News Release 2 November 2009
Marine park research program under the spotlight
The NSW Government has appointed three experts in the field of marine conservation and management to look at the research and monitoring programs currently underway in the state's six marine parks.
The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water’s Director of Environment and Conservation Science, Dr Klaus Koop, said the review of research and monitoring programs was timely given the Marine Parks Authority Strategic Research Plan 2005 -10 was nearing the end of its term.
“The marine parks system conserves the marine environment, while providing for a broad range of sustainable uses. In 2009/10 there are over 40 projects spread across our six marine parks as part of a $900,000 research and monitoring program.
“We are leading the way in our underwater video surveillance and seabed mapping which has led to better knowledge of the location and extent of habitats. We’re also working hand-in-hand with tertiary and research institutions to improve our knowledge of the marine environment.
“There is increasing awareness of the need to build resilience in marine eco-systems to help these systems adapt to climate change and we want to make sure we’re at the forefront of this enormous conservation challenge.
“I’m pleased to announce that an independent expert team with extensive experience across a range of Australian jurisdictions and internationally will review our marine park research and monitoring programs to ensure they remain at the forefront of marine science.”
Dr Koop said the review team had national and international experience in their chosen fields of marine biology, fisheries science and resource economics, and that each had been actively involved in researching or contributing to the management of marine protected areas.
The three member team is chaired by Peter Fairweather, Professor of Marine Biology at Flinders University, who is joined by Professor Colin Buxton, of the University of Tasmania and Dr Jacqueline Robinson of the University of Queensland.
Dr Koop said marine park stakeholders would have an opportunity to contribute to the process.
He said the review team had extended invitations to The Australian Marine Science Association (NSW Branch), Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing, National Parks Association of NSW, Ecofishers (NSW) and Emeritus Professor Robert Kearney to present to it in mid November.
The Science Sub-Committee of the Marine Parks Advisory Council, including marine scientists appointed to local marine park advisory committees and scientists from the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, and Industry and Investment NSW would also contribute to the review.
“A written report to the Marine Park Advisory Council later this year will make recommendations on research priorities to guide future research effort. The advice will inform the development of the 2010-2015 marine park research plan.
Antonia Liosatos
Snr Public Affairs
Department Environment, Climate Change and Water
0418 820 504
02 6495 5024