Marine parks unnecessary

At the national conference on marine parks in November 2006, marine researchers and scientists from all over Australia, confirmed:

1) There is no overall long-term trends in fish abundance, either inside or outside so called "sanctuary zones" of the same type of habitat.

2) As an initiative for the protection of spawning stocks, there is no evidence or pattern of fish stocks being greater inside or outside so called "sanctuary zones".

The recent introduction of completely unnecessary marine parks with some of the best fishing spots in NSW now off limits will kill off what remains of our home grown tourism including the $1billion recreational fishing industry.

A seminal study by Ernst and Young has confirmed the devastating effect these bans will have on many coastal communities relying upon tourism for income.

Ken Bond Umina Beach