Carnarvon community group requests protection for Blowholes

6/6/02
Another Western Australian Fish Habitat Protection Area (FHPA) could be located north of Carnarvon, following an approach to the State Government from the local community.
Fisheries Minister Kim Chance was asked by the Blowholes Protection Association Inc to consider the future declaration of an FHPA during a visit to the popular recreational area this week.
Mr Chance said he had been impressed by the association's strong custodian role over the reef area and would ensure the request was researched and considered.
Similar protection areas have been developed at Lancelin and Cottesloe and a management plan for the proposed Miaboolya Beach FHPA, also near Carnarvon, is being finalised.
"The Blowholes is a valued recreation area for the Carnarvon community and a popular destination for WA tourists and visitors from interstate and overseas," Mr Chance said.
"The establishment of an FHPA will lay the framework to manage the human activities within the area, minimise their impacts, protect and rehabilitate the aquatic habitat of the Blowholes area.
"It also encourages community stewardship by involving the local community in its management, which is something I am keen to pursue."
The Minister said preparation of a draft management plan for an FHPA involved considerable consultation with the local community as extensive information was gathered on the specific environmental, social and cultural values of the area.
The proposed Miaboolya Beach FHPA covers the near shore waters and extends from South Bejaling in the north to the northern side of the Gascoyne River mouth in the south. It also includes the adjoining mangrove system and associated seasonal creeks and salt marshes.
"At Miaboolya Beach, for example, studies undertaken by Carnarvon Senior High School were instrumental in alerting the department to its regional significance as a nursery for important species like mulloway, threadfin salmon, kingfish, whiting and bream," Mr Chance said.
"The school first proposed conservation of the area in response to local concerns about environmental degradation of the mangrove system and the possibility that over-fishing and inappropriate fishing practices could deplete fish and mud crab stocks."
Miaboolya Beach is currently used for a number of recreational activities including fishing, mud crabbing, horse riding, trail-bike riding, camping, beachcombing and swimming.
The area also holds significant cultural value for the local Gnulli Aboriginal people and is home to resident and migratory populations of birds, marine turtles and dolphins contributing to its environmental value.
Mr Chance said public submissions on the proposed Miaboolya Beach FHPA closed recently and the Department of Fisheries was currently preparing a summary report.
"My advice is that widespread public support has been shown for this proposal and I have encouraged the community at the Blowholes to embark on a similar initiative and work in close consultation with my department," he said.
Minister's office: 92136700