Australia’s dive industry is advocating for the expansion of no-fishing and no-drilling zones in its oceans, coinciding with a federal review of marine parks. A public campaign is launching today to push for enhanced protections, particularly in the Coral Sea off Queensland. This initiative aligns with Environment Minister Murray Watt’s upcoming review of 44 Commonwealth marine park protections, a process that occurs every ten years. The fishing sector has expressed concerns, emphasizing that any increase in sanctuary zones should account for the implications on commercial fishing and regional employment.
Dr. Terry Cummins, president of Dive Queensland, highlighted that this is the first coordinated national campaign from the dive sector, which contributes approximately $4.2 billion annually to the economy. He noted the importance of protecting less-managed offshore areas, especially in the Coral Sea, which serve as crucial breeding grounds for marine life. The federal government has committed to increasing highly protected marine areas from 24% to 30% by 2030, which would restrict fishing and drilling activities.
The review process involves consultations with various stakeholders, including conservationists and representatives from the fishing and tourism industries. Richard Nicholls, a veteran diver, emphasized the necessity of preserving certain areas for marine recovery, arguing that while fishing is important, designated zones are essential for sustainability. The Queensland Seafood Industry Association has called for extensive discussions regarding potential changes to sanctuary zones, stressing the need to balance conservation efforts with the interests of local fisheries.
