The Nature Conservation Council of NSW has launched an online campaign calling for Coalition Leader Barry O'Farrell to ensure his proposed ‘scientific review’ of marine parks will be truly independent and free of partisan politics.
“The Nature Conservation Council welcomes the Coalition announcement that it will, if elected, conduct a ‘scientific review’ of marine parks and sanctuaries. However, we need further detail on how the Coalition will ensure the review is genuinely independent and unfettered by political interference,” CEO Pepe Clarke said today.
“The Coalition’s fisheries spokesperson, Duncan Gay, has previously described marine parks as “voodoo environmentalism” and led a public campaign to stop the “marine park lockout”. Mr Gay has promised to weaken protection for the critically endangered Grey Nurse Shark in his first week of being elected.
“Given these comments, we need Mr O’Farrell’s assurance the Coalition has not pre-empted the findings of the marine parks review. A review designed to achieve a pre-determined outcome would squander this vital opportunity for improving the health of our oceans and fish populations.
“An overwhelming majority of scientific reports from all over the world show marine parks work. Marine parks and their sanctuaries increase the numbers of fish, the size of fish and diversity of species found in an area.
“Currently only 7 per cent of NSW’s coastal waters are fully protected in marine sanctuaries. Our precious marine environment deserves more protection, not less.
“We are asking the community to send a clear message that any scientific review of our marine parks must be informed by the best available science and independent of any political agenda,” Mr Clarke said.
View the online petition here .
Photo: Attila Bicskos
