| 20 August 2007
Stakeholders call for Moreton Bay Protection
Conservationists, Divers, Scientists and Marine Educators
today met with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA)
to discuss protecting Moreton Bay Marine Parks outstanding
threatened marine wildife and fish stocks.
The meeting represents the last in a series (of meetings)
that the EPA has been having with Moreton Bay stakeholders
including fishing interests and tourism operators.
Craig Bohm from the Australian Marine Conservation Society
said
"Our informal alliance reminded the EPA that scientists,
divers and educators are calling for better protection of
Moreton Bay. With less than 1% fully protected there is
a long way to go if we want to secure the future of the
Bay. Scientists are telling Governments across the globe
that we need to protect 20-50% of places like Moreton Bay
in green zones if we are to secure their future. What the
EPA has proposed in its Areas of Interest is a good start
(if they were all made green zones), but clearly the agency
must go further".
Simon Baltais from the Wildlife Preservation Society of
Queensland said,
"We expect practical scientific principles to be applied
by the EPA. With growing population and use pressures, Moreton
Bay needs high levels of protection to secure its future
if people are to continue to enjoy the Bay's many values".
END
Media Contact: Craig Bohm, phone: 0427 133 481.
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