Trawlers allowed in new Kimberley marine park

ABC News

Conservation groups have heralded the State Government's announcement of Camden Sound Marine Park as a significant win for the Kimberley.

But the Opposition is questioning why trawl fishing will still be allowed.

The park is the first of four to be created in the Kimberley and will cover 7,000 square kilometres of sea and coastline 300 kilometres north of Broome.

The park will cost the State Government $10 million over four years. The other parks will be created at Eighty Mile Beach, Roebuck Bay and the North Kimberley.

The Environment Minister Bill Marmion says a special zone will protect one of the world's biggest whale nurseries, with boats required to stay at least 500 metres away from the animals.

"In that particular special purpose zone, the whale zone we know there is about 1000 whales that calve there between June and November each year so this area will be protected, the conservation values will be protected,' he said.

Almost half the park will be closed to fishing trawlers, while about 20 per cent will be closed to other forms of commercial fishing.

Paul Gamblin from World Wildlife Fund says it is a huge win for conservation.

"We think levels of protection could be increased down the track, but overall we think this is a great plan," he said.

Unhappy

However, the Opposition's environment spokeswoman Sally Talbot disagrees.

"Trawling has no place in a marine park, so it's bitterly disappointing," she said.

"In an area like Camden Sounds, we would have expected an exclusion zone of about 70 per cent. Yet the Barnett Government will only close 23 per cent of the park to commercial fishing."

Ms Talbot says the Government should help the trawl sector move into trap and line fishery.

The state's Fishing Industry Association has questioned the government's commitment to compensating commercial fishermen.

About four north west companies will be banned from fishing commercially in some areas of the marine park.

The government promised compensation would be paid, if appropriate.

The association's chief executive Guy Leyland says those words imply that compensation is conditional.

"Ah we find that comment curious in regard to 'if appropriate'. Frankly, there's a statutory requirement for the government to pay compensation for affected commercial operators who are removed from these areas," he said.

The park will be formally created in the next few months.

Commercial fishing restrictions in Kimberley's Camden Sound marine park

PROTECTION: The Camden Sound marine park will ensure protection of a valuable breeding ground for migrating humpbacks.Source: Annabelle Sandes - Kimberley Media

COMMERCIAL fishing will be phased out and recreational fishers required to release their catch in a new Kimberley marine park announced by the State Government.

The new marine sanctuary, known as Camden Sound, will cover 7000sq m of coastline about 300km north-east of Broome.

Under the plan, pearling operations will have designated areas, half of the area will be closed to commercial trawl fishing and 23 per cent will be closed to all forms of commercial fishing.

For the first time in WA, the State Government has also introduced a "wilderness" fishing zone within the sanctuary, where recreational fishers and charter boats will be required to release their catch or eat it before leaving the area.

The plan comes a month after the government announced commercial fishing would be banned along sections of the South-West coast as part of the Ngari Capes Marine Park plan.

Related Coverage

• New marine park to cover 209,000haHerald Sun, 30 Sep 2011
• Hervey Bay a whale waystationCourier Mail, 25 Sep 2011
• Whale baby boom 'biggest in 50 years'The Australian, 23 Sep 2011
• Native title ruling on Kimberley archipelagoPerth Now, 26 May 2011
• Aquatic AdventuresPerth Now, 9 May 2011

Premier Colin Barnett said the new Camden Sound Marine Park would be one of the biggest sanctuaries in the state and protect a vital humpback whale calving area.

Thousands of humpback whales that annually migrate along the west coast will have increased protection under the plan, he said.

"Camden Sound is internationally recognised as the biggest calving area for humpback whales in the southern hemisphere with more than 1,000 humpbacks found there during the calving season," Mr Barnett said.

“They are part of the biggest population of humpback whales in the world - numbering almost 30,000 - that migrate from Antarctica each year to give birth in the waters off the north of our State.”

Environment Minister Bill Marmion said vessels within a "special purpose zone" would be required to remain at least 500m from humpback mothers and calves

“There will also be two sanctuary zones comprising about 20 per cent of the marine park area around Champagny Islands and Montgomery Reef, which is exposed on the outgoing tide to reveal a series of awe-inspiring waterfalls.

“Montgomery Reef sanctuary zone, at 761 square kilometres, will become the biggest sanctuary zone in the WA marine park system."

Camden Sound is the first of four new marine parks to be created under the State Government's $63million Kimberley Science and Conservation Strategy.

Wilderness Society marine campaigner Jenita Enevoldsen said the conservation group welcomed the announcement as the Kimberley marine environment was one of the natural wonders of the world. 

"The region is one of Australia's last remaining large and healthy refuges for many threatened species including: humpback whales, snubfin dolphins, dugongs, saw sharks and six of the seven sea turtle species," Ms Enevoldsen said. 

"Camden Sound Marine Park is the right way forward for the Kimberley. It recognises that the future for this region is in protecting and promoting its unique natural and cultural values through a conservation economy, not in pursuing unnecessary and destructive industrial projects such as the James Price Point gas hub - which would be located in the unprotected southern end of the Kimberley humpback whale nursery." 

Conservation Council of WA's Tim Nicol said the marine park showed leadership and vision from the Premier "at a time when the future of the Kimberley is at a crossroads".

Mr Barnett said other parks would be created at Eighty Mile Beach, Roebuck Bay and the North Kimberley.

He said "where appropriate" compensation would be paid to fishing operations impacted by new regulations within Camden Sound.

The marine park will be jointly managed by the Department of Environment and Conservation and the traditional owners, including the Dambimangari and Uunguu people.

The marine park is expected to be created by mid-2012.

Fishing feud threatens marine plan

DANIEL MERCER, The West Australian

Updated July 15, 2011, 2:30 am

Premier Colin Barnett's much-touted Camden Sound marine park in the Kimberley has hit a hurdle amid a turf war between Environment Minister Bill Marmion and Fisheries Minister Norman Moore.

Weeks ahead of the expected release of the multimillion-dollar final plan, it is understood the two ministers and their departments have reached a stalemate over the issue of sanctuary, or "no-take", zones.

The impasse is believed to centre on the draft plan's so-called "wilderness fishing zone" in a prized area of the 700,000ha park.

The proposed zone, which was pushed by Mr Moore and approved by then environment minister Donna Faragher, would allow recreational fishing at Montgomery Reef but forbid commercial angling.

There are also believed to be tensions between the two ministers over another reef system around Champagny Island, which has been designated a sanctuary zone. Mr Moore who has questioned the value of no-take areas, is understood to be concerned the decision could cripple a Kimberley-based mackerel fishing operation.

Environmental groups have branded wilderness fishing outrageous, claiming it fails to protect one of the most biologically important areas of the park, while professional fishers have derided it as a nonsense and discriminatory.

Prominent marine scientist Jessica Meowing, of the University of WA, said the differences between Mr Marmion and Mr Moore seemed intractable and threatened to derail the process.

She called on Mr Barnett, who has called the park one of the most significant environmental developments in WA, to intervene.

The WA Fishing Industry Council, which represents commercial fishers, said the proposed sanctuary zones should be scrapped because they were unnecessary and not based in reliable evidence.

WAFIC has previously argued there should instead be seasonal closures to protect whales.

Recreational fishing lobby Redfishes also questioned the validity of no-take zones, but has welcomed the provision of wilderness fishing areas.

Strong demand for WA Seafood this Easter

By Matt Brann and Stephen Stockwell, ABC online Thursday, 05/04/2012 Western Australian seafood companies are enjoying strong demand for their product heading into the Easter long-weekend. Marine Produce Australia, which runs a barramundi farm off the Kimberley coast, will supply 25 tonnes of fish to markets right across Australia. Head of marketing, Jason Simpson, says demand will easily outstrip supply. "Like any fish produce for Easter it's all hands on deck," he says. "We'll basically harvest 25 tonnes for Easter and if we had the fish, we'd easily double that, no problem whatsoever." "We unfortunately have to tell our customers that we can't really do much extra this week." Prawn trawlers in Shark Bay have come back to port just in time for Easter. Graeme Stewart from the local Prawn Trawler Operators Association, says at the moment there's a lot of smaller sized prawns in the fishery. "The is a more than normal amount of smaller sized prawns, and so we've gone and caught the largest prawns and the trawlers will have a break to allow the rest to catch up in size," he says. Mr Stewart reckons customers can't go past a good King Prawn this Easter. "If you're going to have seafood have the best is my view, a few King Prawns on the BBQ or however you like, it's just impossible to beat."

Fish frenzy

29th March: On watch from 2am on SPV Odyssey and cruising down the Dampier Peninsula, I was astonished to see schools of prawns and sardines dancing in the glare of the spotlights off Pender Bay. This was the last leg of another amazing 21 day “big wet” cruise along the Kimberley coast, extending from the Prince Regent River to Broome.

The ocean has again come to life after Cyclone Lua earlier in the month. The abundance of fishlife was evident around Montgomery Reef, but most impressive along the Dampier Peninsula. As the day dawned just to the south of the Lacepede Islands, hundreds of schools of baitfish, mackeral tuna, mackeral and finny scad emerged, hounded by flocks of terns and Boobies looking for an easy meal.

The abundance of baitfish and pelagics continued unabated all the way south to Willie Creek, just to the north of Broome. This was reminiscent of an similar bait event that occurred in 2009, which we witnessed from the air around the same time of year. This is again a delightful reminder of the richness of the marine environment along the Kimberley coast. 2012 should also be a great year for the humpback whales that come to feed along the Dampier Peninsula.

Richard Costin

Protect the Kimberley - Camden Sound Marine Park and Montgomery Reef

If you'd like to help gain real marine protection for this important part of the Kimberley coast:

1. Go the the website likenowhereelse.org.au and sign the petition.
2. Write to the Premier of Western Australia, Colin Barnett
3. Email the Premier Premier.Barnett@dpc.wa.gov.au
4. Write to your local MP

$1m Refurbishment at Iconic Kimberley Coast Retreat

20 Feb 2012

SOLAR power, handmade timber furnishings, ocean and earth colour themes, a custom built boat, unique ‘Outback bar’, and a new jetty to work around the massive 7 meter tides are just some of the recent upgrades at the exclusive Kimberley Coastal Camp in the far north Kimberley of WA. 
 
Following its sale in late 2010, over $1m has already been spent on upgrades at the luxury wilderness retreat with more to be expected in coming years.
 
In keeping with the rustic yet refined theme of Kimberley Coastal Camp, furniture has been handmade in the South West of WA by local craftsmen. “A lot of thought has gone into each and every decision on this project”, commented manager Kevin Dean. “If it’s not unique, then it’s not for us”. 
 
The new solar power system produces over 80% of the camp’s daily power and repeat guests will notice the absent hum of the diesel powered generator. What more can be said about an Outback bar? “I guess you’ll have to see for yourself on that one” said Kevin.
 
Kimberley Coastal Camp’s reputation for unparalleled hospitality remains unchanged, with a high staff to guest ratio of 1 staff member to a maximum 3 guests. All inclusive packages at Kimberley Coastal Camp start from $2594 per person for 2 nights and guests can choose to spend their days viewing some of the world’s oldest rock art - Gwion Gwion, or the more recent Wandjina rock art, bushwalking, fishing, birdwatching, mudcrabbing, or just relaxing in the peaceful surrounds of the Admiralty Gulf. Packages include transfers from one of 4 Kimberley locations, meals, beverages, accommodation, all activities and a scenic flight over the Mitchell Falls.
 
Kimberley Coastal Camp is open from late March to October each year. 
Telephone: 0417 902 006 Email: info@kimberleycoastalcamp.au 
Web: www.kimberleycoastalcamp.com.au

fishingworld.com.au

Marine chief cautious on sanctuaries

DANIEL MERCER, The West Australian

Updated December 19, 2011, 4:00 am

Sanctuary zones where all fishing is banned should be considered sparingly and only if there was overwhelming evidence of their need, according to WA's new marine parks adviser.

In his first interview as chairman of the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority, Tom Hatton said there was potential merit in "no-take" zones but they should not affect anglers unfairly.

Dr Hatton, a marine scientist and director at the CSIRO, indicated that he might also support controversial ideas put forward by recreational fishers opposed to sanctuary zones.

These include so-called wilderness fishing areas where recreational fishing was allowed but all other "extractive activities", such as commercial fishing and oil and gas drilling, were forbidden.

The comments are a significant departure from the position of Dr Hatton's predecessor, Eric Streitberg, who argued that sanctuary zones were essential if authorities were to protect valuable fish and marine species.

They also raised eyebrows among green groups as the Government thrashes out plans for a series of marine parks in State waters, including the much-touted Camden Sound proposal in the Kimberley.

"There's enough potential merit in (sanctuary zones) from place to place that they should be seriously considered," Dr Hatton said.

"But they need to be based on the best available scientific evidence and an understanding of potential impacts on recreational and commercial fishing and other users."

Environment Minister Bill Marmion said Dr Hatton would help create a world-class, comprehensive system of marine parks with two other MPRA board appointees.

Conservation Council of WA executive director Piers Verstegen said the appointments could weaken the resolve of the MPRA to establish marine parks with sanctuary zones.

He feared Premier Colin Barnett would not deliver on his significant commitments to marine protection if MPRA appointments were out of step with the latest science and community sentiment.

Fishing fears stall marine parks

Daniel Mercer

The West Australian

Attempts to set up marine parks in WA's waters are getting bogged down amid fears about how they will affect fishers, the Barnett Government's marine parks advisor has warned.

Marine Parks and Reserves Authority chairman Eric Streitberg said negative perceptions were dominating the debate about marine parks at the expense of their "demonstrable" benefits.

Writing in the authority's annual report, the respected oil and gas industry veteran noted the difficulty in reaching a balance between conservation and "extractive use" interests, namely fishing.

He said the situation was invariably leading to "processes that are often very protracted".

"The debate over reserves is often dominated by the perceived negative impacts on extractive users, and what is often overlooked, or lost sight of in the debate, are the demonstrated major positive social and economic benefits of reserves," Mr Streitberg wrote.

Mr Streitberg's comments come as the Government continues to struggle in its efforts to establish a network of marine parks in State waters between the coast and three nautical miles offshore.

Despite touting the proposed Camden Sound marine park in the Kimberley as one of Australia's most important conservation projects in 2009, Premier Colin Barnett has failed deliver an outcome.

A number of other marine parks, including one off WA's South West coast, have stalled as differences between Environment Minister Bill Marmion and Fisheries and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore reach stalemate.

World Wildlife Fund WA director Paul Gamblin backed Mr Streitberg's concerns, saying the uncertainty shrouding the marine park debate in WA was leading to longer delays on proposals.

Mr Gamblin said people were often receptive to marine parks once they had been established but the delays were fuelling fears about them.

"The focus on some of the negatives can be exacerbated by delay," he said.

"People generally don't like uncertainty.

"The longer you stretch out these processes the more uncertain they can become and it doesn't foster the environment where you get the best outcomes."

New conference facilities for Kimberley Coast

KIM BENJAMIN, 16 November 2011 

The Berkeley River, a multi-million dollar development located on the Kimberley Coast in Western Australia is scheduled to open next year.

The property will feature 20 suites with panoramic ocean views and a main lodge with state of the art conference facilities.  

Incentive activities including boat cruises, fishing and helicopter rides will also be available.

http://www.citmagazine.com/News/MostEmailed/1104716/New-conference-facilities-Kimberley-Coast/