In 2001, the Victorian Government accepted the Environment Conservation Council's recommendation that detailed management plans for each of Victoria's 13 marine national parks and 11 marine sanctuaries be completed over the coming three years.

Legislation passed by the Victorian Parliament in June 2002 proclaimed these marine national parks and marine sanctuaries as of 16 November 2002.

The Management Planning Strategy

Parks Victoria is undertaking the management planning for the marine parks system, and as a first stage has prepared a Management Strategy for Victoria's Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries 2003-2010.

Over the next three years, Parks Victoria will be encouraging community participation and involvement from interested individuals and groups in the development of park and sanctuary specific management plans. This will involve refinement of local and / or regional issues and management actions based on consultation and input from local communities, stakeholders, government agencies, and interested individuals.

Further details about the planning process and how you can be involved are available on this parknote -Victoria's Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries - Planning for the future

What is the Status of the Government's Marine National Parks legislation?
Legislation was passed through the Victorian Parliament in June 2002 to establish 13 Marine National Parks and 11 Marine Sanctuaries. The National Parks (Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries) Act, 2002, came into effect on the 16th November, 2002.

What is the difference between a Marine National Park and a Marine Sanctuary?

Marine National Parks feature representative examples of Victoria's marine habitats and their associated flora and fauna, and Marine Sanctuaries are set aside to protect smaller areas with significant natural values.

How were they chosen?

Sites for the new Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries have been chosen to ensure that a system representative of Victoria's diverse marine habitats is protected for future generations. To achieve this the parks have been spread across Victoria's five marine bioregions. The areas for protection have been based on over nine years of research, investigation and extensive community consultation, summarised in the ECC Marine, Coastal and Estuarine Investigation (Final Report - 2002).

What can people do in these protected areas?

Commercial and recreational fishing will not be permitted in the Marine National Parks or Marine Sanctuaries, nor will other extractive or damaging uses such as aquaculture, exploration drilling, oil and gas extraction, dredging, or waste disposal. Access for recreation, tourism, education and research within these areas is generally unrestricted, although subject to permit in some instances.

Yes

• Swimming, snorkelling and SCUBA diving
• Research, filming and photography subject to permit
• Boating (including motor boating & yachting)
• Anchoring a boat (though care should be taken)
• Surfing and wind-surfing
• Bird, dolphin and whale watching

• Any form of fishing (both of fin fish and invertebrates)
• Collection or removal of shells, coral or any other cultural, geological or biological item.
• Removal or disturbance of marine plants and animals
• Exploration / extraction of minerals & stone
• Waste and ballast discharge
• Aquaculture

Why do we need them?
Marine communities in Australia's southern waters are unique, with around 90% - 95% of the plants and animals found nowhere else on earth. Just as National Parks are set aside for the preservation of natural environments on land, we also need protected areas in the sea to keep safe our special marine environments. Victoria's new Marine National Parks System will contribute to the long term ecological viability of marine and estuarine systems, maintain ecological processes and protect marine biodiversity.

Victoria's marine environment is interconnected, with eggs, larvae, fish and other marine life moving along the coastal waters. By having a network of protected areas, marine populations can be protected on a regional and local scale throughout their life cycles. The ecological and other benefits of establishing Marine Protected Areas have been proven both interstate and overseas, and include:

• Maintaining and enhancing species diversity, genetic diversity and habitat complexity
• Protecting rare species or populations, unique and fragile habitats, representative and highly productive areas and the general functioning of marine ecosystems
• Protecting habitats from damage caused by extractive uses and damaging fishing practices
• Stimulating education, research and tourism in marine systems
• Providing scientific reference sites and benchmarks; and
• Helping to achieve sustainable fisheries and insure against fish stock collapses, overfishing and other environmental impacts.

What habitats are protected?
The Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries include examples of Victoria's diverse marine habitats, including:

• intertidal rocky shores
• subtidal rocky reefs
• seagrass beds
• sheltered intertidal flats
• mangroves & saltmarsh habitats
• kelp forests
• sponge gardens
• intertidal sandy beaches
• subtidal soft substrates
• pelagic (open water) environments

What's there?
Victoria's marine waters are home to approximately:

• 700 species of fish
• 1000 species of seaweeds and seagrasses
• 2000 species of molluscs (snails, shellfish and squid)
• 3000 species of crustaceans (crabs, lobster, prawns, etc)
• 1000 species of sponges
• 1000 species of polychaetes (bristle worms)
• 1000 species of cnidarians (jelly fish, corals, etc)

What about migratory species or species that move in and out of protected areas? How do Marine National Parks help protect them?
Marine National Parks will protect aspects of an area that migratory species depend upon at a given time e.g. a food source, a habitat type, a breeding area, just as migratory birds rely on terrestrial parks at times.

How can the community be involved?
The community has an important role to play in ensuring Marine National Parks achieve their goals. Communities can do this by helping to plan and look after their local Marine National Park or Sanctuary. The care of these areas by their local community is essential for their success. The reporting of illegal activity by the local community also contributes to the management of the parks.

Parks Victoria's formal management planning process over the coming three years encourages public consultation and involvement from any interested individuals or groups. As part of this process, Parks Victoria will engage with the community to identify issues and actions required for the management of each Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary in a variety of ways, which may include meetings, consultation and collaboration with interest groups, and formal submission processes. People interested in the planning for specific parks should contact their Regional Marine Planner (East - Ty Caling, West - Barry Hayden, and City and Bays - Kate McMahon). More information on how to get involved in Management Planning can also be found on the "Planning for the Future" Parknote, available on this website.

What if I want to establish or join a Friends group?
Opportunities to participate in or establish new Friends groups and other volunteer projects are always available. Whilst some Friends groups have formal membership, it is not necessary to belong to a group to join in volunteer activities. Joining or establishing a Friends Group has many benefits, from being actively involved in marine conservation, meeting like-minded people and keeping abreast of issues and activities. For more information or assistance on becoming involved in an existing Friends group, or establishing a new Friends group, contact Geoff Durham, Friends Network Liaison Officer on 95235559

Where can I get a map?
Maps of each Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary are available on this website by looking up the individual park or sanctuary (see section on Parknotes). These maps include land-based points of reference and coordinates for navigation purposes.

Are there any restrictions on public access?
No

What about boating and watersports?
The legislation does not establish any rules regarding boating, watersports and use of personal watercraft. Such restrictions may be established by regulation, if required in particular locations, after the preparation of a management plan (eg. as set asides). Management plans will be prepared for each park and sanctuary over the next 3 years, and will involve full public consultation.

Are there entry fees for any of the Parks or Sanctuaries?
There are no entry fees for any of the Marine National Parks or Marine Sanctuaries. There are no access restrictions for these areas and people are encouraged to visit and enjoy them.

How do I know that I'm in a Marine National Park or Sanctuary?
Clear marking of boundaries is important in ensuring visitors to Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries are able to comply with the legislation and regulations which apply in these areas. Boundary identification will be communicated via:

• on-site signage and maps at key access points
• park notes with maps
• maps and information available on the Parks Victoria and DSE websites
• use of in-water navigational aids where practical; and
• shore markers which provide a line-of-sight for vessels.

What signs are there to help me recognise that I have entered one of these areas?
In addition to shore markers and in-water piles and bouys, signage delineating the boundaries of the park or sanctuary will be provided at key access points such as carparks, boat ramps and information shelters. The diversity and physical nature of the marine environment (particularly along the open coast) poses significant practical constraints to implementing an "in water" marking system for all areas. GPS is therefore considered a more appropriate identification and navigational tool than bouys or pylons in high wave-action areas. However, in embayments, physical markers will be used wherever practical.

What do the sight lines and markers look like?

Boundary marker types include:

1. standard yellow 'special mark' on in-water bouys and piles; and
2. yellow, reflective, triangle shore marker 'beacons', providing a line-of-sight.

Where conditions allow, a second leed will be installed to provide a clearer line-of-sight.

What if I don't see the sight lines or markers?
Parks Victoria is undertaking an extensive boundary identification program which aims to ensure all Marine National Park and Sanctuary users are aware of the locations of these areas, utilising signage where practicable. Whilst responsibility for knowing the boundaries of the parks and sanctuaries, and the appropriateness of activities within these areas, rests with the user, Parks Victoria will be focussing their initial compliance efforts on education and awareness. Warnings will be given however, and subsequent offences may be subject to prosecution.

What do I do if I've entered one of these areas?
There are no restrictions on entry into the Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries. However, there are restrictions relating to extractive practices such as fishing in thse areas, therefore if you are fishing or engaging in a restricted activity, you will need to know whether you are inside or outside of the protected area. Boundary communication methods to maximise boundary awareness are outlined above.

What is happening with the Special Protection Zones outlined in the ECC Marine Coastal & Estuarine Investigation?
In addition to the 13 Marine National Parks and 11 Marine Sanctuaries, the Environment Conservation Council's investigation also identified 18 Special Management Areas where lower levels of protection were considered sufficient to protect their features. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment, in consultation with other management agencies and local governments where appropriate, will provide for the protection and management of these areas seperately.

Areas outside the MPAs will have issues which may impact on the parks - how will these be managed?
Approximately 80% of Victorians live within the coastal zone, and populations are increasing. Activities on land can have a profound influence on the health of the marine environment, particularly in bays, inlets and estuaries.

An integrated approach to planning and using the marine and coastal environment therefore requires co-ordination of management activities on both land and sea. The Victorian Government, through the Victorian Coastal Strategy (2002), is working to ensure that managing the marine environment involves the recognition, acceptance and shared understanding of the common goal of ecological sustainability.

Building strong partnerships with other managers on the coast and surrounding catchments will be necessary to reduce the risk of impacts from activities originating outside the management control of Marine National Parks. Partnership arrangements with coastal and catchment managers will include:

• arrangements for dredging of shipping lanes and estuarine mouth openings

• the design of public amenities such as toilets and sewers to recognised environmental standards
• supporting catchment management projects, such as construction of artificial wetlands, that reduce unnatural inputs into the marine environment; and
• input to coastal and marine planning and policy instruments such as coastal action plans and regional catchment strategies.

How will managers respond to marine pest invasions?
In order to minimise the likelihood and impact of marine pest incursions, Parks Victoria will adopt Victoria's risk assessment and incursion management protocols for management of marine exotic organisms, and adopt and promote Victorian guidelines for minimising the translocation of marine exotic organisms.

Will Licensed Tour Operators still be able to operate & will they need a permit?
Under the new legislation, business activities in Marine National Parks or Sanctuaries will require a licence to operate. The current Parks Victoria and DSE Tour Operator Licence accommodates marine tour business activities, and tour operators may apply for a license with a term of twelve months or three years. Activity Conditions (eg diving, snorkelling, motor boating etc) for licenses are being researched and drafted.

Licensing requirements came into effect on 16 November 2002. If a tour operator is proposing to undertake tour activities in a Marine National Park or Marine Sanctuary they must submit a Tour Operator Licence Application to Parks Victoria.

For further information on licence provisions and requirements contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963.

Will the marine parks impact on Native Title claims?
The Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries will not effect Native Title rights and interests.

What is the process for research permits in marine national parks and sanctuaries?
All research in areas managed under the National Parks Act 1975 requires a Scientific Permit issued under that Act. In addition, permits may also be required under the Wildlife Act 1975 and the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. The process for obtaining permits to undertake research in Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries is the same as that for terrestrial protected areas.

Permits are issued by the Department of Sustainability and Environment, and researchers should contact DSE in the first instance to make application for a permit. Forms are available from the DSE website or by calling the DSE Customer Service Centre on 13 6186. Once a permit is issued by DSE, it is forwarded to Parks Victoria, who review and approve the permit if appropriate. Once approval has been given, the permit is sent to the researcher, along with a letter explaining any conditions additional to those on the permit that Parks Victoria requires the researcher to follow. Researchers should allow at least 2 months for their application to be processed. Note that some research may require additional permits under the Fisheries Act 1995. To obtain information on permits issued under that Act, contact DSE.