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23 February 2007
Moreton Bay Marine Park – Conservation
Targets Needed
The Australian Marine Conservation Society today welcomed
the launch of the Moreton Bay Marine Park Review and welcomed
the Queensland Government’s commitment to securing a
better future for this special place.
Craig Bohm, spokesperson for the Australian Marine Conservation
Society, said, “Moreton Bay Marine Park is used and
loved by Queenslanders and we all have an interest in its
long term health and productivity”.
The Society called upon the Queensland Government to direct
its expert scientific panel to set conservation targets to
guide the review.
Bohm said, “We need to know where the goal posts are
- what level of protection is needed to make Moreton Bay healthy?
We are calling on the Queensland Government to direct its
expert scientific panel to set conservation targets to guide
this important initiative. We can not leave the future of
Moreton Bay to chance and politics”.
“Moreton Bay Marine Park is our backyard and our playground.
We all have a right to enjoy the Park’s benefits but
we all know it is under considerable stress and management
changes are urgently needed,” Bohm said.
“Some 200 threatened turtles and 15 dugongs (on average)
die within the Park’s borders each year,” said
Mr Bohm, “and already we have lost 50% of our bayside
saltmarshes and a 20% of seagrasses – both important
nurseries for fish and other wildlife,” Bohm said.
Bohm concluded, “Our grandchildren have a right to
enjoy and access the benefits of Moreton Bay Marine Park.
Scientists must set conservation targets to secure a healthier
and more productive future for this special place so we can
continue to swim, snorkel, dive, sail and fish in this beautiful
marine park.”
For more Information contact: Craig Bohm, Australian Marine
Conservation Society
Ph: 07 3393 5811 or 0427 133 481 email: craigbohm@amcs.org.au
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