News Release April 8th, 2009
Cape Byron Marine Park promotes community awareness over Easter
Members of the Cape Byron Marine Park team will
be out and about in the park over Easter and the
school holidays promoting community awareness
Cape Byron Marine Park staff will be out and about on the marine park over Easter and the school holidays to promote community awareness of the park and the different zones in the park.
The zones in Cape Byron Marine Park and in the other five marine parks in NSW are in place to protect and conserve marine habitats and species while allowing recreational use of the park. Sanctuary zones in the park for example provide the highest level of protection to habitat, animals, plants and areas of cultural significance, while general use zones allow for a wide range of activities including recreational and commercial fishing.
Manager of the Cape Byron Marine Park Andrew Page said copies of the zoning map were freely available at bait and tackle shops, tourist information centres, most places of accommodation, and at the Arakwal Depot on Tallow Beach Road, Byron Bay, phone: 02 6620 9300.
He said the zoning map could also be viewed and downloaded from the NSW Marine Parks Authority website at www.mpa.nsw.gov.au.
“To avoid on-the-spot fines and other penalties it’s a really good idea to pick up a copy of the users guide to the zoning plan and to abide by its provisions. Signs providing information on marine park zones have also been erected at various points on the shore. We want to make sure no one is unaware of the marine park and we want everyone to enjoy the beautiful Cape Byron Marine Park this Easter and over the school holidays.”
Mr Page said other areas to be mindful of while visiting the area included Belongil Beach, which is a refuge for many shorebirds; “Beachgoers can assist in the conservation of these shorebirds by remaining outside the sign-posted fenced areas. Dogs are prohibited north of Manfred St at Belongil and dog owners using the Brunswick Heads dog exercise area are reminded that the area does not include any area adjacent to Tyagarah Nature Reserve.
“Dogs and motorised vehicles are also not permitted at the northern end of Seven Mile Beach, in Byron Shire. The fine for operating a 4WD on a prohibited beach without lawful excuse is $500.”
Media Contact: Tonia Liosatos
Telephone: 02 6495 5024
Mobile: 0418 820 504
After Hours: 02 9995 5347