AUSTRALIAN FISHING AND LIFESTYLE PARTY

POSITION STATEMENT RE SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The AFLP is opposed to the introduction of MPA's ("MARINE PARKS") in SA

For the following reasons

A. Adequate legislation already exists in SA that covers the marine environment and fishing practices. Currently there are more than a dozen marine parks/aquatic reserves; closed seasons; protected species; possession limits; bag limits; boat limits; size limits & commercial restrictions/quotas etc. We believe management by exclusion should be a last resort and management regimes should be put in place, which allow the continued involvement of human activity, in a reasonable and sustainable manner.

B. We believe that SA still has a relatively pristine marine biodiversity and, the potential of climate change , sewer outfalls, storm water runoff and a few commercial fishing practices have done/ or can do far more harm, than recreational fishing, aquaculture, most commercial fishing and pleasure boating will ever do. Humans, just being on this planet have an effect on its biodiversity.

C. Based on prior experience, introduction of mpa's results in lockouts for, boaters, recreational, charter and commercial fishers but do nothing to reduce other impacts.

D. Based on the Queensland experience this legislation has the potential to cause unnecessary hardship and distress to commercial and recreational fishers, boaters, tackle & bait shops, the marine industry and associated industries alike.

E. There exists the potential for huge compensation claims from affected industries/businesses, resulting in an unnecessary expense for the Australian taxpayer, with the economic and socio-economic costs of proposed legislation, borne by the community, which in Qld exceeded 200 million dollars.

F. MPA's require regulation and policing, resulting in increased burden to the taxpayer with no demonstrated economic benefits.

G. People in general respect and care for the environment. Our motto is:            

"EDUCATION not REGULATION"

H. The stress and anxiety caused by this legislation and its complexity will mean that many Australians will give up "their right to enjoy the great outdoors"