A WA parliamentary question addresses the scientific basis and adequacy of sanctuary zones within marine reserves, questioning the government's approach to meeting international standards and addressing concerns raised by the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority. The response indicates a flexible approach, citing examples of reserves with varying levels of protection.

AnsweredQoN 927Legislative Council
Asked
18 October 2007
Portfolio
Environment

QuestionView source ↗

MARINE PARKS AND RESERVES - SANCTUARY ZONES
With reference to the minister’s response to question without notice 885 dated 16 October 2007 and the lack of support in the response for the application of internationally recognised standards for sanctuary zones and marine reserves, I ask - (1) Does the Department of Environment and Conservation use scientifically based standards to establish the area and location of sanctuary zones and marine reserves? (2) If yes, what are these standards? (3) If no, why not? (4) Does the minister disagree with the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority’s statement that the area of sanctuary zones within WA’s marine reserves “remains a fundamental problem that needs resolution across the community”? (5) Are WA marine reserves promoted as meeting international standards? (6) If yes, on what basis. Hon ADELE FARINA

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for the Environment, I provide the following answer - (1) Yes. (2) The government draws on established reserve design principles in progressively establishing a comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system. Assessment is made of the habitats and species found in an area, the human uses of and pressures on those values and the appropriate management response. Responses include, but are not limited to, representative areas being included in highly protected areas such as sanctuary zones. (3) Not applicable. (4) While the minister acknowledges the comments made by the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority, the government supports a flexible approach to the level of representation in sanctuary zones within marine parks and reserves. While some marine parks and reserves have a relatively low level of sanctuary zone, other reserves have a high level of no-take sanctuary zones; for example, Barrow Island Marine Park and the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve are both 100 per cent no-take sanctuary zones. Montebello Islands Marine Park is over 49 per cent sanctuary zone, and the Rowley Shoals Marine Park is 24 per cent. (5) The government is working towards establishing a world-class marine reserve system; for example, Ningaloo Marine Park was recently expanded to include the entire Ningaloo Reef system, and now comprises 34 per cent sanctuary zone. (6) Not applicable.
(1) Does the Department of Environment and Conservation use scientifically based standards to establish the area and location of sanctuary zones and marine reserves? (2) If yes, what are these standards? (3) If no, why not? (4) Does the minister disagree with the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority’s statement that the area of sanctuary zones within WA’s marine reserves “remains a fundamental problem that needs resolution across the community”? (5) Are WA marine reserves promoted as meeting international standards? (6) If yes, on what basis. Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for the Environment, I provide the following answer - (1) Yes. (2) The government draws on established reserve design principles in progressively establishing a comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system. Assessment is made of the habitats and species found in an area, the human uses of and pressures on those values and the appropriate management response. Responses include, but are not limited to, representative areas being included in highly protected areas such as sanctuary zones. (3) Not applicable. (4) While the minister acknowledges the comments made by the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority, the government supports a flexible approach to the level of representation in sanctuary zones within marine parks and reserves. While some marine parks and reserves have a relatively low level of sanctuary zone, other reserves have a high level of no-take sanctuary zones; for example, Barrow Island Marine Park and the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve are both 100 per cent no-take sanctuary zones. Montebello Islands Marine Park is over 49 per cent sanctuary zone, and the Rowley Shoals Marine Park is 24 per cent. (5) The government is working towards establishing a world-class marine reserve system; for example, Ningaloo Marine Park was recently expanded to include the entire Ningaloo Reef system, and now comprises 34 per cent sanctuary zone. (6) Not applicable.
(2) If yes, what are these standards? (3) If no, why not? (4) Does the minister disagree with the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority’s statement that the area of sanctuary zones within WA’s marine reserves “remains a fundamental problem that needs resolution across the community”? (5) Are WA marine reserves promoted as meeting international standards? (6) If yes, on what basis. Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for the Environment, I provide the following answer - (1) Yes. (2) The government draws on established reserve design principles in progressively establishing a comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system. Assessment is made of the habitats and species found in an area, the human uses of and pressures on those values and the appropriate management response. Responses include, but are not limited to, representative areas being included in highly protected areas such as sanctuary zones. (3) Not applicable. (4) While the minister acknowledges the comments made by the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority, the government supports a flexible approach to the level of representation in sanctuary zones within marine parks and reserves. While some marine parks and reserves have a relatively low level of sanctuary zone, other reserves have a high level of no-take sanctuary zones; for example, Barrow Island Marine Park and the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve are both 100 per cent no-take sanctuary zones. Montebello Islands Marine Park is over 49 per cent sanctuary zone, and the Rowley Shoals Marine Park is 24 per cent. (5) The government is working towards establishing a world-class marine reserve system; for example, Ningaloo Marine Park was recently expanded to include the entire Ningaloo Reef system, and now comprises 34 per cent sanctuary zone. (6) Not applicable.
(3) If no, why not? (4) Does the minister disagree with the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority’s statement that the area of sanctuary zones within WA’s marine reserves “remains a fundamental problem that needs resolution across the community”? (5) Are WA marine reserves promoted as meeting international standards? (6) If yes, on what basis. Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for the Environment, I provide the following answer - (1) Yes. (2) The government draws on established reserve design principles in progressively establishing a comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system. Assessment is made of the habitats and species found in an area, the human uses of and pressures on those values and the appropriate management response. Responses include, but are not limited to, representative areas being included in highly protected areas such as sanctuary zones. (3) Not applicable. (4) While the minister acknowledges the comments made by the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority, the government supports a flexible approach to the level of representation in sanctuary zones within marine parks and reserves. While some marine parks and reserves have a relatively low level of sanctuary zone, other reserves have a high level of no-take sanctuary zones; for example, Barrow Island Marine Park and the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve are both 100 per cent no-take sanctuary zones. Montebello Islands Marine Park is over 49 per cent sanctuary zone, and the Rowley Shoals Marine Park is 24 per cent. (5) The government is working towards establishing a world-class marine reserve system; for example, Ningaloo Marine Park was recently expanded to include the entire Ningaloo Reef system, and now comprises 34 per cent sanctuary zone. (6) Not applicable.
(4) Does the minister disagree with the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority’s statement that the area of sanctuary zones within WA’s marine reserves “remains a fundamental problem that needs resolution across the community”? (5) Are WA marine reserves promoted as meeting international standards? (6) If yes, on what basis. Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for the Environment, I provide the following answer - (1) Yes. (2) The government draws on established reserve design principles in progressively establishing a comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system. Assessment is made of the habitats and species found in an area, the human uses of and pressures on those values and the appropriate management response. Responses include, but are not limited to, representative areas being included in highly protected areas such as sanctuary zones. (3) Not applicable. (4) While the minister acknowledges the comments made by the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority, the government supports a flexible approach to the level of representation in sanctuary zones within marine parks and reserves. While some marine parks and reserves have a relatively low level of sanctuary zone, other reserves have a high level of no-take sanctuary zones; for example, Barrow Island Marine Park and the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve are both 100 per cent no-take sanctuary zones. Montebello Islands Marine Park is over 49 per cent sanctuary zone, and the Rowley Shoals Marine Park is 24 per cent. (5) The government is working towards establishing a world-class marine reserve system; for example, Ningaloo Marine Park was recently expanded to include the entire Ningaloo Reef system, and now comprises 34 per cent sanctuary zone. (6) Not applicable.
(5) Are WA marine reserves promoted as meeting international standards? (6) If yes, on what basis. Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for the Environment, I provide the following answer - (1) Yes. (2) The government draws on established reserve design principles in progressively establishing a comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system. Assessment is made of the habitats and species found in an area, the human uses of and pressures on those values and the appropriate management response. Responses include, but are not limited to, representative areas being included in highly protected areas such as sanctuary zones. (3) Not applicable. (4) While the minister acknowledges the comments made by the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority, the government supports a flexible approach to the level of representation in sanctuary zones within marine parks and reserves. While some marine parks and reserves have a relatively low level of sanctuary zone, other reserves have a high level of no-take sanctuary zones; for example, Barrow Island Marine Park and the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve are both 100 per cent no-take sanctuary zones. Montebello Islands Marine Park is over 49 per cent sanctuary zone, and the Rowley Shoals Marine Park is 24 per cent. (5) The government is working towards establishing a world-class marine reserve system; for example, Ningaloo Marine Park was recently expanded to include the entire Ningaloo Reef system, and now comprises 34 per cent sanctuary zone. (6) Not applicable.
(6) If yes, on what basis. Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for the Environment, I provide the following answer - (1) Yes. (2) The government draws on established reserve design principles in progressively establishing a comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system. Assessment is made of the habitats and species found in an area, the human uses of and pressures on those values and the appropriate management response. Responses include, but are not limited to, representative areas being included in highly protected areas such as sanctuary zones. (3) Not applicable. (4) While the minister acknowledges the comments made by the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority, the government supports a flexible approach to the level of representation in sanctuary zones within marine parks and reserves. While some marine parks and reserves have a relatively low level of sanctuary zone, other reserves have a high level of no-take sanctuary zones; for example, Barrow Island Marine Park and the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve are both 100 per cent no-take sanctuary zones. Montebello Islands Marine Park is over 49 per cent sanctuary zone, and the Rowley Shoals Marine Park is 24 per cent. (5) The government is working towards establishing a world-class marine reserve system; for example, Ningaloo Marine Park was recently expanded to include the entire Ningaloo Reef system, and now comprises 34 per cent sanctuary zone. (6) Not applicable.
Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for the Environment, I provide the following answer - (1) Yes. (2) The government draws on established reserve design principles in progressively establishing a comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system. Assessment is made of the habitats and species found in an area, the human uses of and pressures on those values and the appropriate management response. Responses include, but are not limited to, representative areas being included in highly protected areas such as sanctuary zones. (3) Not applicable. (4) While the minister acknowledges the comments made by the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority, the government supports a flexible approach to the level of representation in sanctuary zones within marine parks and reserves. While some marine parks and reserves have a relatively low level of sanctuary zone, other reserves have a high level of no-take sanctuary zones; for example, Barrow Island Marine Park and the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve are both 100 per cent no-take sanctuary zones. Montebello Islands Marine Park is over 49 per cent sanctuary zone, and the Rowley Shoals Marine Park is 24 per cent. (5) The government is working towards establishing a world-class marine reserve system; for example, Ningaloo Marine Park was recently expanded to include the entire Ningaloo Reef system, and now comprises 34 per cent sanctuary zone. (6) Not applicable.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. On behalf of the parliamentary secretary to the Minister for the Environment, I provide the following answer - (1) Yes. (2) The government draws on established reserve design principles in progressively establishing a comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system. Assessment is made of the habitats and species found in an area, the human uses of and pressures on those values and the appropriate management response. Responses include, but are not limited to, representative areas being included in highly protected areas such as sanctuary zones. (3) Not applicable. (4) While the minister acknowledges the comments made by the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority, the government supports a flexible approach to the level of representation in sanctuary zones within marine parks and reserves. While some marine parks and reserves have a relatively low level of sanctuary zone, other reserves have a high level of no-take sanctuary zones; for example, Barrow Island Marine Park and the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve are both 100 per cent no-take sanctuary zones. Montebello Islands Marine Park is over 49 per cent sanctuary zone, and the Rowley Shoals Marine Park is 24 per cent. (5) The government is working towards establishing a world-class marine reserve system; for example, Ningaloo Marine Park was recently expanded to include the entire Ningaloo Reef system, and now comprises 34 per cent sanctuary zone. (6) Not applicable.
(1) Yes. (2) The government draws on established reserve design principles in progressively establishing a comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system. Assessment is made of the habitats and species found in an area, the human uses of and pressures on those values and the appropriate management response. Responses include, but are not limited to, representative areas being included in highly protected areas such as sanctuary zones. (3) Not applicable. (4) While the minister acknowledges the comments made by the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority, the government supports a flexible approach to the level of representation in sanctuary zones within marine parks and reserves. While some marine parks and reserves have a relatively low level of sanctuary zone, other reserves have a high level of no-take sanctuary zones; for example, Barrow Island Marine Park and the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve are both 100 per cent no-take sanctuary zones. Montebello Islands Marine Park is over 49 per cent sanctuary zone, and the Rowley Shoals Marine Park is 24 per cent. (5) The government is working towards establishing a world-class marine reserve system; for example, Ningaloo Marine Park was recently expanded to include the entire Ningaloo Reef system, and now comprises 34 per cent sanctuary zone. (6) Not applicable.
(2) The government draws on established reserve design principles in progressively establishing a comprehensive, adequate and representative reserve system. Assessment is made of the habitats and species found in an area, the human uses of and pressures on those values and the appropriate management response. Responses include, but are not limited to, representative areas being included in highly protected areas such as sanctuary zones. (3) Not applicable. (4) While the minister acknowledges the comments made by the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority, the government supports a flexible approach to the level of representation in sanctuary zones within marine parks and reserves. While some marine parks and reserves have a relatively low level of sanctuary zone, other reserves have a high level of no-take sanctuary zones; for example, Barrow Island Marine Park and the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve are both 100 per cent no-take sanctuary zones. Montebello Islands Marine Park is over 49 per cent sanctuary zone, and the Rowley Shoals Marine Park is 24 per cent. (5) The government is working towards establishing a world-class marine reserve system; for example, Ningaloo Marine Park was recently expanded to include the entire Ningaloo Reef system, and now comprises 34 per cent sanctuary zone. (6) Not applicable.
(3) Not applicable. (4) While the minister acknowledges the comments made by the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority, the government supports a flexible approach to the level of representation in sanctuary zones within marine parks and reserves. While some marine parks and reserves have a relatively low level of sanctuary zone, other reserves have a high level of no-take sanctuary zones; for example, Barrow Island Marine Park and the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve are both 100 per cent no-take sanctuary zones. Montebello Islands Marine Park is over 49 per cent sanctuary zone, and the Rowley Shoals Marine Park is 24 per cent. (5) The government is working towards establishing a world-class marine reserve system; for example, Ningaloo Marine Park was recently expanded to include the entire Ningaloo Reef system, and now comprises 34 per cent sanctuary zone. (6) Not applicable.
(4) While the minister acknowledges the comments made by the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority, the government supports a flexible approach to the level of representation in sanctuary zones within marine parks and reserves. While some marine parks and reserves have a relatively low level of sanctuary zone, other reserves have a high level of no-take sanctuary zones; for example, Barrow Island Marine Park and the Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve are both 100 per cent no-take sanctuary zones. Montebello Islands Marine Park is over 49 per cent sanctuary zone, and the Rowley Shoals Marine Park is 24 per cent. (5) The government is working towards establishing a world-class marine reserve system; for example, Ningaloo Marine Park was recently expanded to include the entire Ningaloo Reef system, and now comprises 34 per cent sanctuary zone. (6) Not applicable.
(5) The government is working towards establishing a world-class marine reserve system; for example, Ningaloo Marine Park was recently expanded to include the entire Ningaloo Reef system, and now comprises 34 per cent sanctuary zone. (6) Not applicable.
(6) Not applicable.

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