News Release December 17th, 2008
High profile researcher and photographer joins marine park team
Marine scientist and award-winning underwater photographer David Harasti has taken up a new research position with the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park on the mid-north coast.
Mr Harasti’s research into seahorses in Port Stephens was recently highlighted on the ABC science show Catalyst.
Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park manager Max Haste said he looked forward to working with Mr Harasti, who would maintain the links between the park and the wider scientific community that had already been formed, while encouraging new important research in the park.
“Evaluating the effectiveness of the marine parks in NSW through thorough scientific monitoring and research is a high priority for the NSW Government and for the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park,” Mr Haste said.
Mr Harasti said his new position was a dream job for a scientist and underwater photographer. He said he was passionate about the stunning Port Stephens-Great Lakes marine park where he had already spent many, many hours diving and researching.
“Protecting biodiversity is critical to maintaining the ecological balance. With climate change upon us the marine environment needs all the help it can get to withstand and adapt to the changes.
“I look forward to contributing to the ever-growing body of scientific evidence world-wide that show marine parks work.”
The six marine parks in NSW cover around 34 percent of NSW coastal waters. Zoning plans in each marine park protect the important natural and cultural values of the parks while providing for a range of sustainable uses.
Sanctuaries provide the highest level of protection by prohibiting all forms of fishing and collecting activities. Activities that do not harm plants, animals and habitats are permitted including boating and diving. Sanctuary zones cover 6.7% of NSW coastal waters.
Meanwhile a range of activities of social, commercial and economic importance, including recreational fishing, some forms of commercial fishing, tourist activities and fishing competitions can be undertaken in habitat protection zones and general use zones.
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