Victoria should be a leader in marine protection

Friday, 16 July 2010

Media release

Victoria's marine environment is diverse, beautiful and unique, with 80% of marine species found nowhere else on earth, the Victorian National Parks Association said today.

"Marine national parks are the most effective and efficient way to protect unique habitats," VNPA's Marine and Coastal Project Officer Simon Branigan said.

"There is overwhelming scientific evidence from around the world which shows that marine national parks protect biodiversity and increase resilience to other threats like marine pests and even increase fish stocks.

"The VNPA is not anti-fishing. What we are interested in is the protection of unique and important marine habitats to ensure that one of the most diverse coastal regions in the world is safely guarded for future generations."

Over the past two years VNPA has undertaken a comprehensive scientific review of Victoria's marine habitat values and threats.

One part of the review, which is yet to be formally publicly released, identifies 20 conservation priority areas. The report will be formally released in the next few weeks.

"Victoria was a world leader in 2002 when it introduced protection for 5.3% of our marine environment," VNPA Executive Director Matt Ruchel said today.

"Now our position has slipped and we should regain our leadership by committing to protect 20 to 30 per cent of our unique marine areas in marine national parks," he said.

"The world has changed since 2002 and it is time for the government to again look at protection for our marine heritage," he said.

VNPA is calling on the State Government to commit to protecting at least an additional 20% of Victoria's waters in new marine parks and undertake a comprehensive investigation of the state's marine environment through a Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) study or a similar open and transparent process where all parties have the opportunity to have input.

For comment contact:

Simon Branigan, VNPA Marine and Coastal Project Officer, on 9341 6508 or 0409 087 278.