Harvest Reef could become recreational diving/tourism haven

26/2/95

Local marine life and the aquatic habitat around the 'Sanko Harvest' wreck site will be protected by closing the area to fishing.

Fisheries Minister Monty House said today the wreck site on Harvest Reef, 12 nautical miles off Esperance, could become a haven for recreational diving and tourism.

"As one of the largest wrecks on the Australian coastline, the Sanko Harvest was an environmental tragedy but we have been able to turn it into a fantastic opportunity," Mr House said.

"The protected area encompasses a 500-metre radius around the Sanko Harvest wreck and a very positive impact on the local marine environment, while promoting eco-tourism.

"Diving is allowed on the wreck, but spearing or catching of fish is prohibited to enhance the local marine life."

Member for Roe Ross Ainsworth said the wreck was providing a superb refuge for residential fish such as queenfish, blue groper, sweep, nannygai, wrasse, and many ornate species.

"The Sanko Harvest is the second largest diving wreck in the world and a great attraction for divers internationally, providing positive benefits for local business.

"The original Sanko Harvest vessel was 174 metres long but has now broken into three sections, effectively creating an artificial reef," Mr Ainsworth said.

"Luckily, nature has provided us with a magnificent educational opportunity about the power of  nature to adapt and recover from such a disastrous incident."

Mr House said the Goldfields/Esperance recreational fishing sub-committee, Esperance Professional Fisherman's Association and local dive operators had supported the closed fishing area.

Media contact : Will Henwood 481 2044 or 041 9901500