The announcement include a plan in which pearling operations will have designated areas, half of the area will be closed to commercial trawl fishing and 23 percent will be closed to all forms of commercial fishing. For the first time in WA, the State Government has also introduced a “wilderness” fishing zone within the sanctuary, where recreational fishers and charter boats will be required to release their catch or eat it before leaving the area.
Premier Colin Barnett said the new Camden Sound Marine Park would be one of the biggest sanctuaries in the state and protect a vital humpback whale calving area. Environment Minister Bill Marmion said vessels within a “special purpose zone” would be required to remain at least 500m from humpback mothers and calves. Camden Sound is the first of four new marine parks to be created under the State Government’s $63million Kimberley Science and Conservation Strategy.
