shaping wa’s south coast marine park
Western Australia's South Coast Marine Park will be the first coastal marine park on WA's south coast, closing a large gap in the marine sanctuary system along the Great Southern Reef. Stretching from east of Bremer Bay to the South Australian border, the proposed marine park covers 1.3 million hectares of WA state waters, joining up with offshore Australian Marine Parks to provide an important legislative framework to help keep our marine life healthy, support sustainable fishing, and safeguard the future of our coastal culture and livelihoods.
As the June 16 deadline for public submissions approaches, it is crucial for the community to understand the details and implications of the proposed management plans. Misunderstandings can lead to unnecessary concerns or missed opportunities to provide constructive feedback. Here we address some key points of interest and concerns expressed about the South Coast Marine Park plans.
Public support for sanctuary zones in WA marine parks
A recent survey found that 86% of West Australians - 84% of which identify as recreational fishers - support the creation of a network of fully protected marine sanctuaries east of Bremer Bay. Nine out of ten West Australians polled believe marine sanctuaries are a good idea, with the greatest support (92%) coming from those who identify as recreational fishers.
In a separate survey, three out of four (75%) Western Australians support the creation of no-take sanctuary zones across at least 31% of the proposed South Coast and Marmion Marine Park areas. 85% of survey respondents agreed with the statement that ‘sanctuary zones protect the marine environment’, and 70% believed that more should be done to protect Australia's marine environment.
The sanctuary protection for nearshore habitats
In the four indicative management plans, there are several critical nearshore regions that have not been allocated sufficient protection. These habitats are crucial feeding, breeding, and nursery areas for many species in the region. Sanctuaries with shore protection have been shown to significantly improve the long-term resilience of nearshore habitats and associated fish communities.
Shoreline protection out to 200m distance from the shoreline must be included in Sanctuary Zones. These areas are where human impacts are greatest. Simultaneously, they are where the greatest benefits from education, tourism and science opportunities provided by Sanctuary Zones could be realised. Furthermore, research has shown that nearshore sanctuaries recover 75% faster post-heatwave disturbance compared to non-sanctuary sites. This means sanctuaries that extend from the shore, can significantly improve the long-term resilience of nearshore fish communities.
Importantly, the plan states that consideration will be given to moving the boundaries of some sanctuary zones 200 metres from the mainland high water mark to allow for commercial and recreational fishing from or close to the shore.
Sanctuary sizes
Proposed Sanctuary zone protection covers 25% of the marine parks but this protection is not evenly distributed.
The proposed Western Bight marine park has sanctuary zones covering 46% of its area, masking the much lower level of protection in Wudjari (20%), the park closest to the largest human population centre, Esperance, where human pressure and thus threats are greatest. Sanctuary zone coverage is also deficient in Mamang Maambakoort (28%) and Mirning (23%) marine parks.
The larger Sanctuary Zones are typically much further away from people. Thus, increasing sanctuary zone coverage is particularly important at the Mamang Maambakoort, Wudjari and Mirning marine parks, especially in places where the public can visit them.
Fishing in Cultural Zones
Cultural zones are designed to support and enable customary activities, ensuring that traditional practices can continue within these protected areas. Commercial and recreational fishing activities are not restricted in these zones. The main restriction is that oil and gas exploration, and development activities, will not be permitted within cultural zones.
Beach driving and dog access
The four indicative management plans covering the proposed South Coast Marine Park do not propose any changes to existing four-wheel driving along the beaches. While the marine park plan highlights the negative impact of driving on beaches, it does not ban the activity.
It will also still be possible to bring dogs to any beaches where they are currently permitted. The marine park plan does not outright ban dog access to beaches. It does indicate that restrictions on dog access may be implemented in certain areas during critical seabird or mammal breeding seasons, or in particularly sensitive habitats.
Make your voice heard
The four-month public comment period on the indicative management plans is coming to a close on 16 June 2024. We strongly encourage people to take a look at the plans and get involved in this important part of the process by sharing your input. Submissions can be made on the management plans and zoning schemes on the DBCA website. Having your say is quick and easy. In your submission, share your personal connection to the Great Southern Reef, what you support in the plans, and the changes you would like to see.
