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20 November 2007
Conservationists and recreational divers align
on Moreton Bay Protection
Conservationists and recreational divers met yesterday to
discuss priority areas needing greater protection in Moreton
Bay Marine Park. The meeting was held in response to calls
from the Queensland Government for interest groups to submit
proposals as part of the current review of the Moreton Bay
Marine Park Zoning Plan.
Craig Bohm, National Campaigns Director with the Australian
Marine Conservation Society said "We welcome discussions
with Moreton Bay's recreational dive community. Divers are
an important stakeholder not least because they are our eyes
under the water. They can tell us how damaged Moreton Bay's
reefs really are."
Bohm said, "Divers told us that there are far fewer
fish being seen at reefs than in the past and that high levels
of fishing debris are now found on most dive reefs. This was
concerning to both divers and conservationists."
"The groups identified several high priority areas which
are important to divers and to conservationists due to their
unique environmental values. These included Flinders Reef/Cherubs
Reef/ Henderson's Reef and China Wall complex north and east
of Moreton Island, Flat Rock and the Manta Ray Bommies found
just north of North Stradbroke Island and Curtin Artificial
Reef and 'the Pines' on the western side of Moreton Island,"
Bohm continued.
The groups also discussed the need for a Code of Conduct
for diving on Moreton Bay's reefs in recognition of the need
to manage all activities at Moreton Bay's precious reefs.
"Conservationists welcomed that the divers acknowledged
their potential impacts on reefs at the meeting at recognized
that a Code of Conduct was needed to manage diver activities
in Moreton Bay Marine Park," Bohm said.
"When managed properly, diving is a very sustainable
activity and has great tourism potential for Queensland's
economy. It is important that the Queensland Government listen
to our concerns and focus on bringing back the fish at Moreton
Bay's popular dive sites," Bohm concluded.
Groups present at the meeting included the Australian Marine
Conservation Society, Gold Coast and Hinterland Environment
Council, Moreton Bay Coastcarers, Queensland Conservation
Council, Queensland Water and Land Carers, Underwater Research
Group of Queensland Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland,
Queensland Conservation Council and the Moreton Bay Boat Club
(dive group).
Moreton Bay Marine Park is currently under review by the
Queensland Government. The review of the Moreton Bay Marine
Park Zoning Plan is likely to see a greater number and coverage
of green zones across the Park and conservationists and divers
have been asked by the Queensland Government for their considered
input to the review process.
Media contact: Craig Bohm: 0427 133 481 or 07 3393 5811
Website: www.savemoretonbay.org.au
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