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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.

Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park Advisory Committee

Name

Representing

Mr Daniel Aldrich

Tourism industry

Professor David Booth

Marine science

Mr Peter Chappelow

Boating industry

Mr John Clarke

Recreational fishers

Mr Dallas Davies

Recreational fishers (spearfishers)

Mr Darrell Dawson

Marine conservation

Mr Ross Fidden

Commercial fishers

Mr Allan Freihaut

Recreational fishers

Mr Frank Future

Tourism industry

Assoc. Professor Bill Gladstone

Marine science

Mr Guy Holbert

Aquaculture

Clr Karen Hutchinson

Great Lakes Council

Clr John Nell

Port Stephens Council

Mr Christian Patteson

Marine conservation

* A chairperson will be appointed soon.

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.

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

Management

The zoning plan

Note: Percentages for zones may not add up to 100% due to rounding.

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.

Manager – Mr Max Haste

The operational plan

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

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