Zoning: Conservation Targets Needed Written by Australian Marine Conservation Society release Thursday, 01 March 2007
Dead and stranded dugongs reported to the EPA in 2005
The Australian Marine Conservation Society last week welcomed the launch of the Moreton Bay Marine Park Review and welcomed the Queensland Government's commitment to securing a better future for this special place. Craig Bohm, spokesperson for the Society, said, "Moreton Bay Marine Park is used and loved by Queenslanders and we all have an interest in its long term health and productivity".
The Society called upon the Queensland Government to direct its expert scientific panel to set conservation targets to guide the review.
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Bohm said, "We need to know where the goal posts are - what level of protection is needed to make Moreton Bay healthy? We are calling on the Queensland Government to direct its expert scientific panel to set conservation targets to guide this important initiative. We can not leave the future of Moreton Bay to chance and politics".
"Moreton Bay Marine Park is our backyard and our playground. We all have a right to enjoy the Park's benefits but we all know it is under considerable stress and management changes are urgently needed," Bohm said.
"Some 200 threatened turtles and 15 dugongs (on average) die within the Park's borders each year," said Mr Bohm, "and already we have lost 50% of our bayside saltmarshes and a 20% of seagrasses - both important nurseries for fish and other wildlife," Bohm said.
Bohm concluded, "Our grandchildren have a right to enjoy and access the benefits of Moreton Bay Marine Park. Scientists must set conservation targets to secure a healthier and more productive future for this special place so we can continue to swim, snorkel, dive, sail and fish in this beautiful marine park."