cases for the no take zones.  The "for" case is presented by Proffessor Hugh Possingham of the Ecology Centre of the Queensland University - Proffessor Possingham where do you get your funding from - wouldn't be PEW would it.............

Cheers all and thanks for all the support coming from across the border.

See below...an email sent out by our pro marine park friends.   They want to put on a show for the PM and her chums...reckon they'd love for it be totally a green crowd.

Why don't some anglers head down there in Columbia shirts and fishing gear and make ourselves heard as well? Maybe tow a boat or two down there.

Time to stop being apathetic, this is a rare chance to be heard, or at least seen.

The meeting is full, they've already loaded that, so we can't get in.   But we can be seen outside...I fish and I vote and all that.

"As someone within a short drive of South Fremantle who has supported the push for marine protection, I thought you'd like to know about this.

In a fortnight, just before the Federal Government releases draft marine sanctuary maps for the South West, Julia Gillard's entire Cabinet of Ministers will hold a community meeting at South Fremantle Senior High School - and we'd love you to join us.

It's a rare opportunity to let the PM and her ministers know that Western Australians are right behind marine sanctuaries and that the Government should listen to science and protect the homes of our whales, turtles, fur seals and other marine life.

There are three things you can do to help use this opportunity to save our marine life:

1) Register online to attend the meeting. You will need to act fast (within the next day or two) as seats usually go quickly. Visit http://www.dpmc.gov.au/community_cabinet/index.cfm

2) You can request a 10 minutes one-on-one meeting with any minister to put your case about sanctuaries from a personal perspective. These appointments fill up very rapidly so register using the contact details provided via the above link.

3) Join everyone from Save Our Marine Life outside the school in a visual display of support for marine life. Show your support by being as blue as you can be. Wear blue clothes, blue zinc, or even face paint (we have some paint!). Or bring your snorkel and mask. It'll be great fun. Meet at the car park entrance on Lefroy Street at 5.15pm.

RSVP by replying to this email.

What: A rare opportunity to get our marine message direct to the Prime Minister and her Cabinet!

When: 5.15pm Wednesday 30 March 2011.

Where: South Fremantle Senior High School, Lefroy Street, Beaconsfield.

Why: Because a once in a generation chance to protect the homes of our threatened marine life is on the line (and it'll be hugely fun and satisfying)."

some of you may be aware of the private landholders who own beachland within the capel shire , that they have recently closed the vehicle acces to that beach for the public ...effectively closing the beach between peppy grove and forrest beach ...to the vast majority of rec fishers

now The Shire of Capel is undertaking a review of beach access and has released a discussion paper which details various issues and access considerations which will affect different user groups (i.e. permission or prohibition for vehicles, horses, commercial fishers, dogs).
A copy of this discussion paper is attached.    The comment period closes on Friday 8 April 2011.  The Shire has an online submission survey on its website which allows stakeholders a very simple way of providing input.  The discussion paper and related maps can also be found on their website towards the bottom of the webpage below:
 
http://www.capel.wa.gov.au/COUNCIL/CommunityConsultation.aspx
 
Please forward this information (link) through your networks to anyone you think might be interested in providing comment to the Shire or recfishwest to include in our submission on this issue.
 Please return any specific comments you may have for inclusion into  a Recfishwest submission by Friday 1st April  to recfishwest  or pm me direct
We will notify members direct of their chance to provide comment on this issue.
if you have five minutes spare ...use the link to add your comments /opinions ..and mail it on ....
hezzy

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/marine-park-plan-risks-lives/story-e6frea6u-1225996725797

THE State Government's marine park conservation proposal puts lives at risk, warns the SA Sea Rescue Squadron.

And small businesses say the creation of fishing exclusion zones in marine parks across the state will cripple tourism, leading to job losses and bankruptcies.

The rescue squadron says the creation of no-fishing "sanctuary zones" at popular spots will force recreational fishers further out to sea and put them at "very grave" risk of injury or death.

Squadron Commodore Joan Stanton said the group would soon present a report about the safety threat posed by the zones to Environment and Conservation Minister Paul Caica.

The Commodore said: "We know fish stocks need to be enlarged but people will be put in danger because the (offshore) 'no-fishing' zones will force them to go further out to sea.

"And if tourists and non-experienced boaties are forced to go out to the deep blue waters and the wind comes up quickly their little dinghies will be tossed around like a feather."

The sanctuary zones will be located in the proposed 19 marine parks, with some zones stretching several kilometres offshore at locations including Aldinga Beach, Middleton, Kangaroo Island, near Robe, the Coorong and Elliston on the west coast.

The Environment Department said it was working with fishers to make sure safety problems and threats to tourism and recreation fishing are "minimised where possible".

Department chief executive Allan Holmes said the parks proposal was to ensure "that whole marine environments are protected for the future in the face of threats like climate change" and were "an investment in the future of many coastal tourist economies".

But the sanctuary zones have the potential to destroy tourism and must not be established as planned, Ceduna Mayor Alan Sutter said.

"If 25 per cent of the marine parks are declared no-fishing zones, then I can see businesses failing and jobs being lost on a very large scale," he said.

Aldinga Bay Traders and Tourist Association spokesman Andrew Koukourou said recreational fishing was one of the area's major attractions.

"But no one will come down here, if a 'no-fishing' zone is established, and there will be a domino effect on holiday accommodation, restaurants and takeaway food shops, as well as tackle, bait and gear sales,'' he said.

Port Lincoln tackle shop owner Damien Smart said the "current proposal won't work" because it will have a devastating effect on tourism.

This month Mr Smart organised meetings attracting hundreds of people to raise awareness of the proposal.

Recfishwest warns greens groups are set to hijack Federal marine parks plan

Friday February 18, 2011

Western Australia’s recreational fishing peak body is calling on the Federal Government to consider carefully its zoning plans in establishing large Marine Parks covering up to 50 per cent of West Australian waters, saying our coastline is already adequately protected and the decision threatens an iconic way of life for some 600,000 West Australians.

Recfishwest Acting Executive Director Kane Moyle says well funded and highly organised environmental groups such as the Pew Environment Group and the World Wildlife Fund are applying significant pressure to Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke to establish more “no-go” sanctuary zones.

“These groups openly advocate for up to half of all Australian waters to be declared sanctuary zones, but this is going way too far and there is no hard evidence to suggest it will have any impact on fish stocks.” Mr Moyle said.

“In particular, Recfishwest is concerned about an imminent decision on Commonwealth bioregional marine planning in waters between South Australia’s Kangaroo Island and along the west coast as far north as Western Australia’s Abrolhos Islands. The area is of vital importance to not just the recreational fishing industry, but also WA’s commercial fishers and tourism.” Mr Moyle said.

“Recreational fishers are also some of the strongest conservationists at heart. It is in everyone’s interests to fish responsibly for the future, and it’s time for some balance to be brought back into the debate.”

“These organisations take an “anti-fishing” approach and purport to be the voice of marine conservation. This is neither realistic nor necessary.

“WA’s recreational fishers need to know that a pastime they consider to be a way of life is under serious threat.”

“What these environmental groups fail to recognise is that WA waters are already heavily controlled in terms of where, when and what type of fishing can occur. The State Government has already flexed its legislative muscle on marine conservation, with 37 per cent of our waters currently designated or proposed to be designated as Marine Parks.

“To add weight to their claims, these environmental groups are presenting data from severely over-exploited tropical systems in developing countries that bear little resemblance to Australia’s marine environment.”

Mr Moyle and several high profile recreational fishers are calling on the Federal Minister to ensure that recreational fishing interests, which are so much a way of life for many West Australians, are well considered before any decisions are made.

Ends.

Media contact: Kane Moyle, Acting Executive Director, 0403 898 432

Sharlyn Vermey, LastSay Communications, 0413 841 337

Does anyone know of the Recfishwest media release noted below? I just checked RFW website for it and couldn't find it. Will be interesting to see what they said!

I agree 100% with the below. A network of no-take zones will ASSIST in making our fishing better, somewhere back to what it was. ASSIST because no-take zones should be planning with Fisheries Regulations as well. But they are a safeguard against inadequate fisheries science - especially basic fundamentals such as "What does an un-fished fish population look like, and what does that ecosystem look like, compared to a fished area?" ESSENTIAL knowledge that we just don't have in WA.

Did you know they used to catch Dhufish from rowboats?

Conservation Council of WA

MEDIA RELEASE 18th February, 2011

In a media release and conference today Recfishwest, the Western Australian fishing lobby group, has sought to mislead its members about plans for a network of marine sanctuaries off Western Australia’s southwest coasts.

Marine Coordinator Tim Nicol said, “The tired, old way of thinking is that we can either have fishing or conservation. We now know that marine sanctuaries will help to restore both our marine life and fishing to the way they used to be for our grandparents, the way we want them to be for our children.  The Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia is a great example of where world class protection in marine sanctuaries coexists with some of Australia’s best fishing, a true win-win and example for the future.”

“Our position has always been transparent and should be well known by Recfishwest.  Currently less than one percent of WA’s waters are protected, and our campaign seeks to ensure the key feeding and breeding grounds of our marine life and our special underwater features are protected in a network of marine sanctuaries – just like National Parks on land. We are not seeking an arbitrary percentage of protection.”

Marine sanctuaries are supported by a major science institutions in Australia, including the peak marine science body for Australia, the Australian Marine Science Association. Examples of successful marine sanctuaries from Ningaloo Reef, the Great Barrier Reef, Rottnest Island and Tasmania have been drawn on to underpin the campaign for marine sanctuaries in Western Australia.  Also, examples from temperate waters in New Zealand which is renowned for its fishing management have shown great benefits for fish and fishing.

A network of marine sanctuaries has been a goal of WA’s peak group, the Conservation Council of WA for many years, and the Conservation Council is leading the Save Our Marine Life campaign in Western Australia.  The campaign has over 20,000 active Australian supporters and polling shows that 80% of the community, including many recreational fishers, support an increase in protection.

“With key fish stocks declining inaction on marine sanctuaries is the biggest threat to recreational fishing and our marine environment.  The commonwealth marine sanctuary process is a great opportunity to secure a positive future for our marine life, tourism, diving and fishing.”

http://ccwa.org.au/media/recfishwest-seeks-mislead-fishers-about-marine-sanctuary-plans

Was out looking for clams this morning for work and noticed that atleast 50% of the coral on the inner reef of the gulf has suffered from coral bleaching and looks the worse for wear.  We collected 9 clams and they were all near on dead from it.  Rumour also has it that 20% of the west side has also suffered the same fate.  I'm yet to get out deeper in the gulf as the water is still green and horrible and too murky to dive, but wondering how long it will take for the media or scientists to pick up on it.  (If it is as bad as I think it is)  Guess theres always a down fall somewhere to having super heated water. :(  For those of you guys diving and spearing up here, it would be great to hear feed back about areas you find where it has taken place.