Four-month comment period open for South Coast Marine Park management and zoning plans

A four-month window for the public to have a say on management of the proposed 581,380ha South Coast Marine Park has opened.

The proposed marine park, stretching from Bremer Bay to Eucla, will be a first for WA’s south coast and will be split into four smaller parks for the purpose of management.

Management plans for the Mamang Maambakoort, Wudjari, Western Bight and Mirning marine parks were published for public comment on Friday.

The Mamang Maambakoort Marine Park extends outward from a 140km stretch of coastline from Bremer Bay to Mason Bay.

It outlines proposed areas for whale conservation, cultural protection, sanctuary and general use.

The area, which falls within the established South West Native Title Settlement, would be proposed to be jointly administered by Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Cooperation and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

The DBCA has been leading 18 months of extensive consultation, with support of traditional owners, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and community reference committee consulting with key stakeholders.

Fisheries Minister Don Punch said the State Government would consider feedback from all stakeholders in order to achieve a vision of a well-balanced marine park.

“Previous marine parks established in WA have demonstrated the compatibility of marine parks and sustainable economic activity and I am confident that we can reach the same outcome on the South Coast,” he said.

Across the entire proposed South Coast Marine Park, 330,000ha has been set aside as sanctuary divided into 31 zones, eight of which are in Mamang Maambakoort.

There are 20 cultural special purpose zones covering an area of 172,210ha, of which there are two in Mamang Maambakoort.

More than half of the proposed area across the marine park will be zoned for general use and three special conservation zones for whale conservation will span an area of 75,790ha.

Mamang Maambakoort is proposed to include one whale conservation zone.

One special purpose zone is proposed near Cape Arid for wildlife conservation over an area of 3380ha.

Environment Minister Reece Whitby said an extended comment period had been opened because “community feedback will be critical to ensuring we achieve our vision of a world-class marine park”.

“Our vision is to create a marine park rivalling Ningaloo and the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.

“It will be the first ocean marine park along WA’s south coast, filling a key gap in the State’s marine reserve system.

“Where possible, we’ve ensured both locals and visitors can still enjoy their favourite recreational fishing locations whilst also noting activities such as diving, boating and beach driving will not be impacted by this initiative.”

Submissions on the management plans and zoning schemes can be made on the DBCA website.

The public comment period is open until June 16.