Enviro groups slam marine bill

CONSERVATIONIST groups were uniting in their opposition to a bill introduced to State Parliament in June by the Shooters Party that would prevent the creation of new marine parks or the extension of existing ones until 2015.

An alliance of 38 conservationist groups have spoken out against the bill saying it is at odds with scientific evidence indicating marine parks and sanctuary zones play an important role in maintaining fish stocks and protecting rare and threatened species.

Executive director of the National Parks Association of NSW, Kevin Evans, said marine parks and sanctuaries were crucial to the marine ecosystem.

“Marine parks play an absolutely essential role in maintaining the long-term health and sustainability of our oceans,” Mr Evans said.

Chief executive officer of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, Pepe Clarke, said the bill was out of touch with public and scientific opinion.

“A five-year ban on new marine parks in NSW is out of step with public opinion and the advice of scientists from around the world,” Mr Clarke said.

“Only last month more than 263 scientists from 39 countries confirmed their support for the creation of large scale ocean marine parks as the best way to help fish stocks recover.”

The conservationist groups opposing the bill recently condemned the NSW Government for what they said was the government's “in principle” support for the bill.

A spokesperson for the NSW Government said support had been given to the bill as there were currently no plans to extend or create new marine parks in the short term.

The Daily Examiner attempted to contact the Shooter's Party for comment on the issue but was unsuccessful.