Marine Reserves - Australia and the Canaries
Written by Monty Halls Senior - e-mail to David Heath MP on 12/08/07
Dear Mr Heath,
I am sending two websites which I am sure would be of interest to Ben Bradshaw in the attempt to increase the range of Marine Reserves in UK waters.
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mpa/index.html - - This site displays the increase (to nearly 30% of sea area) of Marine Reserves in coastal Australia - mainly concentrating on the Great Barrier Reef. The effect of this careful management has resulted in an increase in revenue from the Great Barrier Reef from $1.4 BN (Australian) to $4.3 BN (Australian) - largely as a result of increased tourism. If ever there was a persuasive case for Marine Reserves, this must near the zenith !!
http://www.cababstractsplus.org/google/abstract.asp?AcNo=20043169382 - - This site outlines a research paper conducted by the Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands into the effects and impact of the establishment of a Marine Reserve around La Graciosa island in 1995 on the Canaries general public, tourism and the local fishing industry. It might just provide a good 'predictive guide' into the effects of a similar UK Marine Reserve policy.
Good luck with the Marine Bill and I hope that these two sites will help to galvanise some thought into the benefits (including some hard-nosed financial gains) resulting from the establishment of UK Marine Reserves.
Yours sincerely,
Monty Halls (Senior)
Secretary
Shark and Coral Conservation Trust |
