Save Our Marine Life, an alliance of 27 environmental groups, commends the Cook Government for establishing a brand-new marine park along the south coast of Western Australia (WA), noting that the network of no-take sanctuary zones within the South Coast Marine Park will help to safeguard WA's globally important marine life.
Significant protections have been provided for sealife across the four marine parks that make up the South Coast Marine Park: Mamang Maambakoort, Wudjari, Western Bight and Mirning. However, habitats critical to the health and survival of unique and endangered species such as Australian sea lions and southern right whales remain under-protected.
Talitha Wolfe, WA marine campaigner for The Pew Charitable Trusts, said: "We welcome the Cook Government's creation of the South Coast Marine Park, especially the network of marine sanctuary areas and the important joint management arrangements with Traditional Owners.
"Until now, there has been no protection in state waters for this richly diverse marine environment, which features a large part of the Great Southern Reef - home to more unique species than the Great Barrier Reef.
"We are concerned, however, that critical fish breeding grounds close to shore do not have enough sanctuary protection. Nor do the waters where endangered southern right whales raise their young, and where endangered Australian sea lions feed, breed and rest.
"Twenty-thousand people wrote to the Cook Government calling for strong sanctuary protection for this special part of our state - from coastal communities, holidaymakers, boaties, divers, surfers and fishers. Fully protected sanctuaries help keep our waters healthy, so that we can all enjoy them into the future."
Adele Pedder, Protected Areas Manager for the Australian Marine Conservation Society, said: "Our south coast marine environment is recognised globally for its rich biodiversity, so the creation of this marine park is well overdue and welcome.
"The Recherche Archipelago off Esperance hosts some of WA's largest sea lion colonies as well as hundreds of species of fish, molluscs, sponges and seaweed. We are concerned, however, that this area remains under-protected in the newly created marine park.
"Similarly, shallow near-shore waters, which are important nurseries for fish and other marine life, need strong protection if we are to enjoy fishing into the future.
"More than 30 years after it was first proposed, the South Coast Marine Park lays a strong foundation. We must continue to build a truly world class marine park network that fully protects our treasured marine life and our way of life."
The Pew Charitable Trusts and The Australian Marine Conservation Society jointly lead Save Our Marine Life - an alliance of 27 environmental organisations which works with local communities, scientists, Traditional Owners and other stakeholders to protect Australia's marine life.
