MPA and Customs join forces in Batemans Marine Park
Media release: 4 November 2008
The Marine Parks Authority and Australian Customs conducted a joint surveillance operation last week in the Batemans Marine Park.
Senior marine park officer Julian Brown said the operation with Customs was conducted at night using sophisticated equipment to target illegal fish trawling.
"Trawlers are only allowed to pass through the park with all nets on board. Any trawler found fishing within the park will face prosecution.
"This night-time joint operation with Customs covered a large section of the southern end of the park."
Batemans Marine Park extends from the most northerly point of Murramarang Beach near Bawley Point to the southern side of Wallaga Lake and covers approximately 85,000 hectares.
Mr Brown said the MPA was happy the majority of park users were doing the right thing and abiding by the marine park's zoning plan, while fishing within the park.
He said the Batemans Marine Park was open to many types of fishing and if in doubt all park users should reference the Zoning Plan Users Guide which is available from the Batemans Marine Park office at the corner of Graham and Burrawang Streets, Narooma or at http://www.mpa.nsw.gov.au/pdf/bmp-zoning-plan-users-guide.pdf.
The Batemans Marine Park contains a diverse range of habitats, including sponge gardens, beaches, rocky shores, kelp beds, coralline algal banks, rocky reefs, islands, seagrass, mangroves, and estuarine habitats and includes key habitat areas for the Grey Nurse Shark and seabird breeding areas.
Contact: Tonia Liosatos