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| Commercial Fishers Agree to Sell |
Thirty commercial fishers operating in the Solitary Islands Marine Park have been bought out by the NSW Government at a cost of $4 million, the Minister for Fisheries, Eddie Obeid said today.
Mr Obeid said reducing commercial fishing pressure within the Solitary Islands Marine Park is part of the NSW Government's plans to conserve and protect its biodiversity.
"These commercial fishers have signed agreements with NSW Fisheries, paving the way for the new zoning plans to be implemented as planned," Mr Obeid said.
In April this year, the NSW Government announced the final zone plan for the 71,000 hectare Solitary Islands Marine Park, following two years of extensive community consultation.
"From August 1, 2002, commercial fishing will be banned in 8,700 hectares of sanctuary zones and trawling will be banned in 39,000 ha of habitat protection zones. Set lining and purse seine netting will also be banned in the entire park."
Mr Obeid said the buy-out of commercial fishers would reduce the overall pressure on fish and aquatic habitats within the park. It will also ensure increased commercial fishing does not occur in areas near the sanctuary and habitat protection zones.
"This is good news for everyone - the marine environment, anglers, commercial fishers, divers and eco-tourism."
"The average agreed buy-out amount is $117,000 with up to $20,000 extra for relocation, retraining and depreciation."
"The State Government is providing the $4 million needed for this buy out of commercial fishers from this important marine park which was the first to be declared in NSW. It is separate from the $20m of recreational licence fees which have been spent on buy-outs for recreational fishing havens," Mr Obeid said.
Negotiations for the buy-out of lobster entitlements for commercial fishers operating in the marine park are still being finalised and would be completed before the zoning plan begins on August 1, 2002.
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