Reef protection for The Crystals at Williamstown welcomed
Victorian National Parks Association
VNPA is calling on all political parties to match the commitment, reinstate sacked fisheries officers and undertake an independent assessment of marine areas to identify places most in need of protection.
Located just a few hundred metres beyond the existing sanctuary boundary, but part of the same rocky reef system, The Crystals is home to seahorses, stingrays, seagrass beds and other marine life. Extending protection would help safeguard this special reef from pressures including overfishing and other damaging activities.
The policy was announced yesterday by Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne and Environment Minister Jaclyn Symes. VNPA congratulates the Jawbone Marine Sanctuary Care Group, the Snorkel Sisters, Melbourne Open Water Swimmers and the thousands of locals who have championed protection for The Crystals.
‘Marine sanctuaries give wildlife safe places to live and breed. They’re a refuge from fishing and damaging activities, helping marine habitats cope with climate change. They’re places for people to connect with and enjoy nature,’ said Shannon Hurley, Nature Conservation Campaigner at VNPA.
‘This commitment is an important step towards protecting The Crystals for marine life and for people.’
Only about 5 per cent of Victoria’s marine waters are protected in marine national parks and sanctuaries where fishing is not allowed. That is the lowest marine protection for any Australian state.
‘We urgently need to expand Victoria’s marine protected area network and to restore fisheries officer numbers, to help our precious marine life thrive,’ said Hurley.
VNPA has outlined nine ways Victorian political parties can make nature a priority this election, including how they can look after marine life. Read more here: www.vnpa.org.au/what-nature-needs-this-election
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About VNPA
Victorian National Parks Association is an effective and influential nature conservation charity. We've led the creation, protection and defence of nature in Victoria for over 70 years.
VNPA advocates for evidence-based policy to safeguard wildlife, habitats and protected areas. We inspire connections with nature through citizen science, activities, community action and education.
We're an independent, non-government, for purpose and membership-based charity.