Marine national parks

Marine sanctuaries are the national parks of the ocean. They’re safe havens for Blue Whales, Australasian Gannets, Little Penguins, vast kelp forests and more.

Marine sanctuaries are the national parks of the ocean. They’re safe havens for Blue Whales, Australasian Gannets, Little Penguins, vast kelp forests and more.

Stop cuts to marine protection

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Dear Premier Allan, Minister Dimopolous and Treasurer Symes

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed cuts to the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) and the significant impact these cuts will have on the protection of Victoria’s marine life.

The Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) has raised alarm over the restructure, which will see 73 fisheries officers replaced with just 36 engagement officers across the state. This drastic reduction will severely compromise Victoria’s ability to safeguard its marine parks, wildlife, and unique marine habitats, leaving them vulnerable to illegal fishing and other threats. These public servants are our societies frontline workers for nature protection, not an optional extra.

As it stands, Victoria's marine national parks already have a non-compliance rate of 56 per cent according to the Community and Public Sector Union.

With Victorian marine protection levels (no-take areas) the lowest in Australia at only 5.3 per cent of state waters, these cuts are both incomprehensible and potentially disastrous for our fragile marine ecosystems.

Fisheries officers are our eyes and ears on the water, monitoring and enforcing critical protections for vulnerable species such as Giant Spider Crabs, abalone and snapper. Without sufficient enforcement personnel, these species face increased risks from illegal fishing activities, which threaten both their populations and the delicate balance of our marine ecosystems.

The cuts to fisheries officers come alongside reductions in other vital environmental protection agencies, including $95 million in budget cuts to Parks Victoria and the loss of 33 staff at the Office of the Conservation Regulator. This trend of slashing funding and personnel for environmental protection is a grave concern for nature conservation. It's also detrimental for public safety, as minimal enforcement increases risks to both the environment and those who rely on it for recreation and industry.

I urge you to reconsider these proposed cuts and commit to increasing, rather than decreasing, the resources available for the protection of our state’s marine life.

If we are serious about safeguarding our wildlife and marine areas for future generations, you must reverse these cuts and investigate other areas for budget saving.

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