Western Australia's Ningaloo coral reef given more protection
01 Dec 2004
A landmark decision has been made in Australia to increase protection of the Ningaloo Coral Reef, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders.
The decision results in increased protection from fishing in the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park from 10 to 34 per cent. This comes just one year after protection was increased for Australia's famous Great Barrier Reef to 33 per cent.
Ningaloo is a beautiful, fragile coral reef stretching nearly 300km along the remote Western Australian coastline. It is one of the longest fringing coral reefs in the world and hosts many endangered species such as turtles, dugongs, whales, and whale sharks. Until now, less than 10 per cent of Ningaloo had been fully protected and the Marine Park did not include the entire reef within its boundaries.
"Australia really is proving to be a world leader when it comes to protecting its coral reefs," said Dr Simon Cripps, Director of WWF's Global Marine Programme.
"Ningaloo and the Great Barrier Reef are some of the world's most amazing natural treasures and the decision to increase protection of them is a major win for the country."
The new plan allows for recreational fishing in two-thirds of the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park while setting aside one-third for the preservation of natural ecosystems.
This decision is the result of a consistent and collaborative effort by WWF and its Save Ningaloo Campaign partners, as well as wider support from thousands of messages sent to the Western Australian government via WWF's Panda Passport.
"By placing 34 per cent of Ningaloo Reef in sanctuary zones, the Western Australian government has heeded the call of the community and the advice of the world's leading coral reef scientists," said WWF-Australia Senior Policy Officer Paul Gamblin.
"The increased sanctuary zones and funding for management are critical to protecting Ningaloo for future generations, and we commend the government for these responsible steps."
Notes:
Within the past year, the Australian government has also increased protection of the Great Barrier Reef from 4.6 per cent to 33.4 per cent. This decision means a third of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is now protected by a network of marine sanctuaries that stretch from the Park's northernmost to southern boundaries. This network of sanctuaries protects over 11 million hectares of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
For further information:
Contact Virginia Dew, Press Officer
WWF-Australia
Tel: +61 2 8202 1290
E-Mail: vdew@wwf.org.au
