The proposed SCMP would cover some 1200 km from Bremer Bay to the SA border. Photo: WA Travel.
A proposal to establish a marine park along Western Australia’s southern coastline has received more than 19,000 submissions in just four months.
The proposal would see the South Coast Marine Park (SCMP) established from Bremer Bay near Albany to the South Australian border, some 1200 kilometres, and would spread about 5.5 km offshore to the limit of state waters.
The WA Government says the indicative boundaries of the SCMP have been developed in consultation with traditional owners, stakeholders and other community members. The comment period ran from February until 16 June, a period the government says was longer than was legally required.
The establishment of the SCMP will protect marine species such as the ruby seadragon, which is not found anywhere else in the world.
The area is also home to southern right whale nurseries, kelp forests, vulnerable seal and sea lion colonies, reefs and fisheries. The government says about 75 per cent of the proposed marine park will remain open for commercial and recreational fishing, while some areas will be reserved as sanctuaries or conservation areas.
The proposal has reportedly been welcomed by traditional owners and tourism groups, with Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation chair Gail Reynolds-Adamson saying it will allow traditional owners to share knowledge and provide jobs for the next generation.
But local commercial fishers oppose the plan, including Esperance’s Manue Daniels – who has two commercial vessels – telling the ABC in February that she felt what is a sustainable industry is misunderstood and doesn’t matter.
In late 2023, Shadow Fisheries Minister Colin de Grussa raised concerns about the integrity of the marine park proposal, saying the planning process had been dogged by controversy since its inception.
“We now have internal documentation which tells a very disturbing story,” he said in a 15 November, 2023, statement.
“Based on the draft zoning scheme, it does not appear that DBCA [Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions] has adopted a pragmatic approach to the zoning of the proposed SCMP.
“The current draft zoning scheme will likely result in the loss of several south coast fisheries and impact on the livelihoods of numerous fishers.”
The government says the DBCA has been engaging with the south coast community and industry about Western Australia’s newest marine park since 2021, and that the public submission process included an information station at Esperance, and meetings with commercial and recreational fishers, community groups, and local authorities.
It says the submissions will be analysed and assessed to assist in the development of the management plans for the four marine areas between Bremer Bay and the South Australian border.
The proposed SCMP plan. Image: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
Environment Minister Reece Whitby thanked Western Australia’s south coast communities for their high level of engagement during consultation on the proposal.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to create a world-class marine park that rivals Ningaloo or the Great Barrier Reef, and to protect the environmental values, economic benefits, and lifestyle that we know and enjoy,” he said.
I recognise the strength of feeling in the community on this issue and acknowledge the significant level of interest in the consultation.
“We are not going to rush this process and will now take the time to work through submissions in the coming months.
“Public submissions will be carefully considered to see how the plans can be improved to strike the right balance for the broader community.
“On behalf of the State Government, I again want to thank everyone who has contributed to this process.”
