Since March last year, when Barry O’Farrell temporarily allowed fishing in marine sanctuary zones in NSW, community, business and environment groups have been calling for the sanctuaries to remain protected for the benefit of all.
Byron Bay’s own Stingrays swimming group rallied in opposition to the controversial state government plan to expose Wategos dolphins to injury.NSW State government is considering allowing permanent access in the less than seven per cent of sanctuary areas including beaches and headlands at Wategos and Cape Byron.
The Stingrays, who have been diving in at Wategos beach and swimming to Byron’s Main Beach each day for many years are alarmed at the threat to the important sanctuary.
Swimmers, kayakers, surfers, local business people, environment groups, scientists and concerned members of the community met at midday on Main Beach on Saturday 8th March to show support for Cape Byron Marine Sanctuary.
Stingray swimmer Tamara Smith is concerned for the future of the world-famous Cape Byron.“Byron is justifiably famous for the healthy environment that attracts tens of thousands of visitors to enjoy it each year.” “The health of our natural environment is vital to our local economy and the government plans put all of that at risk.” Said Tamara.
Former Greens MP Ian Cohen, Kathrina Southwell from Australian Seabird Rescue, Liz Hawkins from Dolphin Research Australia, Howie Cooke and Dave Rastovich from Surfers for Cetaceans and Cate Feahrmann from Save our Marine Life all spoke at the event, standing with the community calling on local member Don Page to support the views of his local constituents and oppose the controversial plan.
For more information: http://www.saveourmarinelife.org.au/nsw
