Published Tuesday, 05 June, 2007 at 11:21 AM
Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
PLIGHT OF BAY TURTLES HITS HOME ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
The annual ‘turtle rodeo’ in Moreton Bay Marine Park is turning up more evidence that the massive marine reptiles are facing challenges to survive.
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr, visiting Moreton Bay on World Environment Day, saw the evidence first hand when she joined researchers on the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) barge “Spoonbill” today.
“Each year the researchers use the rodeo techniques developed in Queensland to catch turtles and study their health, breeding status and growth rates,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“What we do has an impact on marine wildlife, either directly through boats hitting animals and the hazards of discarded and unattended fishing gear, or indirectly through degrading the health of the marine environment, which leads to food shortages or disease for these creatures.
“Each year many turtles and some dugong die from human-related activities in Queensland waters and many more are disabled.
“Add the potential impacts of global warming to the threats these creatures already face, and they’re in for a bumpy ride.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said World Environment Day was a time to reflect on how we care for the planet.
“This year’s theme is ‘melting ice – a hot topic’ so it’s a day to think about what impacts our actions might have on the marine environment and the rest of our world.
“Moreton Bay is a precious marine environment on our doorstep that is unique and well-loved by many. It’s a special place, for recreation, for industry, and for wildlife.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Moreton Bay Marine Park zoning plan review currently underway was aimed at conservation of the marine environment.
“We know people care about the bay and its future – there have been nearly 3000 entries on the Environmental Protection Agency’s online survey about the marine park.
“People are saying they use the marine park because of its natural beauty and the ease of access.
“However, people are also saying they are concerned with issues like overcrowding, disturbance to natural habitat and wildlife, and pollution.
“All this information and much more is being collected as part of the review.
“Any changes to the current plan will only be proposed after environmental, economic, cultural and social data is collected and analysed.”
Formal submission opportunities will be available once a draft zoning plan has been developed and released for public comment.
Ms Nelson-Carr said there were five “go slow” areas in critical turtle and dugong habitat within Moreton Bay Marine Park, and the Zoning Plan review would examine these and other strategies that help conserve significant species such as turtle and dugong.
To complete the online survey on the Marine Park please go to www.epa.qld.gov.au. More information about the Marine Park and the review is available by contacting moreton.bay@epa.qld.gov.au or 1800 105 789.
5 June 2007
Media contact: Lisa Gilby on 3336 8002 or Miles Yeates (QPWS) on 3821 9003.
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr, visiting Moreton Bay on World Environment Day, saw the evidence first hand when she joined researchers on the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) barge “Spoonbill” today.
“Each year the researchers use the rodeo techniques developed in Queensland to catch turtles and study their health, breeding status and growth rates,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“What we do has an impact on marine wildlife, either directly through boats hitting animals and the hazards of discarded and unattended fishing gear, or indirectly through degrading the health of the marine environment, which leads to food shortages or disease for these creatures.
“Each year many turtles and some dugong die from human-related activities in Queensland waters and many more are disabled.
“Add the potential impacts of global warming to the threats these creatures already face, and they’re in for a bumpy ride.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said World Environment Day was a time to reflect on how we care for the planet.
“This year’s theme is ‘melting ice – a hot topic’ so it’s a day to think about what impacts our actions might have on the marine environment and the rest of our world.
“Moreton Bay is a precious marine environment on our doorstep that is unique and well-loved by many. It’s a special place, for recreation, for industry, and for wildlife.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the Moreton Bay Marine Park zoning plan review currently underway was aimed at conservation of the marine environment.
“We know people care about the bay and its future – there have been nearly 3000 entries on the Environmental Protection Agency’s online survey about the marine park.
“People are saying they use the marine park because of its natural beauty and the ease of access.
“However, people are also saying they are concerned with issues like overcrowding, disturbance to natural habitat and wildlife, and pollution.
“All this information and much more is being collected as part of the review.
“Any changes to the current plan will only be proposed after environmental, economic, cultural and social data is collected and analysed.”
Formal submission opportunities will be available once a draft zoning plan has been developed and released for public comment.
Ms Nelson-Carr said there were five “go slow” areas in critical turtle and dugong habitat within Moreton Bay Marine Park, and the Zoning Plan review would examine these and other strategies that help conserve significant species such as turtle and dugong.
To complete the online survey on the Marine Park please go to www.epa.qld.gov.au. More information about the Marine Park and the review is available by contacting moreton.bay@epa.qld.gov.au or 1800 105 789.
5 June 2007
Media contact: Lisa Gilby on 3336 8002 or Miles Yeates (QPWS) on 3821 9003.