The Fraser Coast Fishing Alliance Inc. is fully supportive of the Great Sandy Marine Park [GSMP] but is very concerned that the anomaly that is the “Great Sandy Designated Area” does not match or comply with the major pillars and values of sustainability: - environmental, economic, and social. The Fraser Coast Fishing Alliance Inc. believes that suitable zoning should ensure protection and sustainability of the values of the marine ecosystem that make this region so valuable. We also expect that this will ensure continued sustainable use by recreational fishers specifically, and other users in general. The Fraser Coast Fishing Alliance Inc does not object to the declaration of a Marine Park over the Great Sandy Region but is objecting to the Marine Park Zoning Plan in its current form. The current zoning does not meet the standards or the expectations of the Community to protect the environment & species biodiversity in the area covered by the Marine Park. The major issue is the selective discrimination in the way Commercial & Recreational fishers are being treated, in particular the inappropriate designation of the Designated Great Sandy Area which is allows commercial netting and trawling to continue in what truly “should be” TRUE CONSERVATION ZONES AREAS . This will lead to further conflict in the community. Commercial Netting and trawling must cease in the Great Sandy Marine Park. We believe that the current zoning – 1. Is discriminatory against Recreational fishers. 2. Does not protect sensitive habitats against proven destructive commercial fishing activities of netting and trawling. 3. Has not fully complied with the integrity expected of Queensland Government community consultation documents. 4. Does not adequately protect the biodiversity within the area of the Marine Park. The Fraser Coast Fishing Alliance Inc. has serious concerns that the current zoning plan was not prepared on the basis of the Principles of ESD but with the main intent of not adversely affecting the commercial fishing sector. The Fraser Coast Fishing Alliance Inc. is very concerned that emphasis in other marine parks has been placed on establishment of large Marine National Park Zones [Green Zones] with little consideration being given to other types of zoning, for example Conservation Park Zones [Yellow] or Habitat Protection Zones [Dark Blue], that may be more appropriate and offer as much protection for the habitat of concern, while not placing as restrictive a covenant on the community at large. The Fraser Coast Fishing Alliance Inc. is concerned that if Conservation Park Zones are not created adjacent to populated areas then it will be impossible to convince the recreational fishing sector that the plan is in their best interests. The Fraser Coast Fishing Alliance Inc. notes that the GBRMP management plan includes Yellow Conservation Zones close to populated areas and believe the same principle should be applied to the GSMP. Sign this petition NOW to bring an end to commercial NETTING in our Great Sandy Marine Park & share with all your friends and contacts...