BREAKING NEWS: Conservationists are disappointed Environment Minister Peter Garrett has ruled out the Coral Sea becoming the world's largest no-take marine park.

The Federal Government has announced more scientific assessment and consultation will be carried out into the Coral Sea Conservation Zone, along with seven other key areas along the east coast.

The Coral Sea Conservation Zone covers nearly one million square kilometres of the Coral Sea begins at the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and suggestions it could become the world's largest no-take marine park sparked anger in the fishing community last year.

Mr Garrett said while his department would continue to assess the whole of the Coral Sea, there was no plan to establish it as one large "no take" marine park.

“Our announcement today means there is now an opportunity to have a conversation with all stakeholders about the final shape of marine protected areas and other mixed use conservation areas in our marine environment,’’ he said.

Cairns and Far North Environment Centre co-ordinator Steve Ryan said the organisation was pleased the entire Coral Sea was still up for more assessment, however was disappointed Mr Garrett had ruled out the entire region becoming a no-take zone.

“It is certainly not towards the kind of outcome we were looking for, but it is taking positive steps towards a good outcome,’’ Mr Ryan said.

Read more in The Cairns Post tomorrow.

For more information visit the Department's website.

 

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