Ian Kiernan weighs in on Marine Park debate

by Jeni Bone on 20 Jan 2011 Solo sailor and Clean Up Australia (and Clean up the World) founder, Ian Kiernan AO has slammed what he calls 'Tinny politics', which he says is hampering the debate about Marine Parks.

Mr Kiernan, a legend in racing and philanthropic circles, points out that 'less than 5 per cent of the 16.5 million square kilometres of oceans around Australia are protected from the serious threats of overfishing and pollution, despite many of our marine species being found nowhere else'.

'Pollution, overfishing and entanglement in nets are just some of the many threats to the country's extraordinary oceans and marine life. Since 1989, the number of Australian fisheries that are overfished has increased from five to 15. These fisheries are among the most highly regulated in the world, yet the decline in our fish stocks continues.

'Action to protect our marine environment and boost fish stocks has been stifled all too often by election-cycle hysterics. The social, economic or scientific evidence does not support the claims of some politicians that marine protection costs jobs.'

In his article, published in the country's daily newspapers and online, he states that 'Sea parks are good for people and fish', and he urges the Federal Labor government to take the opportunity this year to 'deliver on its promise to improve ocean protection and become a world leader in marine conservation'.

He cites the recent findings from The University of Queensland study which can be considered 'a blueprint for protecting the future of fish stocks and marine life', while minimising the effect on industries such as commercial fishing.

'The government has all the evidence it needs to make an informed decision to create a network of large marine sanctuaries. Opponents who claim there is no evidence that sanctuaries work have lost credibility.'

He mentions the Coral Sea, for which he supports 'a large, world-class marine park, next to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park', a measure that he believes would ensure coral reefs and large populations of tuna, sharks and billfish remain healthy.

UQ's science based blueprint for managing Australia’s oceans was released in November 2010, the result of more than two years of analysis by the Ecology Centre at the University of Queensland and the involvement of 44 of the country’s leading marine and social scientists.

It recommends that '50 per cent of the oceans in the south west of the country will need to be protected in a network of marine sanctuaries to minimise risks to marine life, fish stocks and ecosystems'.

The UQ blueprint states that it also ensures costs to industry are minimised and a balance is achieved to allow economic and social activities to continue.

More at http://www.ecology.uq.edu.au/marine-blueprint