RecFish SA

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Marine House 300 Morphett St Adelaide 5000

RecFish SA supports marine park sanctuary zone in Gulf St Vincent

A marine park sanctuary zone around Pt Clinton to Pt Wakefield has been supported by RecFish SA. RecFish SA which is the peak body representing the interests of recreational fishers throughout South Australia, said they had carefully considered the scientific evidence which supported establishing a sanctuary zone in the region and believed it was valid. RecFish SA Chairman Brenton Schahinger said RecFish SA had been involved with the process to establish marine parks and dedicated sanctuary zones within the parks, for many years to help guide and influence sound decision making. During that time, the overwhelming concern conveyed to us by rec fishers has been related to the adverse impact that marine parks - and in particular, sanctuary zones will have on fishing access, Mr Schahinger said, Consequently RecFish SA has been working tirelessly to mi nimise the impact of sanctuary zones will have on rec fishing. However, RecFish SA does not have a policy of blanket opposition to sanctuary zones and believe that they can have benefits for all community members, including fishers. He said a sanctuary zone at the top of Gulf St Vincent was an example of where the benefits could be well established. For rec fishers, this is a crucial bio unit. Firstly, it is a rare inverse estuary, and importantly this unusual environment results in an extremely valuable eco system, which is a major nursery area to a whole range of species important to rec (and commercial) fishers such as garfish, King George whiting, yellow fin whiting, and prawns. It is also a spawning area for garfish and snapper, Mr Schahinger said. Its extensive tidal channels are important habitats for fish, crustaceans and bird life. The area is also of international importance for shorebirds and is home to 38 species of waterbirds some threatened and 11 listed under international treaties.

Mr Schahinger said RecFish SA appreciated that it was not always easy for some community members to accept the loss of access to something that been taken for granted for over a hundred years. If sound scientific evidence is presented which supports the closure of any particular area then we do consider it on its merits, as we want to make sure our members can continue to enjoy fishing for generations to come. That means that the protection of breeding areas can be justified in some regions, he said. For this reason, RecFish SA accepts that from a recreational fishing perspective, on balance, the benefits of declaring a sanctuary zone around Pt Clinton to Pt Wakefield far outweigh the disadvantages and strongly supports its implementation. However, a case can be made for maintaining minimal shore access, particularly at locations like Port Arthur, which has been an iconic camping and crabbing spot for travellers for many years and would have virtually zero environmental impact.