NGARI CAPES MARINE PARK UPDATE-published in Augusta/Margaret River Mail 9/5/2018

NGARI CAPES MARINE PARK UPDATE

In a recent newspaper report I noticed there was mention that a Government Gazette regarding the Ngari Capes Marine Park had been published. Given that myself and other marine based locals had sat on the advisory committee for this marine park way back in 2003, I was keen to find out exactly what this meant, so made some enquiries with a contact at the newly named Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions ( DBCA ), previously DPAW, CALM.

Ready for this? Firstly, there is due to be a media release soon, so keep your eyes peeled for more details. Fortunately, the management of take/fishing in sanctuary zones is done with Fisheries legislation so another gazette notice is required from the Fisheries Resource Management Act ( FRM Act ) to be truly enforceable. Once both notices are gazetted, there will be a 12 month phase in period with a detailed public education campaign and signage to ensure the public are well informed. After this 12 months the full enforcement will commence. So no need to panic yet!

In the cape to cape region, the larger sanctuary zones that will most impact recreational fishers/divers are off Cape Naturaliste, Injidup, Cape Freycinet and Cape Leeuwin ( all out to 3 nm ), with smaller inshore sanctuary zones located at Wyadup,  Kilcarnup, Cosy Corner and Flinder’s Island. Other sanctuary zones are also located in Geographe Bay and some inshore sanctuary zones allow shorebased fishing, so be sure to check out the fine print in the management plan.

I know there will be much debate regarding these restrictions, just as there was when the demersal restrictions came in years ago, but the times they are a changing and one can’t help thinking they we cannot just keep taking, without giving something back. So my advice to all those keen fishos is to make sure you know exactly where these boundaries are, especially the sanctuary zones. This info will be readily available, but for those keen to find out now, the best site that I located the coordinates and map for specific zones was at http://www.wafic.org.au/ngari-capes-marine-park-gazettal-zoning-scheme/ When I get a chance will be inputting these coordinates into my GPS with a special color and name to ensure I do not stray into no go zones when fishing or diving.

I understand the argument that it will be difficult to ‘enforce’ these zones and sure there will never be enough officers to patrol them all, just as there are not enough Fisheries officers to be at every ramp on a busy fishing day now. But most people like to do the right thing and I for one would not be too keen to see someone fishing in a sanctuary zone while I am trying my darndest to catch a fish outside the zone. Over time, in other marine parks, the general public have proven to be the best ‘policing’ tool we have. Although I am not advocating dobbing in a mate, if people know they are being watched by everyone around them, then they are less likely to offend.

 So let’s support the process and if you have any gripes, my understanding is there will be a review in 2023. If enough people have similar concerns, with a coordinated approach, there is no reason why changes could not be initiated. I for one am prepared to be active when the review is due.