WA: Management plan released for marine reserves

AAP General News (Australia)
04-09-2007
WA: Management plan released for marine reserves

PERTH, April 9 AAP - Management plans aimed at preserving and protecting several high
conservation value marine reserves have been released by the West Australian government.

The plans cover the Rowley Shoals Marine Park, the Montebello and Barrow Islands Marine
Conservation Reserves and the surrounding Barrow Island Marine Management Area, all in
the far north of the state.

"The Montebello and Barrow Islands are some of the most beautiful and unique marine
environments anywhere along the Western Australian coast and have significant recreational
and economic value," WA Environment Minister David Templeman said today.

"The Rowley Shoals feature a world-renowned oceanic reef system and are home to a stunning
array of tropical marine biodiversity which is unsurpassed anywhere in the State."

Under the management plans, 24 per cent of Rowley Shoals will be a sanctuary zone,
19 per cent will be a recreational zone and 57 per cent will be a general purpose zone,
which includes commercial fishing.

All of the Barrow Islands and 49 per cent of the Montebello islands will be a sanctuary
zone, while the remaining 51 per cent of the Montebello Islands will remain open to recreational
and commercial fishing.

Ninety five per cent of the Barrow Island Marine Management Area will be a general use zone.

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KEYWORD: MARINE

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