Survey shows importance of estuaries and coastline

The Marine Estate Management Authority (MEMA) recently released the results of a survey indicating the importance and value the NSW community and coastal visitors place on the NSW marine estate.

MEMA Chair, Dr Wendy Craik, said the results reflect the views of over 1,700 people across NSW who were randomly selected to obtain a representative sample of the community’s attitudes.

“We have taken the first step to ensure the views and ideas of the community are included in the new management regime for the marine estate: its estuaries, coastline and marine waters,” Dr Craik said.

“This process was guided by the MEMA paper Managing the NSW Marine Estate: Purpose, Underpinning Principles and Priority Settling, which outlines our aims to effectively engage communities as well as identify and prioritise benefits and threats to the marine estate.

“The survey results show that the community considers the health of the marine estate to be a core value that underpins the social, economic and environmental benefits derived from the estate.”

Survey respondents considered the natural beauty and biodiversity of the marine estate as important for regional tourism – 44 per cent of those surveyed considered the marketing and promotion of these values as a key economic opportunity.

Pollution of the marine estate, such as littering, spills and land-based runoff, was considered a major threat to the benefits of the estate, with 55 per cent of respondents believing the loss of appeal due to pollution is a key social threat. In addition, 62 per cent of respondents felt water pollution affecting the viability of tourism was the greatest economic threat to the marine estate.

Dr Craik said the feedback also showed the marine estate is considered integral to the NSW community’s social and cultural well-being, particularly for coastal Indigenous communities.

“A key social benefit for 48 per cent of respondents was knowing that the marine estate exists with all its natural beauty, even if they can’t visit it regularly,” Dr Craik said.

“The coast and estuaries offer countless opportunities for the community to socialise, stay healthy and active, and be part of nature.”

A number of key management opportunities have been identified through the survey, including addressing pollution; encouraging public involvement in decision-making and environmental action support programs; improving public education; working on increased public access; and moving to rehabilitate coastal habitats and address coastal inundation and erosion.

Dr Craik said that this is the first time the key social, economic and environmental values and benefits which the NSW community derive from the marine estate have been identified at a state-wide level.

“We also have an understanding of their views of threats to, and opportunities for, the marine estate,” Dr Craik said.

The full findings are now available on the marine estate reforms website at www.marine.nsw.gov.au/key-initiatives/marine-estate-community-survey

The results are also informing a number of marine estate reform projects including the proposed Marine Estate Management Act and Regulations, threat and risk assessment for the marine estate and the Marine Estate Management Strategy. 
Register to receive further information and updates on the marine estate reforms projects at contact.us@marine.nsw.gov.au

GPS Equipped EPIRB and BONUS Pack From GME for Christmas

In other news, and with the busy boating and fishing season upon us, anglers are reminded to check the battery expiry date on their beacons, do a self-test, and update registration details. And if you need a new beacon, here is a great deal just in time for Christmas:

Market leading Emergency Beacon manufacturer GME has released the MT600G in a special promotional BONUS Pack, just in time for Christmas. Coupled with the MT600G GPS equipped EPIRB is the versatile ET80 waterproof, twist-to-charge torch. The MT600G features enhanced GPS functionality ensuring faster location in an emergency situation, a ten year battery life and advanced self testing capability giving users greater peace of mind. Certified by COSPAS SARSAT for worldwide usage, the MT600G is an Australian made safety device that could save your life.

The ET80 torch features a unique twist-to-charge capability which means that your emergency torch will never be without charge. You can charge your torch via USB on the way to the boat ramp, and using the USB ‘out’ cable, charge other USB powered devices such as a phone. With three brightness modes plus S.O.S and strobe modes, the ET80 is a fantastic addition to your safety kit. To top it off, the ET80 even has a stainless steel bottle opener moulded into its base. Perfect for those hot summer days!

The MT600G BONUS Pack with ET80 torch is available at Authorised GME Marine Dealers at an RRP of $399 including GST during December and January or while stocks last.

Rob Paxevanos