solitaryislandsmp
Climate Change and Environment Minister with members of SURG_000_270807
Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Verity Firth visited Coffs Harbour, 27/08/07, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Solitary Islands Marine Park and the Marine Parks Act with members of the local Advisory Committee, the community and staff.
In the ten years since the establishment of the Marine Parks Act five new marine parks have been established.
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 Minister Firth acknowledged 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.
The Solitary Islands Marine Park (SIMP) is the oldest and at more than 70 000 hectares one of the largest marine parks in NSW.
Climate Change and Environment Minister with members of SURG_000_270807
Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Verity Firth visited Coffs Harbour, 27/08/07, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Solitary Islands Marine Park and the Marine Parks Act with members of the local Advisory Committee, the community and staff.
In the ten years since the establishment of the Marine Parks Act five new marine parks have been established.
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 Minister Firth acknowledged 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.
The Solitary Islands Marine Park (SIMP) is the oldest and at more than 70 000 hectares one of the largest marine parks in NSW.