Expansion of Macquarie Island Marine Park

From attachment "Tasmanians for Marine Parks_Macquarie Island"

Tasmanians for Marine Parks would like to commend the decision to extend the boundaries to the full extent of the Macquarie Island Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Considering the low levels of utilization of this area and the importance of the marine ecosystems in this region, it is entirely appropriate for the marine park to assume the full extent of the EEZ.

We would also like to applaud the decision to zone some of this area as IUCN Category II, National Park. IUCN Category II allows for some of the highest levels of the protection, with impacts limited to scientific research, and considering the amount that is still unknown about this area, allowing for further research while limiting commercial activities in order to protect ecosystems, habitats and species is the wise decision.

Some of our members have expressed concerns about a general tendency in Commonwealth marine parks proposals to include large areas of abyssal plain and leave areas with high natural values open to exploitation, especially fishing. We make the observation that while the overall proposal is positive, the main benefit lies in extending high protection zones along the Macquarie Ridge.

We note that the Habitat Protection Zone which has been carved out to allow for the continued operation of the Patagonian Toothfish industry may not represent the best boundaries for the other species that use this area. It seems likely the western offshore area covered by the Habitat Protection Zone is an important area to protect as it is likely a convergence of transiting routes to the island for birdlife and seals.

We would recommend further limits on the size of the habitat zone especially on the close western side of Macquarie Island to increase protection for the species using this area. Reducing the size of the Habitat Zone and increasing the area of IUCN Category II/Sanctuary zone, will mean that more of the high value seafloor is adequately protected. Our suggestion is to push the Sanctuary zone further west off the Island and shrink the Habitat Zone on its northern, north eastern and southern edges. Even a modest resizing will include more of the important sea ridge in IUCN Category II and Sanctuary Zones and reduce potential impacts on marine life while affecting the fishery catch very little. Ultimately, in our opinion, the smaller the Habitat Zone the better. No commercial fishing at all is even better.

From attachment "Tasmanians for Marine Parks_Macquarie Island"

Considering the isolation of the proposed Extension to the Macquarie Island Marine Park, pressures on the environment are mostly indirect, consisting of climate change, pollution from distant population centers and the expansion of tourism. The obvious pressure is from the continuance of fishing in the area, and while we recognise the importance of the Patagonian Toothfish industry, we ask that further consideration be given to its impacts and the size and boundaries of the area in which fishing is allowed. The possibility of allowing potting in the area is of some concern and from the point of view of conserving the globally recognised natural values of this region, likely unnecessary.

We note that at present this is a single vessel longline fishery only, with a record of low risks of seabird and sea mammal impacts because stringent risk management measures are in place. We note comments by AFMA which state the record of the fishery as “There have been no seabird interactions with fishing gear in the MITF since operations began in 1994. There has been one marine mammal interaction with the fishing gear in the MITF.”

While we acknowledge the high standards claimed for the fisheries operating in this area, ensuring compliance with the safeguards for birds and by-catch is paramount. Further funds should be allocated to research the impact of the fishery. If in future the fishery is unable to operate with such an apparent low impact, the zoning should be reevaluated.

From attachment "Tasmanians for Marine Parks_Macquarie Island"

The retention of the new Sanctuary zone limiting most direct human impacts is most welcome. The inclusion of managed commercial tourism in the National Park zone means that this area can be appreciated sensibly and hopefully encourage many to advocate for this important ecosystem.

Tasmanians for Marine Parks would like to see further commitment beyond what is outlined in the activity table to limiting expansion of allowed fisheries in the Habitat Protection Zone. In particular we would like to see a blanket ban on krill fisheries in the area and specific mention of this made in the management plan.

From attachment "Tasmanians for Marine Parks_Macquarie Island"

Overall, the proposed Macquarie Island Marine Park is a positive development that will have significant benefits for marine conservation in Australia and around the globe.

The success of the Macquarie Island Marine Park will depend on ongoing monitoring and enforcement. It's crucial that the park be adequately funded and staffed to ensure that regulations are followed and the marine ecosystem is protected in the long term.