The Federal Government has released five draft plans that will reduce marine zoning in 44 marine parks. Marine park protection zones, that cover 36 per cent of Australia’s waters, are listed as green (no fishing), yellow (sustainable fishing with sea floor protections) or blue (sustainable fishing). Reducing the number of green allocations will expand areas available for commercial fishing but may impact protection that enables other industries to thrive such as tourism. Allocations will be largely reclassified into yellow zones. The 44 marine parks span across Commonwealth waters but will not affect Victoria or Tasmania. Australian Marine Parks was established in 2012. Public submissions on the draft guidelines close on Wednesday and can be made here.

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