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Port Stephens-Great Lakes and Batemans Marine - Consultation and Management

Consultation

Since the declaration of Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park there has been extensive consultation with the local community, commercial and recreational fishers, tourism operators, conservation groups and the general public.

The draft zoning plan for the Marine Park was on public exhibition from 8 May to 23 September 2006. 43,000 draft zoning plans were distributed and 75 stakeholder meetings and information sessions held during this time. 4,399 submissions were received from a wide range of interest groups and are summarised in the Summary of Submissions report PDF 220 Kb.

Like all other marine parks, the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park has an advisory committee made up of representatives of various local community and stakeholder groups.

Members were appointed in January 2006 following a call for expressions of interest in committee membership.

Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park Advisory Committee

Name Representing

Dr David Booth

marine science

Jim Booth

charter fishing

John Clarke

recreational fishing

Anna Dawson

conservation

Darrel Dawson

conservation

Graham Duffy

recreational fishing

Ross Fidden

commercial fishing

Max Frost

recreational fishing

Frank Future

tourism

Max Haste

Manager, Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park

Karen Hutchison

local government

Jacqui Keats

conservation

Bernie King

commercial fishing

Mick Leon

Indigenous people

Leo Lukin

commercial fishing

Bev Manton

Indigenous people

Mark McElhone

spearfishing

Dr Luciana Moller

marine science

Chris Norman

scuba diving

Christian Patteson

conservation

Bob Westbury 

local government

Paul Winn

conservation

 

Wider consultation

The Marine Parks Authority holds local public meetings on important issues relating to Port Stephens –Great Lakes Marine Park and conducts public surveys from time to time. Both are widely advertised.

In 2007 the Authority will be preparing an operational plan for the marine park. Public notices will advise how, when and in what form members of the public can contribute to this process.

Members of the public are welcome to contact the marine park office.

Management

The zoning plan

The Marine Parks Authority finalised a zoning plan for the park after extensive community consultation and input from the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park Advisory Committee. The zoning plan, which commenced on 21 April 2007, establishes:

  • sanctuary zones - 17.6 % of the total park area. These zones provide the highest level of protection by allowing only activities that do not harm plants, animals or habitats. Sanctuary zones allow for guided tours, boating, surfing, snorkelling and diving.
  • habitat protection zones - 34.4% of the total park area.  These zones protect habitat by reducing high impact activities while allowing recreational fishing, some types of commercial fishing, tourist activities and fishing competitions. A special habitat protection zone east of Broughton Island allows for seasonal trolling for surface fish.
  • general use zones - 47.75% of the total park area. These zones provide for a wide range of activities including both commercial and recreational fishing.
  • special purpose zones - 0.25% of the total park area.  These zones provide for the management of specific areas or activities such as aquaculture, marinas and research facilities.

The operational plan

In 2007 the Authority will prepare an operational plan covering the operations we will undertake or permit in Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park to fulfil the objectives of the Marine Parks Act 1997.  The public will have the opportunity to comment on a draft operational plan before the final plan is adopted.

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