solitaryislandsmp
Environment Minister and SURG_P1020493_270807
(l-r) Russel Glover (Chair of the Solitary Islands Marine Park Advisory Committee), then-Minister Verity Firth and Bob Edgar (Solitary Islands Underwater Research Group), cutting a caake to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
Long before the introduction of the Marine Parks Act this area was recognised by locals for its conservation significance many of whom worked hard to see this important part of the NSW coastline protected.
As part of the 10 year anniversary is a timely occasion to acknowledge the achievements of the community especially the Solitary Islands Underwater Research Group (SURG) which has be active for over 21 years.
SURG was instrumental in identifying the underwater values of the Coffs Harbour region in the late 1980s’ and early 1990’s and subsequent inclusion of the area in the marine park boundaries still in place today.
Members have dedicated thousands of voluntary hours to marine conservation and
research since its foundation.
Projects have included identifying sea floor community structure around the five major islands, the development of an underwater trail at North Solitary Island, monitoring of reef health and the “Solitary Islands Marine Park Marine Species Photo Inventory” which has been included in the SIMP school education kit for the benefit of hundreds of school children in NSW.
Environment Minister and SURG_P1020493_270807
(l-r) Russel Glover (Chair of the Solitary Islands Marine Park Advisory Committee), then-Minister Verity Firth and Bob Edgar (Solitary Islands Underwater Research Group), cutting a caake to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
Long before the introduction of the Marine Parks Act this area was recognised by locals for its conservation significance many of whom worked hard to see this important part of the NSW coastline protected.
As part of the 10 year anniversary is a timely occasion to acknowledge the achievements of the community especially the Solitary Islands Underwater Research Group (SURG) which has be active for over 21 years.
SURG was instrumental in identifying the underwater values of the Coffs Harbour region in the late 1980s’ and early 1990’s and subsequent inclusion of the area in the marine park boundaries still in place today.
Members have dedicated thousands of voluntary hours to marine conservation and
research since its foundation.
Projects have included identifying sea floor community structure around the five major islands, the development of an underwater trail at North Solitary Island, monitoring of reef health and the “Solitary Islands Marine Park Marine Species Photo Inventory” which has been included in the SIMP school education kit for the benefit of hundreds of school children in NSW.