Park to include inter-tidal zone

Dozens of marine invertebrate species, and the threatened birds that feed on them, have been protected by extensions to the coastal boundary of Bouddi National Park, according to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

The extension adds 14 hectares of inter-tidal zone, said NPWS Gosford area manager Mr Alan Henderson.

"Bouddi National Park is one of six NSW coastal parks and reserves being extended to protect inter-tidal zones, as part of the NSW Coastal Policy," Mr Henderson said.

"Seashore animals are being collected for food and bait in such large numbers that many are now very scarce in the greater Sydney area, including crabs, snails, cunjevoi, octopus, sea urchins, anemones, pipis, cockles, mussels, oysters and saltwater yabbies," he said.

"It is also having a flow-on effect on at least two vulnerable species which feed on them, the pied oystercatcher and sooty oystercatcher, which are regularly seen on Bouddi's coastal rock platforms.

"The extension of the park over the inter-tidal zone means that collecting seashore animals is now strictly prohibited within Bouddi National Park.

"People can continue to fish in the area, except within the long-standing marine protection area from Bullimah Beach to Bombi Point, but they now have to get their bait elsewhere."

Mr Henderson said dogs were also banned from the area because of the severe impact they can have on threatened species, seashore animals and rocky shore habitats.

"Other than trained assistance animals such as seeing eye and hearing dogs, domestic animals are now prohibited from all areas and beaches within Bouddi National Park including the eastern end of Putty Beach," he said.

"For information on dog exercise areas, people should contact their local council."

Otherwise, there has been no change to the activities permitted in the park.

People can continue to fish, bushwalk, scuba dive and enjoy the park just as they have in the past.

Mr Henderson said the extension had taken place following discussions with local recreational users and commercial fishers.

It was jointly implemented by all relevant government agencies.

Press release, April 8