On the 1st & 2nd July, AFTA Independent Chair, the Hon Bob Baldwin met with political leaders from all parties in Canberra to discuss the 30% Marine Park Highly Protected Area Review by 2030
AFTA BRIEFING NOTE
The current Marine Parks review will determine future access to Australia’s offshore waters.
AFTA supports marine conservation—but calls for balanced, evidence-based decisions that protect both the environment and continued access for recreational fishing.
At a Glance (Quick Brief)
- Government committed to 30% highly protected (no‑take) marine areas by 2030
- Review underway covering 44 Commonwealth Marine Parks
- Zoning decisions (not new parks) will determine outcomes
- Consultation phase now active (2026–2027) → key decision window
- Potential expansion of no‑fishing sanctuary zones
Why This Matters
Recreational Fishing is:
- A major regional economic driver
- A contributor to tourism, jobs and small business
- A key health and wellbeing activity for Australians
Risk if poorly balanced:
- Loss of access to fishing areas
- Reduced regional visitation and spend
- Flow-on impacts across the supply chain
AFTA’s Position
AFTA supports:
- ✅ Science-based marine conservation
- ✅ Protection of high-value ecological areas
- ✅ Sustainable fisheries management
AFTA does not support:
- ❌ Blanket expansion of no‑take zones without evidence
- ❌ Decisions that overlook socio-economic impacts
- ❌ Reduced access where fishing is demonstrably sustainable
Key Issues for Government Consideration
- Balance is Critical
- Marine parks must deliver:
- Environmental protection
- Community access
- Economic sustainability
- Recognition of Recreational Fishing
- Low-impact activity when managed properly
- Strong community stewardship of marine environments
- Significant but often under-recognised economic value
- Economic Impact
- Regional communities depend on:
- Fishing tourism
- Associated small businesses
- Zoning changes can have direct local consequences
- Consultation Integrity
- Current process must ensure:
- Equal weighting of all stakeholders
- Evidence-based decision making
- Not driven solely by campaign-based advocacy
What AFTA is Seeking
- Balanced policy settings that recognise both conservation and access
- Robust socio-economic assessment within the review
- Targeted (not blanket) sanctuary expansion
- Retention of access where environmental impact is low
Key Discussion Points
- This review is about zoning decisions that will directly affect access
- Recreational fishing is a legitimate and sustainable use
- Regional economic impacts must be considered equally with conservation outcomes
- The next 12–18 months will determine long-term access outcomes
The Bottom Line
A well-designed marine park system should protect biodiversity while maintaining sustainable public access.
Australia can achieve its 30×30 commitments without unnecessarily restricting recreational fishing participation or regional economic activity.
Contact
Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA)
The Hon Bob Baldwin – Chair