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Protecting marine areas
Our region’s 354 kilometres of ocean shorelines and 150,000 hectares of marine waters support a vast array of biodiversity, and are a major attraction for recreation and tourism.
With 85 per cent of the region’s population living on the coastal fringe, the pressure on these marine resources is significant. Urban development, over-fishing, habitat degradation and the introduction of aquatic pests have taken their toll on the marine environments of the Hunter-Central Rivers region.
Through the CAP, the CMA aims to relieve these pressures by protecting marine habitats, enhancing wetlands, improving stormwater runoff and better managing floodgates.
Taking action together
Completing the picture of our rocky reefs
If you take a leisurely rockpool ramble you'll soon discover how rich and diverse our intertidal rocky shores are.
Forster a favourite with the black cod
Researchers are encouraged by the number of protected black cod found in 2009 in the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park, particularly around Forster.
New lease of life for sanctuary zone
In the 1990s a major outbreak of exotic Pacific oysters spelt disaster for the local oyster industry in the Port Stephens and Great Lakes area and led to the loss of some businesses and the abandonment of many leases.
hundreds of people attended CMA Marine Discovery Series talks last year from leading scientific researchers
- 2010-11 CMA Annual Report