South Coast Marine Park – further input invited

The Ruby seadragon (Phyllopteryx dewysea), which inhabits coastal waters of WA, was first described in 2015. A live specimen was first filmed in 2016 by marine biologists from the Western Australian Museum and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography on an expedition to the Recherche Archipelago off Esperance. Photo credit: Zoe Della Vedova

Western Australians are encouraged to have their say on one of the State’s most important marine conservation projects. 

The proposed South Coast Marine Park will provide important protections to marine species, such as the ruby seadragon, which is not found anywhere else in the world. The area is also home to southern right whale nurseries, vast kelp forests, vulnerable seal and sea lion colonies, precious reefs, and important fisheries.  

Proposed South Coast Marine Park map. Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

About 75 per cent of the proposed marine park will remain open for commercial and recreational fishing, with recreational beach access unchanged by this proposal. 

The park will also provide new opportunities for nature-based tourism, supporting and further diversifying the local economy. 

An extensive consultation process, led by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions with support from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and Traditional Owners, began in September 2021. 

A Community Reference Committee then coordinated consultation among key stakeholders, industry groups, commercial and recreational fishers, scientists, and conservation interests for 18 months, with the committee concluding its work in 2023. 

This was in addition to community workshops and one-on-one meetings with key stakeholders in towns along WA’s south coast and Perth. 

The public comment period is open until June 16.

For more information or to have your say, visit dbca.wa.gov.au/haveyoursay