Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan review launched

[fishingjew]

Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr

Friday, February 23, 2007
Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan review launched

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr today called on south east Queenslanders to get involved in a major review of the Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan.
Ms Nelson-Carr said over the next few months everyone who had an interest in the marine park, which stretches 125 kilometres from Caloundra to the Gold Coast Seaway, could have their say about how it can be used and preserved for future generations.
“The marine park is home to more than 750 species of fish, 120 species of corals and the greatest number and diversity of whales and dolphins found anywhere in Australia. It is the only place in the world where turtles and dugong still live on the doorstep of a major city.
“The current zoning plan for the marine park expires on 1 September 2008 and legislation states it must be reviewed by that date.
“With the population in the MoretonBay region at one and a half million, and growing rapidly, it needs to be determined whether the current zoning plan is doing enough to protect this unique asset.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that, despite claims from some interest groups, no decisions have been made about what changes may be needed.
“There are no pre-determined zones, we are working from a blank sheet of paper,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
Any changes to the current zoning plan will only be proposed after environmental, economic, cultural and social data is collected and analysed.
“That’s what this review is all about - seeking the input of everyone and anyone who is interested in conserving the unique values of MoretonBayMarinePark, so that it can be used sustainably now and into the future.
“Our first priority is to gather scientific, social and economic data to get a full picture of what activities and natural values are important in the marine park,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The EPA will be asking a wide range of people for their views and input.
“There will be eight community display forums between Caloundra and the Gold Coast during March 2007 so that people can see how the review is being conducted, and how they can provide information into the process.
“Advice will also be sought from an expert advisory panel, chaired by Professor Paul Greenfield (AO) of University of Queensland.
“The EPA will also gain advice from a stakeholder reference group made up of key marine park user groups, as well as holding individual meetings with marine park users,” Ms Nelson Carr said.
“After collecting and analysing this information and advice, the EPA will be recommending what a zoning plan should look like.”
“When the draft zoning plan is released later this year, it will be available for public comment for at least two months, and we will continue our engagement with the community and key marine park user groups,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
MoretonBayMarinePark was declared in 1993 and extended in 1997.
“We want to preserve MoretonBayMarinePark’s value so that everyone can enjoy what this amazing asset has to offer now and for our future generations.”
Anyone wanting to provide input on the review or access more information should go to www.epa.qld.gov.au/moretonbay (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/moretonbay)

[fishingjew]

Public display sessions

The Environmental Protection Agency is hosting a series of public displays to answer questions about the review process and provide information on how people can get involved.
Sessions will be held at:
Bribie IslandCaboolture Shire Community Arts Centre
Sunderland Drive,
Banksia Beach

3.30pm—6.30pm
Tuesday 27 March 2007 Brisbane CityJagera Arts Centre
121 Cordelia Street,
South Brisbane

3.30pm—6.30pm
Wednesday 14 March 2007 ClevelandCleveland State High School
44 Smith Street,
Cleveland

6.00pm—8.30pm
Thursday 15 March 2007 KawanaLake Kawana Community Centre Hall
3 Sportsmans Parade,
Bokarina

3.30pm—6.30pm
Monday 19 March 2007 RedcliffeWoody Point Memorial Hall
Cnr Oxley Avenue & Hornibrook Esplanade

3.30pm—6.30pm
Tuesday 20 March 2007 SouthportSouthport Community Centre
Lawson Street,
Southport


3.30pm—6.30pm

Thursday 22 March 2007
Stradbroke IslandPoint Lookout Community Hall
East Coast Road,
Point Lookout

3.30pm—6.30pm
Monday 12 March 2007 ManlyManly Lota RSL Sub Branch
184 Melville Terrace,
Manly

3.30pm—6.30pm
Wednesday 21 March 2007
Email moreton.bay@epa.qld.gov.au (moreton.bay@epa.qld.gov.au) or freecall 1800 105 789 for further information.
auto_stripe()Last updated: 23 February 2007

[fishingjew]

Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan review

The Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan is being reviewed.
The Marine Parks (Moreton Bay) Zoning Plan 1997 expires on 1 September 2008 and must be reviewed before this date. The review process allows anyone to provide information about how they use and value the marine park.
The review will be conducted in 3 main stages:

Stage 1 - Information-gathering and data analysis
We are gathering information from a number of sources on the biological, physical, social, cultural and economic characteristics of the marine park. We are seeking your knowledge of specific areas within the marine park and the recreational, commercial and social activities conducted in that area. All this information will be analysed to help develop the draft zoning plan.
Stage 2 – Formal public consultation
When a draft zoning plan has been released we will seek formal submissions for at least two months.
Stage 3 – Final zoning plan released
We will conduct training and education programs prior to commencement of the plan.
http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/images/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay/mbmp/process_diagram.gif
Get involved

Do the survey (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/mbmp/feedback.php) — Tell us what you think about Moreton Bay Marine Park and how you use it.
View a public display session (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/link?id=3303) — The EPA will also be hosting public display sessions on the review.

[PADDLES]

it's a pity that the sessions don't go past 6:30pm on a weekday, most blokes will be struggling to get home from work and then get down to the session for a quick look and a few questions/comments :-/

[fishingjew]

Advice will also be sought from an expert advisory panel, chaired by Professor Paul Greenfield (AO) of University of Queensland.

Professor Paul Greenfield

Biography
Professor Greenfield was appointed Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor from 2002. Previously he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor (2001), Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) (1997-00) and Executive Dean of Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture (established 1997 as part of a major restructure).

After graduating Bachelor of Engineering, first-class honours in chemical engineering, from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Professor Greenfield worked in the private sector before completing a PhD at UNSW. He worked at CSIRO before winning a three-year fellowship to the U.S. In 1975, he joined the University of Queensland as a lecturer in chemical engineering and a decade later became Head of Department and then Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Physical Sciences and Engineering) before being appointed an inaugural Executive Dean in 1997.
In January 2006 Professor Greenfield was made an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia for service to science and engineering, particularly through research in the areas of chemical engineering, biotechnology, wastewater and environmental management, and to the tertiary education sector.

Professor Greenfield has consulted for national and international companies and government agencies in the fields of biotechnology, wastewater management, environmental management and project evaluation. He has also served on national and international committees such as the National Greenhouse Advisory Panel (since 1994) and the DETYA High Performance Computing Interim Executive Board of Management.

Currently, he chairs the Scientific Advisory Committee overseeing the $5.2 million Moreton Bay and Brisbane River Wastewater Management Study (since 1994); the Waste Technical Working Group, Basel Convention (since 1995); and the Advisory Board of I.P. Australia (since 1999). He is also a Director of several University companies including UniQuest Pty Ltd.

Professor Greenfield's research is recognised internationally for capacity to attract funding (more than $7million including $6.3million in competitive grants) and significance of published output. He still supervises PhD students and he is credited with more than 180 journal publications, 120 conference publications, three patents and more than 20 invited international (keynote/plenary) addresses. In 1995, he won the Chemeca Medal, awarded jointly by the Institution of Chemical Engineers and the Institute of Engineers Australia for outstanding contribution to the profession; and in 1998 he was named the Institute of Engineers "Engineer of the Year".


I wonder who the rest of the expert advisory panel will be?

[fishingjew]

JCU

Issue date: 23-FEB-2007

As Australia's corals move south driven by global warming, Moreton Bay Marine Park off Brisbane will become an even more vital haven for marine species of all kinds, the Director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Professor Terry Hughes, said today.

Welcoming the announcement by the Queensland Minister for the Environment the Hon Lindy Nelson-Carr of the start of the Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan Review, Professor Hughes from James Cook University said:
"Moreton Bay is an absolute treasure on Brisbane's doorstep, yet it's in danger of being loved to death by more and more people.
"There's no other major city in the world where you can still see dugongs, whales and dolphins. Unfortunately, there are fewer today than not so long ago - while the human population is expected to climb from 2.77 million today to 3.2 million by 2016," he said.
"Public support for greater protection of Moreton Bay is overwhelming - in a recent survey 93 per cent of residents said it should be protected. Experience with marine zones around the world shows the critical importance of public input and community support for long-term success.
"The Environment Protection Authority's commitment to community engagement from the outset is refreshing, ensuring public ownership of the final outcomes," Professor Hughes said.
"Currently, only half-a-percent of Moreton Bay Marine Park is classified as green zone - where fishing is prohibited but boating and diving are encouraged.
"Our current research demonstrates that the new green zones on the Great Barrier Reef are already showing the benefits of better protection of fish stocks. Green zones allow the fish to grow larger, producing more juveniles to restock the entire region, and restoring the ecological roles of fishes.
"The new zoning will be critical for sustaining the two largest industries supported by the Bay - tourism and recreational fishing."
Professor Hughes said that the coming decades will be a stressful time for marine ecosystems struggling to cope with climate change.
"We could well see more and more corals and other species migrating south from the Great Barrier Reef to Moreton Bay as tropical conditions move further south."
Moreton Bay Marine Park extends for 125 kilometres from Caloundra to the Gold Coast Seaway and covers 3,400 square kilometres. It encompasses the sand islands of Bribie, Moreton, and North and South Stradbroke islands. As a multiple-use marine park, it allows for a range of activities including boating, diving, tourism and recreational and commercial fishing.
The park currently contains:
- over 750 species of fish
- over 120 species of coral
- the highest diversity and abundance of whales and dolphins in Australia
- the worlds largest population of dugong next to a capital city
- migrating humpback whales
- small populations of endangered grey nurse shark
- six of the world's seven species of sea turtle
- special wetlands recognised under the international Ramsar Convention
- crucial habitat for 35 species of migratory shorebirds More information: Professor Terry Hughes,

[PADDLES]

top work fishingjew, if you hadn't posted the links up i wouldn't have known how to tell them my usage of the bay because i'll struggle to get to a display.

can a link to the usage survey be posted up as a sticky into a section where everyone will see it?

doing the survey is the best way of letting them know how many people are using the bay for recreation ............................ (assuming the government look at the survey results that is ::) )

[Lazybugger]

I sent them an email complaining about the session times. I think its a disgrace to schedule the session at times when they know that most people are going to be stuck at work.

[LeeannP]

Thanks fishingjew. It's pretty hard to stay in touch with everything that happens.

[LeeannP]

I've just gone into the website and am a little bit dubious about filling in the questionnaire..... I hope someone gets a laugh out of pumping yabbies north of Moreton Island ;) Seriously, what better way of "them" finding out our favourite fishing haunts so they can close them?

[fishingjew]

I've just gone into the website and am a little bit dubious about filling in the questionnaire..... I hope someone gets a laugh out of pumping yabbies north of Moreton Island ;) Seriously, what better way of "them" finding out our favourite fishing haunts so they can close them?


Yes my thoughts also Pity when you can,t trust them to be upfront & honest but we are talking politics! I have a feeling that we will all get shafted regardless of the input by all.

[seatime]

I sent them an email complaining about the session times. I think its a disgrace to schedule the session at times when they know that most people are going to be stuck at work.

The timing of the meetings is odd alright. They may be catering for some of their support base, those that don't get out of bed till the afternoon, and don't have much to do when they do wake up ::)

I don't about you lot, but I pump all my yabbies nth of Moreton, about 1 mile off Bribie, I catch all my fish in those open sandy areas in the middle of the bay, and smack bang in the middle of the Entrance Channel into Fishermans Is ;)
grinners are preferred bait ;)

[LeeannP]

Yes my thoughts also Pity when you can,t trust them to be upfront & honest but we are talking politics! I have a feeling that we will all get shafted regardless of the input by all.


ummmm.... yeah...... apparently that's how people got shafted with the green zones on the Great Barrier Reef. They gave the authorities their fishing spots and lo and behold, they've been closed.

The funny thing is, the people compiling these reports probably haven't got any idea where you pump yabbies from anyway so collecting them in 80m of water probably won't even raise an eyebrow in the department ..... ;D

[kc]

The propaganda machine has already kicked in and is using all the same rhetoric that was used in the North. Even the same players. Be worried about this. Do not give up your favourite fishing spots. YOU WILL LOSE THEM!!!!!

Following is a list of reasons for the green zones in the reef, direct from the GBRMPA information.


Six of the worlds seven species of marine turtles all of which are listed as threatened.
One of the worlds most important dugong populations
More than 30 species of animals
2200 species of native plants (25% of Queenslands total native plant species)
Over 1500 varieties of fish Over 1500 species of molluscs
Over one third of the worlds soft coral and sea pen species
Over 200 species of birds and one of Australia’s most significant seabird rookeries
Approximately 2900 coral reefs built from 360 species of hard corals
800 species of sea stars which is 13% of the worlds total
Over 3000 square kilometres of mangroves including 54% of the worlds mangrove diversity
Breeding humpback and other whale species
Sound familiar??

Brisbane is about to witness first hand the power, organisational skills and media clout of the well-oiled green machine. WWF will wade in soon, along with AMCS (who have already started).

If this was not so seriuos it would be laughable. I am trying to find out who is on the expert panel in respect of recreational fishing.

More to follow. This will be a hot ticket for at least 6 months.

KC

[fishingjew]

From the EPA web site


Pressures on the marine park

Over the last 170 years… (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/information_sheets/pressures_on_the_marine_park/#gen0)
Species on the brink (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/information_sheets/pressures_on_the_marine_park/#gen1)
Habitats in need of help (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/information_sheets/pressures_on_the_marine_park/#gen2)

What we do on the land, along the shore and on or in the water can affect the diverse and fragile ecosystem of Moreton Bay Marine Park.
Moreton Bay has existed for thousands of years. Only very recently has human impact started to take its toll.
European settlement commenced in 1824 with the first penal settlement at Redcliffe. Significant alterations to coastal wetlands, seagrass and mangroves began almost immediately with major foreshore work less than ten years later. Queensland’s first major industry was based on whaling. Ever since, human settlement has continued to impact on the area now covered by Moreton Bay Marine Park.
The population of south-east Queensland is booming – every year another 50,000 residents arrive 1 (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/information_sheets/pressures_on_the_marine_park/#1). This growth means the marine park is not in as good a shape as it once was because of coastal developments, land-based pollution, fishing and simply from overuse.
Nowadays the water isn’t as clean, the coral and seagrass beds aren’t as extensive, and some marine animals and birds aren’t as common as they once were.
Some significant species are having trouble adapting to these changing conditions, and while once plentiful, are now rare or threatened. These trends are worrying indications of what may happen to other species and habitats in Moreton Bay Marine Park.
However, with careful management the marine park’s unique species and habitats can demonstrate remarkable recoveries if given some breathing space. A great example of this is the once decimated humpback whale population that now supports a thriving eco-tourism industry in Moreton Bay Marine Park.
ˆ Top ˆ
Over the last 170 years…


Moreton Bay has become one of the most intensively fished areas along the entire Queensland coastline. It now accounts for one third of the state’s recreational fishing effort, even though it has just three percent of the coastline 2 (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/information_sheets/pressures_on_the_marine_park/#2).
Toxic lyngbya blooms are becoming more frequent, blamed on excessive nutrient loads in waters 3 (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/information_sheets/pressures_on_the_marine_park/#3).
Reclamation of tidal land for port, industry and residential development has led to removal of mangroves, seagrass and salt marshes 4 (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/information_sheets/pressures_on_the_marine_park/#4).
The number of turtle and dugong killed by boat strike has increased in southern Moreton Bay Marine Park with 80 percent of known dugong strikes occurring in this area since 2000 5 (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/information_sheets/pressures_on_the_marine_park/#5).
Increasing boat traffic is disturbing dugong from their critical feeding areas on the Moreton Banks, even in “Go Slow” areas.
A number of fisheries in Moreton Bay have resource concerns including being vulnerable to overfishing and habitat modification to key fish habitats, for example the mud crab fishery, prawn fishery and snapper fishery 6 (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/information_sheets/pressures_on_the_marine_park/#6).
Two thirds of the original vegetation has been cleared from south-east Queensland, resulting in increasing nutrients and sediment pouring into Moreton Bay 7 (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/information_sheets/pressures_on_the_marine_park/#7).
Every major river system entering Moreton Bay Marine Park has high sediment loads and high nutrient concentrations that are affecting the health of the marine park 8 (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/information_sheets/pressures_on_the_marine_park/#8).
Migratory shorebirds are being disturbed more frequently by dogs, boats and vehicles, and are under increasing threat along all of their international migration paths.
Significant loss of seagrasses has occurred in localised areas due to increased murkiness of water 9 (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/information_sheets/pressures_on_the_marine_park/#9).ˆ Top ˆ
Species on the brink

Marine turtles


Six of the seven species of marine turtles in the world are found in Moreton Bay Marine Park. All six species are threatened.
The loggerhead turtle population has declined by 50 percent since the 1970s and the Queensland population of the loggerhead turtle is facing local extinction 10 (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/information_sheets/pressures_on_the_marine_park/#10).
Approximately 200 reports are received each year of sick, injured or dead turtles in Moreton Bay Marine Park.
In 2005, approximately 40 turtles were found dead in Moreton Bay Marine Park with injuries consistent with boat strike 11 (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/information_sheets/pressures_on_the_marine_park/#11).
The average size of nesting female green turtles has been reducing over the last 25 years, meaning they are producing fewer eggs.Grey nurse sharks


The species was almost wiped out by the 1960s because of targeted spearing and fishing.
Fewer than 500 grey nurse sharks remain along the entire east coast of Australia.
Grey nurse sharks could be extinct within 40 years without further protection.Dugong


Approximately 600 – 800 dugong remain of a pre-European settlement population numbering in the tens of thousands.
Half of all dugong boat strike incidents along the Queensland coast occur in Moreton Bay Marine Park 12 (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/information_sheets/pressures_on_the_marine_park/#12).
88 percent of the 41 reported dugong deaths in Queensland in 2004 were related to human activities. In 2005, it was 84 percent of 40 reported deaths 13 (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/information_sheets/pressures_on_the_marine_park/#13).
Dugong depend on healthy seagrass beds and an adult eats over 30kg of seagrass per day.
Moreton Bay Marine Park remains the only place in the world where turtle and dugong populations live in such close proximity to a capital city.ˆ Top ˆ
Habitats in need of help


Seagrass meadows are a nursery habitat, providing food and shelter for many juvenile species of fish and crustaceans. Since 1987, large areas of seagrass have been lost from Moreton Bay. Approximately 2000ha of seagrasses have disappeared from southern Deception Bay over the last 100 years 14 (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/information_sheets/pressures_on_the_marine_park/#14).
Moreton Bay Marine Park has eight species of mangroves that provide a critical habitat for juvenile fish and other species. Mangroves trap sediment and reduce erosion by stabilising coastlines and riverbanks. Mangroves continue to be impacted by coastal development with losses of over 200ha between 1947 and 1997 15 (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/information_sheets/pressures_on_the_marine_park/#15).
Between 1974 and 2002, 3051ha of saltmarsh were lost from Moreton Bay. The remaining area is less than half that in 1974 when saltmarsh and saltpans occupied 5573ha or 27 percent of the total tidal wetland area 16 (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/information_sheets/pressures_on_the_marine_park/#16).
Coral bleaching has been observed at inshore sites in Moreton Bay Marine Park. Coral grows on hard substrates and provides habitat for hundreds of other species. In 2002, 55 percent of corals at Shag Rock and 35 percent of corals at Flat Rock were bleached 17 (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/parks_and_forests/marine_parks/moreton_bay_marine_park_zoning_plan_review/information_sheets/pressures_on_the_marine_park/#17). Cover and diversity of corals around Green and St Helena islands are at historical lows. Can see witch way they are leaning as kc said Sound familiar??

[Mozza]

Give me break guys - you all sound like the world is out to get you. There is only so much good fishable space and all of that is someone else's best spot. Yes, of the publicity sounds skewed. If everything was okay do you think there'd be a review? Zoning plans (nature conservation) is seen by many Scientists as critical to the survival of us Humans. You know, the whole ecosystem, biodiversity B.S. I'm really not that smart but I'd like to think that my kids will be able to enjoy the same variety of recreation that I do. I should note here that without law enforcment things wll continue to go downhill.

I live in the north and have had the fortune of seeing the bigger picture. Literally (I make maps for a living). Yep, there are lots of beaches and inner reefs within cooee of the main urban areas that are now green but, there's truckloads more in the harder to get places.

It is extremely hard to see thru the political smokescreen nowadays wether it's green, left, right, Bob Katter red etc. And how the hell do we know wether there's good Science in these programmes or not? Lucky for me my favourite spots are either blue-zoned or yellow-zoned. So, I guess in some ways I should shut the trap and fish on. But, I can't because there was some excellent Science that went into the re-zoning just as there will be some excellent Science that will be used to review/develop the zoning for the Bay.

Despite what particular smoke came your way during the rezoning (GBR) it was the Scientists and Mapmakers (not 'greenies', many of them fishos), coming in weekends scratching their heads trying not to take too many "favourite spots" away (that would have been politicial suicide).

There is little point in assuming sabotage - get to the meetings if you can, get hold of the Science if you can. Good onya FISHINGJEW for posting the details and links.

Mozza

[flick]

Unfortunately Mozza there is just as much science that refutes the zoning of the GBR as practical. I don't like making a statement like that without having the info on hand to back it up, but it has been posted in old threads across the last couple of years in the news section. Especially leading up to the last election.

I can understand zoning of the bay to protect sea grass areas for dugongs and turtles, however, I don't understand zoning to protect fish stocks. The biggest threat to them is polution firstly and secondly, by a minority that flaunt current bag and size laws. Particularly at the bottom of the food chain with crustaceans molluscs and prawns.

Unfortunately the largest wealth of science, knowledge and facts regarding the bay are the people who fish it and have done for years. These same people cannot trust the government therefor won't share their knowledge. And who can blame them

Decisions regarding fishing should be in the hands of people with fishing experience.

The government loves to pay consultants millions of dollars to assist with all types of legislation. Where are the fishing consultants when fisheries get zoned.

Jim

[ash_is_me]

I am going to agree with Mozza on this one. You guys really are a negative and pessimistic lot aren't you? You cannot see outside of "yourselves". There are many other people who use the bay for activities other than fishing and are they all crying hardship and foul play?

I think the picture is that this action is due a bigger detriment being the persons who have a flagrant disrespect for nature and the natural environment. They are the ones who could care less if their kids or future generations get to enjoy doing what we all enjoy doing now. If they close down areas for re-generation, so what, is there nowhere else to fish or enjoy yourself?

Fair enough I can see the down side to it for the commercial fishers that base their family's wellbeing on being able to fish the bay, but for all of us who do it for recreation maybe could try the old art of finding a new hunting ground instead.

Plus there has been no mention of any closures yet, maybe Beattie will be out of the job by the time they get close to it.

But in the meantime lets all get fired up and blow our sense of logic through high blood pressure, I am sure that will fix it!

[seatime]

I am going to agree with Mozza on this one. You guys really are a negative and pessimistic lot aren't you? You cannot see outside of "yourselves". There are many other people who use the bay for activities other than fishing and are they all crying hardship and foul play?


They will be crying soon enough. Reading the reports, 84% of dugong mortalities were caused by human activities, that's all activities that humans are a part of.
These figures will be used to exclude all humans, not only fisher humans!! So those many other people (humans) who use the bay for activities other than fishing, as you quoted, will be shut-out of protected areas too!!

Organisations like TFP and MBAA are campaigning for all users of the bay, not only fisherfolk. Have a read of all posts and related press releases, and you may get a better appreciation of the issues.
The existing go-slow zones are working to limit boat strikes, anyway, boat strikes aren't the major cause of mortalities, but they do make great photo evidence. It's easier to blame fisher's, than address the real issues of water quality, urban and industrial development, and related pollution problems.

There are many better informed people than me, hopefully they will also reply to this post.

[ash_is_me]

Seeing as though the conservation proposals of the government to attempt preservation of marine ecosystems is inappropriate to all and sundry what is the solution? I can't find anything from the TFP and MBAA for their solution to the problem. I am keen to find out more but where does one look?

So far I can only make the assumption that all the TFP and MBAA are doing is to fight against anything anyone proposes, not put forward another solution to help the process. Reading other posts here all I can see is the in-fighting of the TFPQ.

I am not a greenie or conservationist but I would like my children to appreciate our natural marine beauty without the rubbish that the ignorant leave behind or the deaths caused by the foolish way a few drive on the bay all at the detrimental cost to the wildlife. So until I see some factual evidence that the zones "are" not "maybe" expanding then I will support the people trying o find a way to preserve our marine life..

[Mozza]

Flick,

Thats a well thought out response and I can see your point. 'They' said golbal warming wasn't happening either, 'they' said cigarettes weren't bad for you, 'they' are saying whales should be hunted again because they're eating all the krill - there's always a counterpoint to the argument. You might agree with some, I might disagree with some. Thats what makes this forum so cool.

I think its been said that inertia is harder to counter than gravity and its perhaps easier to believe Scientific argument that supports the way things are - even little Jonny H. got sucked in with the 'greenhouse effect'. Most don't like change which is why Scientists go to great lengths to provide information to support change. The least we can do is to try ignore the smoke screens and look long and hard at the Science.

Totally agree with you on the population issue and the fact that huge dollars has to be thrown at law enforcement to ensure that even the current rules are applied.

Yes, there is plenty of knowledge and information within the fishing community but, its not Science. Science infers a process of information gathering, fact collecting, literature review, analysis and results that are based on scientific processes. Unfortunately, the only way the wealth of information stored within the heads of every person that uses the bay, can be used is if they share it. Don't just share it with the current Gov. scientists, share with guys that are leaning toward status quo - bad Science is usually not published, good Science is. My advice:share the info, go find the Science and pass it on.

Mozza

[Mozza]

Guys,

Want to hear a read a classic smoke-screen? The Amazon: you know how they say it provides 2 thirds the worlds oxygen? I listened to David Attenborough on Plant Earth (Sunday night ABC) talking about ocean-going blue-green algae - it provides 70% (I can't remember exactly) of the worlds oxygen. I think someone has deliberately knocked out the word: 'land-based'.

As a qualified geologist - and I'm happy to believe the well-received theories on world oxygenation around a couple of hundred million years ago (when 90% of the world's iron (oxide) deposits were deposited) that point to the evolution of blue-green algae (and diatoms I think) as the primal source of oxygen in our atmosphere. The geological record is reasonably clear that before the iron (oxide) ore deposits of the Hammersleys (Tom Price etc) were laid down, the atmosphere was oxygen-poor. The iron ore deposits around the world were all laid down at around the same geological time because they require oxygen. Cool, huh?

There's a good counterpoint to a generally accepted fact. The question is tho' does that make it any better?

Mozza

[flick]

Mozza, as far as zoning for the bay goes, we only have gbrmp and gssmp to use as a yardstick. How the government has handled both of these is logically how we would expect the bay to be handled.
All literature,(including that of GBRMPA) state that the zoning has not increased coral trout numbers. Not only that but they also state that numbers were not in a decline prior to the zoning. This would lead any normal person to the conclusion that these zones are unneccesary.

Here is a link that explains my point of view
http://www.goldendolphin.com/eco/WalterStarck(NatObs69).pdf

Call me cynical, but the groups that provide the science for this zoning receive most of their funding from government grants. Applying for a grant stating that "the bay is an enviromental disaster", is more likely to receive funding than, "we believe the bay is currently in good condition and well managed."

By no means am I saying that the bay is fine, all I am saying is that a balanced view was not taken on the reef, nor the straights. These areas now have regulations and zoning in place that appear to not have any benificial effect on their ecosystems.
I am not against zoning, or regulation. I am against both if balanced science is not used for there implamentation. History shows that once legislation is in place, it is very hard to change it back. I also feel that zoning is a way of saying "we don't believe bag and size limits are working."

I would rather see heavier policing of the current laws, than concerntrating fishing pressure in limited areas through zoning.

Jim

[seatime]

Seeing as though the conservation proposals of the government to attempt preservation of marine ecosystems is inappropriate to all and sundry what is the solution? I can't find anything from the TFP and MBAA for their solution to the problem. I am keen to find out more but where does one look?
You appear to have a very one sided view. There aren't any conservation proposals from the government yet. That's the whole point of having a review.
The solutions put forward by TFP & MBAA is for some real scientific evidence, and a balanced consultative approach, involving ALL users, to any rezoning of MB. I also support zoning and sustainable activities, provided it based on the aforementioned criteria, not the raving of Leftist Green groups out for political favours. There has been plenty of info published by TFP & MBAA, just have a look.

So far I can only make the assumption that all the TFP and MBAA are doing is to fight against anything anyone proposes, not put forward another solution to help the process. Reading other posts here all I can see is the in-fighting of the TFPQ.
Fight against anything anyone proposes, what are you talking about?, on what evidence are you basing that statement? I'm happy to debate with you, but please substantiate your comments.

I am not a greenie or conservationist but I would like my children to appreciate our natural marine beauty without the rubbish that the ignorant leave behind or the deaths caused by the foolish way a few drive on the bay all at the detrimental cost to the wildlife. So until I see some factual evidence that the zones "are" not "maybe" expanding then I will support the people trying o find a way to preserve our marine life..
Would you enjoy taking your children to a zoo to appreciate our natural marine beauty. Because that's what groups like the AMCS want, many areas locked up to protect it. We'll end up with a user-pays arrangement, guided tours conducted onboard unpowered vessels.
Go ahead and support these people trying to preserve our marine life, and if they bargain a political decision that doesn't allow access for your children, you won't be left wondering why.

I'm also a conservationist, I wish to see a level playing field when it comes to the review process, not a deal for Green Senate seats in the upcoming fed election.

[fishingjew]

Brisbane is about to witness first hand the power, organisational skills and media clout of the well-oiled green machine. WWF will wade in soon, along with AMCS (who have already started).

If this was not so seriuos it would be laughable. I am trying to find out who is on the expert panel in respect of recreational fishing.

More to follow. This will be a hot ticket for at least 6 months.

KC

From WWF http://www.wwf.org.au/publications/priorities-for-a-living-australia.pdf

[Mozza]

I'm calling for expressions of interest to start up a new organisation.

It'll be the WFF - the World Fishing Fund.

I just can't help myself...

Mozza

[kc]

Ash is me takes the view that TFP has put forward no positive solutions and that is fair comment. We have become increasingly reactionary, which is to be expected. Kick a dog in the nuts a dozen times and it might snarl a bit too.

If you would like to see some of the "positive" work we have, and continue to do, I will send you our original submisions on the GBR rezoning and the GSS rezoning.
Just email me on kc@whitsunday.net.au

TFPQ believes in responsible marine park management. We also believe that "lock-outs" are the last resort of failing management.

There are lots of ways to "skin a cat (fish)"....TFPQ believes that bag limits, commercial catch quotas, closed seasons and slot sizing are all ways fishing impacts can be managed and a fishery can continue to be SUSTAINABLE...we also think transit corridors and go slow zones can preserve marine animals.

This whole, process appears to be politically motivated, not out of what's best for the bay and the people who live here, but what's best for the Government and the political deals they do to stay in power.

Once again I am happy to provide ash is me with the political "makings" of the GBR rezoning.......all about politics and absolutely bugger all to do with the reef.

Sorry of I'm having a grumpy day....maybe I need a bex and a good lie down.

The dribble on the ABC news tonight about the "surprise, surprise no coral bleaching this year" really got up my nose.

:-[ :-[ :-[ :'(

KC

[fishingjew]

The general approach is to seek large MPAs of a category that allows for these important economic activities, subject to the requirements of the management plan for the reserve. The Australian government will adjust zoning and management arrangements over time through the statutory review of management plans as additional information becomes available.
In this way, areas may be reassigned over time from multiple use to highly protected zones. One example of this is if either geoscientific evidence shows the area is non-prospective for oil and gas development or if oil and gas development opportunities have been exhausted.
A marine bioregional plan will focus on meeting the Australian government’s environmental protection and biodiversity conservation responsibilities in Commonwealth waters, which are waters generally between three and 200 nautical miles from the coast.

Just as well we have no gas or oil in moreton bay or the greens would not stand a chance
http://www.pesa.com.au/publications/pesa_news/latest_edition/pesanews_8607.html

[fishingjew]

Zoning: Access Alliance gives process a big tick http://bayjournal.com.au/joomla/images/M_images/pdf_button.png (http://bayjournal.com.au/joomla/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=1191) http://bayjournal.com.au/joomla/images/M_images/printButton.png (http://bayjournal.com.au/joomla/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1191&pop=1&page=0&Itemid=1) http://bayjournal.com.au/joomla/images/M_images/emailButton.png (http://bayjournal.com.au/joomla/index2.php?option=com_content&task=emailform&id=1191&itemid=1) Written by Bruce Alvey, Chair of Moreton Bay Access Alliance (http://bayjournal.com.au/joomla/index.php?option=com_comprofiler&task=userProfile&user=63) Monday, 05 March 2007
http://bayjournal.com.au/joomla/images/stories/people/Summit/bruce%20alvey.jpg

Bruce Alvey, chairman of the MBAA is an important stakeholder in th recreational fishing industry with a factory turning out fishing gear. He told the BayJournal this morning that jobs were at stake so the group would fight indiscriminate closure.

The Moreton Bay Access Alliance commended the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) approach to the review of the Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan outlined by Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr. Chair of the Alliance, Bruce Alvey, said that it is essential that key stakeholder groups be included in the process leading up to EPA formulating recommendations on what the zoning plan should look like.
We feel confident that the EPA are genuinely including stakeholders in the review process, rather than simply consulting with them once draft recommendations are released.
At our recent meeting with the Minister and senior EPA officials, we confirmed our support for this inclusive approach. We also agreed that any research commissioned independently in the future by our Alliance would be a valuable input to the review and by sharing information between EPA and our researchers, would help to ensure that all facts, perspectives, and alternatives are thoroughly canvassed and considered in the review process.


http://bayjournal.com.au/joomla/mambots/content/waseem_left.gif We are pleased that the EPA has no pre-determined zones and will be working from a blank sheet of paper. http://bayjournal.com.au/joomla/mambots/content/waseem_right.gif
We are pleased that the EPA has no pre-determined zones and will be working from a blank sheet of paper.
Members of the Alliance are committed to contributing industry and community knowledge and data to the EPA to ensure the Agency has full information available to assist them to make appropriate recommendations to the Government.

After all, our members' lifestyles and businesses directly depend on the Bay and we, more than any other group, are 100% committed to looking after its health so it can be enjoyed by our children and families in the future.
The review of the zoning plan is a landmark opportunity for all to work together to put a management plan in place that will protect the Bay and its marine life for years to come. We believe that win-win solutions for the environment, industry and the community can be achieved, and we commend the Minister for recognizing that a highly inclusive approach will be required to achieve such a result.
Special note
All statements and information about MBAA activities are authorized by our Chair or Deputy Chair, with media releases issued through the BIAQ offices. No political parties, MP's or individuals have been authorized to make statements on our behalf.

[fishingjew]

Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr

Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Qs and As on Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan

Locals wanting to learn more about the Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan Review will have an opportunity at eight public displays being held at locations around the south east corner this month.
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the displays were a great chance for anyone with an interest in the MoretonBayMarinePark to view the display and speak to EPA staff.
“The displays include maps, the current zoning plan, habitats in the MarinePark and a range of information sheets.
“Display sessions will be held over three hours and people can come along at any time during the session.
“A team of staff will be on hand to explain the review process and provide specific information on the type of information being collected for the review, who’s involved in the process, how people can contribute, or about the uses, values and history of the MarinePark.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the sessions were an ideal opportunity for people to understand what the review means and how they could become involved.
“We want to ensure the marine park is there for future generations to enjoy.
“Our first priority is to gather scientific, social and economic data to get a full picture of what activities and natural values are important in the marine park.
“We are also obtaining advice from an expert advisory panel, chaired by Professor Paul Greenfield (AO) of the University of Queensland, as well as from a stakeholder reference group, and we are holding individual meetings with marine park users,” Ms Nelson Carr said.
“After collecting and analysing this information and advice, the EPA will be recommending what a zoning plan should look like. It will then be available for public comment for at least two months, and community engagement will continue.”
More information on the Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan Review is available at www.epa.qld.gov.au.
The schedule of community display days is:
StradbrokeIsland
Point Lookout Community Hall
East Coast Road,
Point Lookout
3.30pm—6.30pm
Monday 12 March 2007
BrisbaneCity
Jagera Arts Centre
121 Cordelia Street,
SouthBrisbane
3.30pm—6.30pm
Wednesday 14 March 2007
Cleveland
ClevelandStateHigh School
44 Smith Street,
Cleveland
6.00pm—8.30pm
Thursday 15 March 2007
Kawana
Lake Kawana Community Centre Hall
3 Sportsmans Parade,
Bokarina
3.30pm—6.30pm
Monday 19 March 2007
Redcliffe
Woody Point Memorial Hall
Cnr Oxley Avenue & Hornibrook Esplanade
3.30pm—6.30pm
Tuesday 20 March 2007
Manly
Manly Lota RSL Sub Branch
184 Melville Terrace,
Manly
3.30pm—6.30pm
Wednesday 21 March 2007
Southport
Southport Community Centre
Lawson Street,
Southport
3.30pm—6.30pm
Thursday 22 March 2007
BribieIsland
Caboolture Shire Community Arts Centre
Sunderland Drive,
BanksiaBeach
3.30pm—6.30pm
Tuesday 27 March 2007

Media contact: Karla Steen on 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti on 3336 8002

[4x4frog]

We as a 'collective' are dammed if we do and dammed if we don't on this. Shafted before we get a start IMHO.
If we don't make a noise and stand for our rights we willl lose alot of what is sacred to all fisherpeople. Furhtermore, if we don't make any waves there is the likely hood we will be branded lazy don't cares! Secondly, if we stand and make a noise they are likely to turn around and beat us with our own words because like has been mentioned, they have a very well oiled and funded political machine.
I will sign what petitions I have to sign to help and participate where possible so my children can have some sort of recreational persuit if they so choose.

[Moonlighter]

An earlier comment questioned whether MBAA is just knocking every proposal or is coming up with alternatives, so hope this sheds some light on what we're up to at present.

On other topics in Ausfish, I have mentioned a major project commissioned by MBAA that we recenly received approval for just under $130,000 funding from the Fisheries Research Development Corporation.

The aim of this project is to come up with an zoning arrangement for the Bay based on good science that is checked and verified against the real world experience of all users of the Bay, including recreational and commercial fishers, and is supported by all key users ans stakeholders. We want an environmentally sustainable Bay, but with minimal impact on us users, and we think that is an achievable result.

I'll put more info, the full objectives etc of the project, up as soon as we have held our media launch of the project in the next couple of weeks - we are hoping that the launch will be an opportunity to get some balance back into the press debate, which has been sadly lacking of late, so hope you understand.

Anyway, one of the reasons we wanted to do this project is exactly what some posts to this forum have mentioned: recreational fishers (and for that matter commercails) in the past have given valuable information on things like their favourite spots to the Government (eg GBRMPA) who then turned around and used it against them.

We hope that with a truly independent project run by MBAA we can overcome this issue and that we will get more and better data from the recreational and commercial sector. Will we share results with EPA? Yes, but only in aggregate form so they won't have the raw data, the fine detail, which will stay with us.

You can help MBAA with our reseach to develop a better solution!!
We will have a stand at the Tinnie and Tackle Show in a couple of weeks time and will be gathering data from rec fishers there - so please drop by and complete our recreational fishing survey. It is vital we get the info from you so we can put our best case forward.

Grant

[fishingjew]

Excerpt from Hansard 7 March
Mr WEIGHTMAN: My question is directed to the Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism.
Minister, now that the Moreton Bay Marine Park zoning review has been launched, can you please update the House on what the process will be over the next couple of months? How will you ensure that all stakeholders and interested groups will be heard in this process?

Ms NELSON-CARR: I thank the honourable member for the question, and it is a very good one
indeed. The current Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan has been in place for nearly 10 years and will expire on 1 September 2008. Times have changed since the first zoning plan was developed and south-east Queensland is growing rapidly. There are many more recreational boats and commercial operators using the marine park, and scientists have more knowledge about how coastal ecosystems respond to human and natural pressures.
This review is about achieving sustainability for our marine environment, our lifestyles and our
livelihoods. I urge anyone interested in the future of the Moreton Bay Marine Park to get involved in the process.
I noted the interest of the federal member for Bowman, Mr Laming, in this state marine park
zoning process, and I wondered why he would want to involve himself in a matter that has no
Commonwealth involvement-apart from playing politics of course. But now I know why. It is better to try and get some media on an issue that he has no role in than to get the sort of media he has had in the last couple of days. It is better to try to get a run on a state issue than to rort your taxpayer-funded electoral allowance.
Over the next month, public information sessions will be held at eight locations around the southeast, including Brisbane city, Stradbroke Island, Southport and Kawana. At all of these sessions, staff will be on hand to explain the review process and provide information on the process, how people can contribute, and the uses, values and history of the marine park. Over the next few months, our first priority is to gather scientific, social and economic data to get a full picture of what activities and natural values are important in the marine park.
We are also obtaining advice from an expert advisory panel, chaired by Professor Paul Greenfield of UQ, and from stakeholder reference groups. I have been very pleased with the response to the process so far and congratulate all stakeholders for their support. I was
also happy to read a recent media release from the chair of the Moreton Bay Access Alliance, Bruce Alvey, which said-
We feel confident that the EPA are genuinely including stakeholders in this review process rather than simply consulting with them once draft recommendations are released.
Members of the alliance are committed to contributing industry and community knowledge and data to the EPA to ensure the agency has full information available to assist them to make appropriate recommendations to the government.
We appreciate these comments and look forward to working with the alliance and all stakeholders during this very important proces

[PADDLES]

ahhhhhhh, they never miss an opportunity to have a quick swipe at a fellow minister and then not really give away much information as to how our voices will be heard, at least it's being talked about in parliament ::)

[Shane_78]

All literature,(including that of GBRMPA) state that the zoning has not increased coral trout numbers. Not only that but they also state that numbers were not in a decline prior to the zoning. This would lead any normal person to the conclusion that these zones are unneccesary.
Jim
I'm not sure what literature you are reading but the australian institute of marine science and a scientist from JCU have all come out stating that the coral trout has increased by 50%. Link: http://www.aims.gov.au/pages/about/communications/waypoint/002/headlines-03.html
So I don't know much about this bloke you quoted Flick but I think the Institute of Marine Science would know a little bit more...

[fishingjew]

Sessions will be held at:
Bribie IslandCaboolture Shire Community Arts Centre
Sunderland Drive,
Banksia Beach

3.30pm—6.30pm
Tuesday 27 March 2007 Brisbane CityJagera Arts Centre
121 Cordelia Street,
South Brisbane

3.30pm—6.30pm
Wednesday 14 March 2007 ClevelandCleveland State High School
44 Smith Street,
Cleveland

6.00pm—8.30pm
Thursday 15 March 2007 KawanaLake Kawana Community Centre Hall
3 Sportsmans Parade,
Bokarina

3.30pm—6.30pm
Monday 19 March 2007 RedcliffeWoody Point Memorial Hall
Cnr Oxley Avenue & Hornibrook Esplanade

3.30pm—6.30pm
Tuesday 20 March 2007 Russell Island Russell Island Recreational Hall
1 Alison Crescent


3pm—6pm

Tuesday 3 April 2007
SouthportSouthport Community Centre
Lawson Street,
Southport


3.30pm—6.30pm

Thursday 22 March 2007
Stradbroke IslandPoint Lookout Community Hall
East Coast Road,
Point Lookout

3.30pm—6.30pm
Monday 12 March 2007 ManlyManly Lota RSL Sub Branch
184 Melville Terrace,
Manly

3.30pm—6.30pm
Wednesday 21 March 2007

Put these times up seeing i went down to southport on the 20th walked round the building three times only a AA MEETING GOING ON . THEY HAVE CHANGED THE DATE.

[fishingjew]

SUNDAY Program Channel Nine TV – 9am, 25th March, 2007



This week on SUNDAY, The Great Shark Hunt.



Is the Grey Nurse Shark really on the brink of extinction as we’ve been told? Or has good science been junked for Green politics? SUNDAY investigates claims that evidence has been suppressed by some scientists suggesting these so-called thilocenes of the sea are not endangered at all



Recreational and sports dive fishermen say that while they strongly support protecting the Grey Nurse Shark, they’re being unfairly locked out of new marine parks and other prime fishing areas at least in part because of scientific claims suggesting there are now as few as 400 Grey Nurse left along the entire East Coast of Australia.



To prove their case there’s thousands of Grey Nurse sharks out there, they’ve taken SUNDAY to the secret spots where they say these beautiful animals are thriving – locations they are refusing to disclose to Fisheries scientists because they fear these areas too will be closed off from fishing.



The now retired State Upper House MP Dr Jon Jenkins, a highly qualified scientist himself, believes someone in NSW Fisheries chose to sit on a second scientific survey of Grey Nurse shark numbers done in August 2003. He used the Parliamentary Order for Papers in 2005 to demand Fisheries hand over any studies, reviews or reports on the shark’s numbers but he says it wasn’t until late last year, when he insisted the data existed, that the Parliament was finally given the evidence.



Jenkins believes someone did not want the public and policy-makers to know about this evidence which he believes undermines the published data that Fisheries scientists are now using to justify expensive research and to also justify restrictions on fishing worth many millions of dollars.



“They just trashed the science that didn’t support their point of view,” Jenkins says.



But Chief Fisheries Scientist Dr Steve Kennelly defends his scientists, denying the data was suppressed and saying it could not be used to count Grey Nurse numbers because it was inadequate to be statistically valid.



However eminent Townsville-based marine biologist Dr Walter Starck, one of the pioneers of scientific investigation of coral reefs, also believes claims the Grey Nurse is near extinction are unsubstantiated:





“I think that the population the total population is probably much larger than is being claimed,” he tells SUNDAY.



Dr Starck, and other respected marine biologists consulted by SUNDAY, believe too little is known about the numbers and locations where Grey Nurse’s congregate for current survey methods to be able to accurately measure the population.



It’s a high-stakes debate because one of the fundamental basis’, for founding marine parks up and down NSW’ coastline was to protect the Grey Nurse shark. Economic analyses have costed the effects of fishing closures as being disastrous for the NSW economy. What Dr Jenkins argues is that such measures should be based on rigorous objective science.



“Somewhere along the line, a deliberate or an accidental fraud has been perpetrated here. The science is absolutely clear that these documents clearly indicated that there were more than 500 sharks out there and yet it has been withheld and not only has it been withheld it has been suppressed from both the public, the scientific community and the Parliament.”





Reporter: Ross Coulthart

SUNDAY – Channel Nine TV – 9am

I wonder what affect this will have on the review? And the green zones allready in place for the GNS!

[ratherbefishin]

"Queensland’s first major industry was based on whaling. "

where do they get this cr@p from?
The whaling station Tangalooma is presumeably the inspiration for this statement. Its a pity they didnt check their facts, it only opened post WWII and closed in the late 50s or early 60s. They had managed to destroy the local whale population very quickly indeed. Now I'm not advocating whaling at all, in fact I am appalled at what they did to those beautiful creatures. But the above statement is just pure emotive bullsh!t intended to do nothing more than incite public fervour.
This is a classic example of the Green movement using FALSE propaganda to incite the masses.
It is similar to the continually escalating figures they quote on turtles and dugongs as supposed rationale for banning fishing (yet leaving boating acceptable) when the major threat to these species is poropellor strike.
These groups have no respect for truth or fact they are willing to say anything if they think it will advance their cause.

[fishingjew]

Expert Advisory Panel

Expert Advisory Panel Members

The Expert Advisory Panel was established to provide scientific advice to the EPA on issues related to the review of the Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan. Names of Panel members are provided below.

Professor Paul Greenfield (Chair)
Dr Eva Abal
Dr Russ Babcock
Dr Rodrigo Bustamante
Associate Professor Rod Connolly
Geoff Dews
Dr Peter Isdale
Dr Sean Pascoe
Professor Hugh Possingham
Professor Russell Reichelt
Dr Jackie Robinson
Professor Helen Ross

[fishingjew]

Stakeholder Reference Group

Stakeholder Reference Group Members
The Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan review Stakeholder Reference Group was established to provide information from marine park user groups to the EPA and to pass on information about the review to the groups they represent. Details of members and their area of representation are provided below. Information may be given to these representatives at the email address provided.
Member
Organisation/Representation
Email
Brad Kitchen
Port of Brisbane Corporation– Port of Brisbane operations and environmental management
Brad.kitchen@portbris.com.au (Brad.kitchen@portbris.com.au)
Brendan McKenna
Brisbane Backpacker and Adventure Association – local ecotourism association
Brendan_Mckenna@palacebackpackers.com.au (Brendan_Mckenna@palacebackpackers.com.au)
Bruce Alvey
Moreton Bay Access Alliance – bait and tackle industry
balvey@alvey.com.au (balvey@alvey.com.au)
Craig Bohm
Australian Marine Conservation Society – marine conservation organisation
craigbohm@amcs.org.au (craigbohm@amcs.org.au)
Dayle Smith
Yachting Queensland – recreational yachting and boating
dsmith@lyonsmith.net (dsmith@lyonsmith.net)
Eddie Venturini
Redcliffe City Council – Environmental Services
eddie_venturini@redcliffe.qld.gov.au (eddie_venturini@redcliffe.qld.gov.au)
Grant Bennett
Moreton Bay Access Alliance and recreational fishing and boating
grbennett@iprimus.com.au (grbennett@iprimus.com.au)
Greg Savige
Queensland Seafood Industry Association, commercial fishing and Lyngbya Management Working Group
GregSavige@########## (GregSavige@##########)
James Cullen
Moreton Bay Access Alliance and Boating Industry Association Queensland
jamescullen@stonescornermarine.com.au (jamescullen@stonescornermarine.com.au)
Jane Clout
Queensland Aquaculture Industries Federation – aquaculture and oyster farming
jclout@kooringaloysters.com.au (jclout@kooringaloysters.com.au)
John Dobson
Queensland Conservation Council – conservation organisation
dobsoncj@hotmail.com (dobsoncj@hotmail.com)
John Johnston
Sunfish Queensland – peak representative body for recreational anglers
sunfish@modemss.brisnet.org.au (sunfish@modemss.brisnet.org.au)
John Page
Moreton Bay Access Alliance and Moreton Bay Seafood Industry Association
johnpage@primusonline.com.au (johnpage@primusonline.com.au)
Kathy Townsend
University of Queensland – marine research station (Dunwich)
kathy.townsend@uq.edu.au (kathy.townsend@uq.edu.au)
Keith Hall
Moreton Bay Access Alliance and charter vessel operator
keith@incrediblecharters.com.au (keith@incrediblecharters.com.au)
Kellie Williams
Moreton Bay Access Alliance and Moreton Bay Seafood Industry Association
kelliewilliams1@########## (kelliewilliams1@##########)
Kevin Chard
Australian Underwater Federation – representative body for spear fishers
k.chard@bigpond.net.au (k.chard@bigpond.net.au)
Mark Olsen
Tourism Queensland – South East Queensland and Country tourism
mark.olsen@tq.com.au (mark.olsen@tq.com.au)
Nathan Waltham
Gold Coast City Council – Catchment Management Unit
nwaltham@goldcoast.qld.gov.au (nwaltham@goldcoast.qld.gov.au)
Paul McAntee
Brisbane City Council – Environmental Planning
Paul.X.McAntee@brisbane.qld.gov.au (Paul.X.McAntee@brisbane.qld.gov.au)
Peter McCulkin
Department of State Development – marine and boating industry
peter.mcculkin@sd.qld.gov.au (peter.mcculkin@sd.qld.gov.au)
Phillip Gaffney
Queensland Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries – fisheries management
Phillip.Gaffney@dpi.qld.bov.au (Phillip.Gaffney@dpi.qld.bov.au)
Richard Leck
WWF Australia – Brisbane branch of largest conservation organisation
rleck@wwf.org.au (rleck@wwf.org.au)
Rob Lowe
Queensland Aquarium Supply Divers Association – aquarium collectors
roblowe@iinet.net.au (roblowe@iinet.net.au)
Simon Baltais
Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland (Bayside) – local conservation organisation
simon.baltais@citec.com.au (simon.baltais@citec.com.au)
Tom Burns
Community Representative – bay side resident
tom.burns@premiers.qld.gov.au (tom.burns@premiers.qld.gov.au)

South East Queensland Traditional Owner Land and Sea Management Alliance


Department of Transport – Marine policy, planning and asset management

[billfisher]

I'm not sure what literature you are reading but the australian institute of marine science and a scientist from JCU have all come out stating that the coral trout has increased by 50%. Link: http://www.aims.gov.au/pages/about/communications/waypoint/002/headlines-03.html
So I don't know much about this bloke you quoted Flick but I think the Institute of Marine Science would know a little bit more...


The 50% claim is more is based on a 2 year of (unpublished) study. Green zones have been studied on the GBR for much longer than that (Mapstone- Ayling study). The latter study showed no significant difference in trout nos inside the green zones. The fact that AIMS, the JCU and the GBRMPA come out trumpeting the results of one 2 year study when they never mention the longer running studies poses serious questions as to their motivations.

A 2 year study must be treated with caution (lack of temporal replication). Bear in mind that the spawning of coral trout is it or miss. Several years of poor recruitment is often followed by a spectacularly successful one. The way they have promoted these results smacks of charletonism.

[bay trawler]

Seeing as though the conservation proposals of the government to attempt preservation of marine ecosystems is inappropriate to all and sundry what is the solution? I can't find anything from the TFP and MBAA for their solution to the problem. I am keen to find out more but where does one look?

So far I can only make the assumption that all the TFP and MBAA are doing is to fight against anything anyone proposes, not put forward another solution to help the process. Reading other posts here all I can see is the in-fighting of the TFPQ.

I am not a greenie or conservationist but I would like my children to appreciate our natural marine beauty without the rubbish that the ignorant leave behind or the deaths caused by the foolish way a few drive on the bay all at the detrimental cost to the wildlife. So until I see some factual evidence that the zones "are" not "maybe" expanding then I will support the people trying o find a way to preserve our marine life..

hey ash, mbaa is to recieve a FRDC [ fisheries research and developement coorperation] grant to map the socioeconomic importance of the bay for all bay users. check out their web site for more info.

[bay trawler]

Expert Advisory Panel

Expert Advisory Panel Members


The Expert Advisory Panel was established to provide scientific advice to the EPA on issues related to the review of the Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan. Names of Panel members are provided below.
Professor Paul Greenfield (Chair)


Dr Eva Abal


Dr Russ Babcock


Dr Rodrigo Bustamante


Associate Professor Rod Connolly


Geoff Dews


Dr Peter Isdale


Dr Sean Pascoe


Professor Hugh Possingham


Professor Russell Reichelt


Dr Jackie Robinson


Professor Helen Ross

fishing jew you spend too much time on the computor [lol] but thanks for your research into the hows and whos of the latest greenie land/water grab.
interesting to see Possinghams name on the list of 'experts'. it was his 'expert' advice with regard to the GBRMPA debacle that lead to the blow out in compensation to business affected by the clousures from 2.6 mill [ the figure they put in as the cost] to over 300 mill and counting [ the true cost].
obviously there is no business requirement to being on this panel.....in business someone who 'mucked' [ you know what i really mean] up his figures so badly would be shown the door with a firm foot to the posterier.
not so for EPA.

[fishingjew]

Yes wasn,t happy seeing Possinghams name there seeing he is also an advocate for the increase.

[fishingjew]

Australia. Science helps guide the Moreton Bay Marine Park reviewThursday, 14 June 2007
Marine Park world best practice has guided scientific recommendations by an independent panel tasked with giving advice on the review of the Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan, Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said today.

"When I announced the marine park zoning plan review in February this year, I said we would be seeking advice from scientists, user groups and the local community before we started to put lines on maps," Ms Nelson-Carr said.

"The Scientific Expert Advisory Panel, chaired by Professor Paul Greenfield, has now handed in their recommendations which will be incorporated into the draft plan. The Panel has based their recommendations on world standards in marine reserve design to advise on the habitat types, scientific guiding principles and an analysis method to guide us in developing a draft zoning plan."
Ms Nelson-Carr said the recommendations included a minimum amount of habitat to be protected in no-take areas across 16 habitat types within the marine park.

"The advice is in line with those of the International Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) which recommends at least 10% of each of the world's ecological regions be effectively conserved in marine protected areas.

"Another key principle is that zoning should minimise impacts on users of the marine park including recreational and commercial fishers, boaties, and tourism operators.

"This advice tells us what we need to strive to protect the biodiversity within Moreton Bay Marine Park and at the same time seek to minimise impacts on people's use of the area."

Ms Nelson-Carr said the EPA would be relying on the ongoing involvement of user groups, the community and key organisations such as the Stakeholder Reference Group.

"When we come to selecting habitats in need of greater protection we recognise that this selection must be justified - scientifically, economically, socially and culturally. These recommendations are a starting point for us.

"We will be relying on continued input from key groups and the community about the value they place on various habitats and what increased protection might mean for their use of different parts of the marine park.

"We are looking for an outcome that conserves the unique marine environment within Moreton Bay Marine Park while minimising any impacts on how people use this great area."

Ms Nelson-Carr thanked the members of the Scientific Expert Advisory Panel for their time and expertise.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 14 June 2007 )

[Adamy]

Hmmmn... sounds like a nice (i.e. long) way of saying - get ready to bend over!!

[fishingjew]

Boswell calls for up-front economic impact statement on Moreton Bay fishing closures (http://www.nationals.org.au/news/default.asp?action=email&ID=3183)[/URL]
Sunday, 17 June 2007[U] (http://www.nationals.org.au/news/default.asp?workdate=&sectionid=1)
Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, Ron Boswell, today called on the Queensland Labor Government to produce detailed social and economic impact statements before consideration begins on closing parts of Moreton Bay to fishing.

“The Federal Government has paid over $100 million to fishing and onshore businesses on the Great Barrier Reef as a result of the GBRMPA biodiversity closures, and we have not yet hit the top of the scale,” Senator Boswell said.

“At the time of the GBRMPA closures, the Beattie State Labor Government quietly went ahead and closed state marine park areas adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in a process they called ‘complementary closure’, for which they provided not one cent of compensation, despite the very high impact on fishermen.

“Fishing and onshore businesses have been burned on this once, and it should not be allowed to happen twice.

“Before any Moreton Bay rezoning takes place, there must be a full, public disclosure of costs associated with closures, and a plan on how those costs will be met by the State Government. I’ve been here before, where bureaucrats see 10% closure and think 35%.”

Senator Boswell said that just some of the questions that needed answers were –

· How many and what kinds of commercial fishing boats / licences would need to be bought out, under what scheme and at what cost?

· How many, and what kinds of onshore businesses would be effected, and what would it cost to compensate bait and tackle shops, seafood outlets, boat and motor dealers?

· How much, and under what system would a grandfather and two kids have to pay if they are caught fishing in a ‘green’ zone?

· What would be the fishing effort displacement effect of the closures (ie, how many fishing boats would be crowded into other fishing grounds?)

· How would the State’s compensation be calculated for onshore and offshore businesses?
· How can recreational fishermen be catered for to ensure children, parents and grandparents can go fishing and not risk breaking the law?

Senator Boswell pointed out that a radio interview this morning with Professor Paul Greenfield, Chair of the Scientific Advisory Panel for the Queensland Labor Government’s Moreton Bay's Zoning Plan Review, confirmed that a minimum of 10% of the Bay was earmarked for fishing closures, and suggested that this figure could be much higher.

Professor Greenfield said on an ABC Radio interview on Friday "Clearly if you protect 33% of Moreton Bay, then you're protecting biodiversity better than if you protect 10%. But we have said 10% as a minimum. I don't know what number people are going to come up with, because there will be conflicts between different actual or potential users."

“Until a comprehensive, pre-emptive impact statement is produced, Moreton Bay commercial and recreational fishermen should refuse to come to the table, or risk being left high and dry by Labor, as we predicted would happen before the state election,” Senator Boswell said.

[Chris Ryan]

So (as per my Green Zones post) do we put our collective weigth behind Senator Boswell and his team to get him to have the Beattie government put the "real" agenda and figures on the table?? I am sure we can somehow lobby these people, we are all voters, all rate/tax payers, we all do the right thing and there are quite a few of us. Can we use our collective muscle somehow???

Or do we do what Adamy is suggesting and prepare to bend over and kiss our asses bye-bye?? Personally, I don't kiss ass, I prefer to kick it!!!

[fishingjew]

Tuesday, August 07, 2007


Craig Bohm
The Australian Marine Conservation Society has restated its concerns about the health of the Park and called for high levels of protection, consistent with those being called for by the Park’s scientific reference panel.
http://www.westender.com.au/cmsimages/dugong.jpg

Spokesperson for the society Craig Bohm said: “An even-handed, impartial review of the marine park is already underway. Why call for another review?”


“On 1 September 2008, the Marine Park (Moreton Bay) Zoning Plan 1997, expires. This year the Queensland Government engaged a panel of 12 independent, scientific experts as well as nearly 30 independent stakeholders to infuse an updated review with expert, independent advice on the biological, physical, social, cultural and economic characteristics of the marine park.”
The Independent Scientific Panel for Moreton Bay Marine Park recently said that at least 10 percent of each habitat in the Park needs to be protected in high conservation “green zones” but that amounts recommended in the scientific literature fall in the range of 20% - 40%. They also said that presently less than 1% of the world’s oceans are protected in marine protected areas, and this is the same in Moreton Bay Marine Park.


“Some 200 threatened turtles are found sick, injured or dead in Moreton Bay Marine Park each year. An average of 15 dugongs die within the Park in this same period. Moreton Bay has also already lost 50% of saltmarshes and a 20% of seagrasses. We need to secure a better future for this special place.”


“Queensland has the highest boat ownership in Australia and a booming population. The rezoning of Moreton Bay is an opportunity to secure our wildlife, our fish stocks and our lifestyle.”


“Conservationists support any positive contribution to the rezoning process as long as it helps us secure the high levels of protection our Park and its wildlife desperately needs,” Bohm concluded.


According to the EPA, fishing and collecting are not permitted in green zones but snorkeling, boating, swimming and scuba diving are.


Craig Bohm, Australian Marine Conservation Society


Additional Information



Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan Review
Scientific Guiding Principles Recommended by the Expert Advisory Panel (extract)
Amount of protection required
There are no hard and fast rules to determine the extent of protection required to conserve marine biodiversity and ensure long-term sustainability. Each region must be examined on its own merits and decisions made that take into account the unique aspects of its oceanography, geography, history, flora and fauna, as well as present and future socio-economic factors.


The International Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has recommended 10% of each country’s ecological regions (i.e. habitat types) be conserved in marine protected areas. Amounts recommended in the scientific literature generally fall in the range of 20% - 40% of the ocean”s environment in no-take areas1. Presently less than 1% of the world”s oceans are protected in marine protected areas.


Biodiversity conservation and the current zoning plan

The Expert Advisory Panel believes the current level of no-take areas in Moreton Bay Marine Park does not provide suitable protection for the biodiversity values of the area because:


• at present Moreton Bay Marine Park has just 0.5% included in no-take areas “well below international recommendations;


• the no-take areas are small, widely separated areas, largely confined to coral reefs and mangrove habitats; and

• many significant habitats within Moreton Bay Marine Park are not protected in no-take areas.