‘Thin end of the wedge’: NSW bans fishing in new marine sanctuaries

The NSW government has announced a ban on recreational fishing at 25 sites around Sydney as it rolls out what it says are protection measures to enhance marine biodiversity in the region.

It means sites along the NSW coast stretching from Newcastle to Wollongong – and including a number throughout Sydney Harbour and Botany Bay – will be recognised as sanctuary zones, with blanket bans on fishing from beaches and coastline, and boats coming within 100 metres of the shoreline.

The marine park proposals have angered the recreational fishing community. “I wonder if they have worked out or care how much money [recreational] fishers generate into the NSW economy via licences, taxes through purchasing fuel, fishing tackle, marine equipment or accomodation to fish these areas,” one fishing enthusiast posted on Facebook.

“It’s an absolute disgrace. Thin end of the wedge,” he said.

Areas within Sydney Harbour facing recreational fishing exclusion include Long Reef, Cabbage Tree Bay, North Harbour, Chowder Bay, Camp Cove, Nielsen Park and
Bronte-Coogee, a map of the proposed sanctuaries show.

“The decision to rezone the 10 sites from sanctuary zone to habitat protection zone to make shore-based recreational line fishing lawful, means that recreational line fishing from the shore will continue to be allowed along 44 kilometres of coastline in the Cape Byron, Solitary Islands, Port Stephens-Great Lakes and Batemans marine parks,” NSW Fisheries director general Geoff Allan said.

“We have had over 6600 submissions about this proposal. We acknowledge that there are a range of passionate views out there among those that use and value ocean beaches and headlands,” he said.

“Following a five-year amnesty on compliance action with regard to recreational line fishing from ocean beaches and headlands zoned sanctuary, these changes now bring certainty for our state’s fishers.”

However, while recreational fishers keep access to 44km of coastline, they will be locked out of about 43km of coastline under the changes.

“The rezoning follows the removal of the compliance amnesty from 20 other beach and headland sanctuary zones in December 2014,” Dr Allan said. “There is no longer an amnesty in place at any marine park, and sanctuary zone rules are being enforced.

Boats and spearfishing will continue to be barred at all 30 ocean beach and headland sites, while any other pre-existing restrictions including bag and size limits will continue to apply, the government said.

The Sydney marine park proposal is the first stage of the decade-long Marine Estate Management Strategy introduced by the Berejiklian government last year. Among its goals are delivering healthy coastal habitats with sustainable use and development, and ensuring sustainable fishing and aquaculture.