Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan review launched

[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/c...dlines-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
Brendan McKenna
Brisbane Backpacker and Adventure Association – local ecotourism association
Brendan_Mckenna@palacebackpackers.com.au
Bruce Alvey
Moreton Bay Access Alliance – bait and tackle industry
balvey@alvey.com.au
Craig Bohm
Australian Marine Conservation Society – marine conservation organisation
craigbohm@amcs.org.au
Dayle Smith
Yachting Queensland – recreational yachting and boating
dsmith@lyonsmith.net
Eddie Venturini
Redcliffe City Council – Environmental Services
eddie_venturini@redcliffe.qld.gov.au
Grant Bennett
Moreton Bay Access Alliance and recreational fishing and boating
grbennett@iprimus.com.au
Greg Savige
Queensland Seafood Industry Association, commercial fishing and Lyngbya Management Working Group
GregSavige@##########
James Cullen
Moreton Bay Access Alliance and Boating Industry Association Queensland
jamescullen@stonescornermarine.com.au
Jane Clout
Queensland Aquaculture Industries Federation – aquaculture and oyster farming
jclout@kooringaloysters.com.au
John Dobson
Queensland Conservation Council – conservation organisation
dobsoncj@hotmail.com
John Johnston
Sunfish Queensland – peak representative body for recreational anglers
sunfish@modemss.brisnet.org.au
John Page
Moreton Bay Access Alliance and Moreton Bay Seafood Industry Association
johnpage@primusonline.com.au
Kathy Townsend
University of Queensland – marine research station (Dunwich)
kathy.townsend@uq.edu.au
Keith Hall
Moreton Bay Access Alliance and charter vessel operator
keith@incrediblecharters.com.au
Kellie Williams
Moreton Bay Access Alliance and Moreton Bay Seafood Industry Association
kelliewilliams1@##########
Kevin Chard
Australian Underwater Federation – representative body for spear fishers
k.chard@bigpond.net.au
Mark Olsen
Tourism Queensland – South East Queensland and Country tourism
mark.olsen@tq.com.au
Nathan Waltham
Gold Coast City Council – Catchment Management Unit
nwaltham@goldcoast.qld.gov.au
Paul McAntee
Brisbane City Council – Environmental Planning
Paul.X.McAntee@brisbane.qld.gov.au
Peter McCulkin
Department of State Development – marine and boating industry
peter.mcculkin@sd.qld.gov.au
Phillip Gaffney
Queensland Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries – fisheries management
Phillip.Gaffney@dpi.qld.bov.au
Richard Leck
WWF Australia – Brisbane branch of largest conservation organisation
rleck@wwf.org.au
Rob Lowe
Queensland Aquarium Supply Divers Association – aquarium collectors
roblowe@iinet.net.au
Simon Baltais
Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland (Bayside) – local conservation organisation
simon.baltais@citec.com.au
Tom Burns
Community Representative – bay side resident
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/c...dlines-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 )