Qualitative risk assessment of multiple-use marine park effectiveness – A case study from NSW, Australia

Effectiveness of the managed-use zones in six multiple-use marine parks located within New South Wales (NSW), Australia, was assessed using qualitative Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) techniques. Permitted activities in these managed-use zones displayed considerable variation between individual marine parks within this one jurisdiction (NSW); many activities appeared to be inconsistent with the stated objectives; and, some were considered high risk. For example, in “habitat protection” zones, 24 out of 76 permitted activities were inconsistently applied across the parks and 10 activities were determined to be high risk. ERA indicated that many commercial fishing activities warranted restriction or prohibition in these zones, including trawling, set lining, drift lining, mesh netting and purse seining operations. The best fit between objectives of the managed-use zones and permitted activities was for the most recent park (Batemans Marine Park). Inconsistencies in application of zoning restrictions between these marine parks could lead to stakeholder confusion, unintentional non-compliance and failure to adequately protect the assets. As a result, it is suggested that these managed-use zones may not be achieving their stated objectives and that greater consistency in application of regulations was required. To implement the ERA recommendations, changes would be required across all of the NSW marine parks and this would be best accommodated during a staged review of all zoning plans. It is concluded that ERA is an effective tool to aid in systematically identifying permissible activities in order to meet marine park objectives.