Marine Parks where first talked about in the year 2002, the then government introduced “SAMPIT” (South Australia Marine Park Information Tool), an online and hardcopy information tool to help people identify coastal areas that were important to fishing. The area that affects our association is “Area 19” which covers from the Victorian border to Cape Buffon
Marine Parks have 4 zones;
- General managed use - no change to existing use, but managed as part of the park. All recreational activities, including fishing, are allowed.
- Habitat protection - protects the sea floor. All recreational activities, including fishing, are allowed. Prawn trawling is prohibited from March 2013.
- Sanctuary – areas of high conservation value set aside for conservation and low-impact recreation. No fishing is allowed in these zones from 1 October 2014, but diving, surfing, swimming etc are welcome.
- Restricted access – areas that are off limits to the public (no entry)
In 2009 the outer boundaries were finalized for “Area 19” being adjacent to Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park in the south and adjacent to Canunda National Park
A consultation group was formed with members from the Recreational Fishing Association, Pro Fisherman, Abalone Industry and some other minority groups, from this group it was decided to limit the number of no fishing zones ( Sanctuary and Restricted Access zones ) to as few as possible and in areas where very few people fished within “Area 19”. As a result, the consultative group where able to limit the number of no fishing zones to 2 small areas.
1. An area near the Victorian Border.
2. An area at the Geltwood beach.
Within both of these areas only a few boat anglers fished but it may have a greater affect to some land base activities.
Both of the no fishing zones come into force late in the year 2014 with areas to be sign posted, for further information, log onto the marine parks web site and check under zones.
For anyone interested or requiring knowledge about Marine Parks visit the following web site;
