Healthy Oceans…
Who Cares?
Our Oceans ― Our Responsibility
With 85% of Australians living near the coast, it is easy to see why we have a unique connection to the marine environment. We walk along the beach, enjoy leisurely swims, surf, sail and dive. The ocean is there for us all.
But pressure on our marine environment is increasing. Many of our marine species and the habitats they depend on are under threat from human activities. Pollution, fishing, mining and global warming are all taking their toll.
National Parks Association of NSW (NPA) believes our ability to enjoy a healthy and diverse marine environment is under threat.
One of the ways of minimising the threats to the marine environment is by having areas of the sea that are fully protected in ‘marine sanctuaries’. Just like national parks on land, we need marine areas where life is safe from human exploitation.
What are Marine Sanctuaries?
Areas of water that are protected from extractive uses come under many names including marine sanctuaries, sanctuary zones, marine national parks, no-take zones, highly protected areas and fully protected areas. But they all mean basically the same thing - everyone is allowed to visit but fishing and mining are banned.
What are the benefits of Marine Sanctuaries?
Marine Scientists have proven that marine sanctuaries give us many benefits. These include:
How much of NSW waters are protected as Marine Sanctuaries?
Most people think that marine protected areas such as the Great Barrier Reef marine park in Queensland and the Solitary Island and Jervis Bay marine parks in NSW are fully protected. Unfortunately, this could not be further from the truth.
Unlike national parks on land where the recreational and commercial take of plants and animals is prohibited, most existing marine protected areas offer only minimal and patchy protection from these activities.
Sadly, in NSW less than 1% of marine waters are protected in marine sanctuaries.
We need to act now to save our oceans for the future.
Who is NPA?
Established in 1957 the National Parks Association of NSW (NPA) is a non-government environment group that is dedicated to improving the protection and understanding of our natural environment.
The NPA Marine Campaign
The National Parks Association is campaigning for a comprehensive system of well-managed marine sanctuaries that protect at least 20% of each marine habitat types, across NSW.
These areas will then act as refuges for all the marine plants and animals found within these sanctuaries.
We believe that by protecting our sponge gardens, kelp forests, rocky shores, coral reefs, sandy bottoms and open oceans we will help conserve our marine biodiversity and ensure that our fisheries are healthy and productive.
Some of our campaigns:How can YOU help?
Let the government know you care!
Your voice DOES make a difference. The NSW government needs to hear that you want a marine environment for you and your children to enjoy. Without your support the NSW government will not give marine sanctuaries the priority they deserve.
Help the National Parks Association of NSW fight for marine sanctuaries. Write to the NSW Government, and/or send a donation to the NPA’s Marine Campaign.
Include in your letter:Please write to:
Post your letters to: Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney 2000.
Support our marine campaign by giving to the NPA Marine Campaign.Yes! I would like to help NPA's Marine Campaign. Please accept my tax deductable donation of ___ $60 ___ $120 ___ $___ Enclosed is my cheque for $___________________ or Bankcard/MasterCard/Visa Card No:----/----/----/---- Expiry date : ___/__ Name on Card _____________________ Signature ____________________________ Donation in the name of: ___________________ Address _____________________________ ____________________________________ Phone: (w)_____________(h)______________ __ Please send me information on how to join NPA. __ I would like to know about leaving a gift for the NPA in my will. Please send me information. Please make cheques payable to National Parks Association of NSW. Address: PO Box A96, Sydney South 1235.