WA's newest marine park officially created

• Ngari Capes Marine Park created today
• Covers an area of about 124,000ha, from Geographe Bay to Augusta
• $8.56million allocated from Royalties for Regions to manage the park

Western Australia's 11th marine park was officially created today after the Ngari Capes Marine Park was listed in the Government Gazette.

In State Parliament today, Environment Minister Bill Marmion said since coming to office in 2008 the Liberal-National Government had created marine parks at Ngari Capes, the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets and announced its intention to create other marine parks at Camden Sound, Dampier Archipelago, Eighty Mile Beach, Roebuck Bay and in the North Kimberley.

"The Capes region is home to a remarkable marine environment as well as some of Australia's top surfing spots," Mr Marmion said.

"By protecting this region we are further contributing to the significant environmental legacy of this current period of economic growth."

Situated about 220km south of Perth, Ngari Capes Marine Park covers about 124,000ha and extends from Geographe Bay near Busselton to Augusta, including the waters between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin.

It is one of the State's most popular tourist destinations and includes the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, which attracted more than 2.7 million visits in 2010-11.

The Minister said 15 sanctuary zones covering about 11 per cent of the marine park would give the highest level of protection to wildlife and habitat, as well as providing for ongoing scientific research.

"The sanctuary zones also permit a range of recreational activities including surfing, swimming, diving, snorkelling, boating, sailing and kayaking," he said.

"The vast majority of the marine park is open to fishing, with 93 per cent of the coastline available for recreational fishing. The Government has achieved the right mix of conservation, recreation and commercial activity for one of WA's iconic marine settings."

      Fact File

• Ngari is Noongar for 'salmon'
• The area contains both tropical and temperate marine habitats and species due to the influence of the warm Leeuwin and cold Capes currents
• A range of marine mammals such as humpback and southern right whales, sea lions and New Zealand fur seals can be found in the area

Minister's office - 6552 6800