jaybee
28-03-2004, 04:53 AM
The Australian Democrats are warning the Federal Government not to relax its stance on reef protection now that new marine sanctuaries have passed through the Senate.
Laws banning commercial fishing in about a third of the Great Barrier Reef will be introduced in the middle of the year.
The Federal Government is now talking to commercial fishermen about a structural development package for the industry.
Australian Democrats' environment spokesman, Senator Andrew Bartlett, says restricting commercial fishing is just the first step towards protecting the marine environment.
"The Government can't drop the ball on other areas that are threats to the marine park, such as climate change, land-based activity, water quality and uses on the reef and that links to the second thing that has to be done which is extra assistance, extra resourcing for the marine park authority," he said.
Last Update: Friday, March 26, 2004. 8:30 AM (AEST)
Laws banning commercial fishing in about a third of the Great Barrier Reef will be introduced in the middle of the year.
The Federal Government is now talking to commercial fishermen about a structural development package for the industry.
Australian Democrats' environment spokesman, Senator Andrew Bartlett, says restricting commercial fishing is just the first step towards protecting the marine environment.
"The Government can't drop the ball on other areas that are threats to the marine park, such as climate change, land-based activity, water quality and uses on the reef and that links to the second thing that has to be done which is extra assistance, extra resourcing for the marine park authority," he said.
Last Update: Friday, March 26, 2004. 8:30 AM (AEST)