Expansion of Macquarie Island Marine Park

I fully support the proposed expansion and upgraded classification.

Historically, Macquarie Island's environment has trashed. Initially by the wholesale destruction of the fur seal colony and penguin harvesting and then by the introduction of invasive species, particularly rats, mice, rabbits and cats. Fortunately , these threats have now been dealt with - but ongoing biosecurity is essential.
We now see potential threats to this and other natural areas from often ill-considered tourism ventures. Macquarie island must be protected from over-exploitation from tourism - which imposes a biosecurity risk.

I am pleased to see that nearly all fishing is banned - however, given that some endangered species forage here, I'd like to see longline banned, except for ethically authorised research purposes.

I am very pleased to see that Macquarie Island's unique flora, fauna and geomorphology will receive improved protection and that the risks imposed by climate change have at least been recognised. However, legislation and regulations must be backed up by consistent monitoring of commercial fishing activities by other countries and/or external operators (poachers)!