Protect Hawks Nest Stop Commercial Net Fishing at Jimmy’s Beach
Protect Hawks Nest Stop Commercial Net Fishing at Jimmy’s Beach
The issue
For the past 25 years, I have cherished the natural beauty and abundant marine life of Hawks Nest, a beloved destination for recreational fishing and healing waters. The pristine beaches and vibrant underwater ecosystems are what have always drawn me, and thousands like me, back year after year. However, we are now facing a grim reality. The devastating impact of commercial netting has jeopardized this marine sanctuary, leaving fish stocks depleted and our beaches littered with bicatch—a heartbreaking sight for any nature lover.
Port Stephens Marine Park was established with the promise of conserving biodiversity and allowing sustainable recreational activities. However, commercial netting operations, often aggressive and unsustainable, directly contradict this mission. Recent studies indicate that overfishing has led to significant declines in marine species, with population drops of up to 70% in some fish stocks. The ongoing commercial netting is not just disrupting local ecosystems but also affecting the livelihoods of small-scale recreational fishermen and the wilderness experience cherished by the community and visitors alike.
We call on the responsible authorities to promptly ban commercial netting in Port Stephens Marine Park. By doing so, we are not only protecting marine life but also preserving the community’s economic and cultural connection to these waters. Implementing a ban would lead to the restoration of fish populations, reducing bicatch waste and enhancing the overall environmental health of the area. Furthermore, it would support sustainable fishing practices which would work in harmony with the marine environment.
Let us ensure that Hawks Nest and its surrounding waters remain a vibrant sanctuary for future generations. It's time to prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship in Port Stephens Marine Park. Your signature can make a difference in protecting this ecological treasure. Please sign the petition to help make Hawks Nest a model of conservation and responsible fishing practices.
Port Stephens Marine Park was established with the promise of conserving biodiversity and allowing sustainable recreational activities. However, commercial netting operations, often aggressive and unsustainable, directly contradict this mission. Recent studies indicate that overfishing has led to significant declines in marine species, with population drops of up to 70% in some fish stocks. The ongoing commercial netting is not just disrupting local ecosystems but also affecting the livelihoods of small-scale recreational fishermen and the wilderness experience cherished by the community and visitors alike.
We call on the responsible authorities to promptly ban commercial netting in Port Stephens Marine Park. By doing so, we are not only protecting marine life but also preserving the community’s economic and cultural connection to these waters. Implementing a ban would lead to the restoration of fish populations, reducing bicatch waste and enhancing the overall environmental health of the area. Furthermore, it would support sustainable fishing practices which would work in harmony with the marine environment.
Let us ensure that Hawks Nest and its surrounding waters remain a vibrant sanctuary for future generations. It's time to prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship in Port Stephens Marine Park. Your signature can make a difference in protecting this ecological treasure. Please sign the petition to help make Hawks Nest a model of conservation and responsible fishing practices.
Michael …Petition starter
2
The issue
For the past 25 years, I have cherished the natural beauty and abundant marine life of Hawks Nest, a beloved destination for recreational fishing and healing waters. The pristine beaches and vibrant underwater ecosystems are what have always drawn me, and thousands like me, back year after year. However, we are now facing a grim reality. The devastating impact of commercial netting has jeopardized this marine sanctuary, leaving fish stocks depleted and our beaches littered with bicatch—a heartbreaking sight for any nature lover.
Port Stephens Marine Park was established with the promise of conserving biodiversity and allowing sustainable recreational activities. However, commercial netting operations, often aggressive and unsustainable, directly contradict this mission. Recent studies indicate that overfishing has led to significant declines in marine species, with population drops of up to 70% in some fish stocks. The ongoing commercial netting is not just disrupting local ecosystems but also affecting the livelihoods of small-scale recreational fishermen and the wilderness experience cherished by the community and visitors alike.
We call on the responsible authorities to promptly ban commercial netting in Port Stephens Marine Park. By doing so, we are not only protecting marine life but also preserving the community’s economic and cultural connection to these waters. Implementing a ban would lead to the restoration of fish populations, reducing bicatch waste and enhancing the overall environmental health of the area. Furthermore, it would support sustainable fishing practices which would work in harmony with the marine environment.
Let us ensure that Hawks Nest and its surrounding waters remain a vibrant sanctuary for future generations. It's time to prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship in Port Stephens Marine Park. Your signature can make a difference in protecting this ecological treasure. Please sign the petition to help make Hawks Nest a model of conservation and responsible fishing practices.
Port Stephens Marine Park was established with the promise of conserving biodiversity and allowing sustainable recreational activities. However, commercial netting operations, often aggressive and unsustainable, directly contradict this mission. Recent studies indicate that overfishing has led to significant declines in marine species, with population drops of up to 70% in some fish stocks. The ongoing commercial netting is not just disrupting local ecosystems but also affecting the livelihoods of small-scale recreational fishermen and the wilderness experience cherished by the community and visitors alike.
We call on the responsible authorities to promptly ban commercial netting in Port Stephens Marine Park. By doing so, we are not only protecting marine life but also preserving the community’s economic and cultural connection to these waters. Implementing a ban would lead to the restoration of fish populations, reducing bicatch waste and enhancing the overall environmental health of the area. Furthermore, it would support sustainable fishing practices which would work in harmony with the marine environment.
Let us ensure that Hawks Nest and its surrounding waters remain a vibrant sanctuary for future generations. It's time to prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship in Port Stephens Marine Park. Your signature can make a difference in protecting this ecological treasure. Please sign the petition to help make Hawks Nest a model of conservation and responsible fishing practices.
Michael …Petition starter
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The Decision Makers
Minister for the Environment and Water
NSW MLC, Animal Justice Party
Kate Washington
Chris Minns
Tara Moriarty
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Petition created on 24 February 2026