Coral Sea fishing ban debate continues

: Just what does the future hold for our reef?

by Mat Churchill

The Queensland fishing industry have reminded the Labor Government to consider regional voters' thoughts when deciding on a proposed Coral Sea conservation zone.

The PEW environmental group proposed the one million square kilometre marine park, stating it is needed due to the harm already inflicted on the Great Barrier Reef from commercial vessels that have run aground, and that the Coral Sea is "under pressure from tuna and billfish longlining and the other types of fishing. Over 100 tonnes of sharks are caught each year."

Michael Gardner, from the Queensland Seafood Industry Association, said previous restriction on fishing have had many negative effects in fishing communities.

"Individuals, communities that were involved with the industry, not just fishermen but onshore businesses, went through financial hardship," he says.

"There were family breakups, divorces, there were actually cases of suicide that were recorded as well."

Member for Leichardt, Jim Turnour, believes the politics of the issue should be put aside, "I've said all along that the decision should be based purely on the science, not the politics and lobbying from fishing and conservation groups."

Environment Minister Peter Garrett is currently considering the proposal and a decision is expected next year.

Have your say !

Lissa Ware, 23-07-10 06:21:

Protect the natural beauty and wealth of marine life that is OUR CORAL SEA. As a NAUI SCUBA Diving Instructor Trainer and Tourism Operator in the region, I have witnessed firsthand and documented in letters previously the need for reef protection and monitoring in the Coral Sea and Far Northern Great Barrier Reef.
The local fishermen sport and commercial have no regard for preservation of species and they also leave thousands of kilos of their rubbish on the reef prior to returning to harbour. The marlin season and is one of the worst times for the region from misuse and abuse of Cairns and Port Douglas Operators.
Skippers line up rubbish bags on their duckboards and dump them on the way to port to avoid port charges or just out of stupidity and laziness.
Protect this region for future generations NOW and continue to monitor and apply HEAVY FINES to those who break the laws of governance.

Lissa Cabler Ware
Master Class V Skipper and NAUI SCUBA Instructor #12664

Melissa Matthias, 22-07-10 23:01:

I have been away from Oz a long time, but understand the huge issues around the protection of the Coral Sea well. I feel that it is the foreign interests and large fishing companies that need to be restricted, not the small fishermen / family businesses. It will benefit everyone in the long run to have the protection in place and everyone needs to take the long view.

Andrea Kriwonosow, 22-07-10 15:21:

Mr Garrett,the Great Barrier Reef is 2,000 kilometres long and only 1% of that is locked up safe for the future generations and the wellbeing of the planet.Surely we can do more.Commercial fishing is plundering the oceans all over the world at an alarming rate.Lets be the generation to slow the killing of one of our greatest assets.Tourism dollars are in the millions and we can have a balance of fishing and tourism,but we have to secure what we can, now.Do it on your shift,its something you will be proud of in the future..I understand it is a hard call to keep everyone happy,but once its gone,its gone.