Please help by writing a letter to The Department of Primary Industries, Minister Tara Moriarty and Minister Penny Sharpe
We have made huge strides in advancing our proposal to declare Bongin Bongin Bay at Mona Vale as a no-take aquatic reserve through the process of community support — this includes amassing 6,163 petition signatures in 16 weeks!
A Council Motion was also passed in favour of ‘a’ Aquatic Reserve for Bongin Bongin (12-1 vote to progress to State Government). However, the integrity of the proposal is at stake, as the words ‘no take’ were removed from the council motion, due to pressure from anti-sanctuary advocates.
It is critical we ensure any declaration of an Aquatic Reserve for Bongin Bongin is a ‘no take’ sanctuary, reflecting the gold standard of marine protection. And, it is further critical that we ensure that the mantra of ‘no take’ is defended.
This is why we call on you to write a letter of support to the relevant State Ministers and Department. This letter is an opportunity for you to highlight our overall ambition to save NSW’s unique marine life and habitats.
We encourage you to write a personal letter (i.e. stating why you love the ocean or which group you represent) and to also include in your own words why Bongin Bongin should be protected.
Please send your letter to all three of the following.
The Department of Primary Industries - marine.environment@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Minister Tara Moriarty – via contact page form
Minister Penny Sharpe – via contact page form
The Labor Government has an immediate opportunity to create a world class Marine Protected Area system;
To do this, it must deliver on the global and national 30x30 target, interpreted to mean 30% marine sanctuary (No take areas) for NSW waters.
This would pave the way for marine parks in missing bioregions, including for a Sydney Marine Park (Hawkesbury Shelf Bioregion) where only about 1% is currently protected as sanctuary;
Considering this framework, Bongin Bongin, part of the Hawkesbury Shelf, is an excellent candidate for sanctuary protection for its social and natural values.
It is a high-use area for recreational users of swimmers, surfers, and surf life savers, who highly value the marine life in the area, including blue gropers, dolphins, sharks, octopus, cuttlefish, and many other species, including the occasional sea turtle and penguin.
In just 16 weeks, a petition for Bongin Bongin amassed 3,230 paper signatures plus 2,996 online in support, demonstrating just how loved and valued this area is.
Unfortunately, NSW has gone backwards, rather than forwards when it comes to marine protection. Now is the time to save our unique marine life and habitats by restoring and creating new no take sanctuaries for NSW.
Considering Bongin Bongin’s recreational popularity, a No Take Aquatic Reserve for Bongin Bongin would become another local community enforcement and ‘education classroom’ success story, inspired by the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve at Shelly Beach in Manly.
Just use a couple of these, four at the most. Add your own words and points from above, between each paragraph you use. There are seven sections to choose from. Each section has three versions of the same paragraph.
Imagine a world where Bongin Bongin Bay's intertidal areas are teeming with life and vitality. Picture a place where marine ecosystems thrive without the constant pressure of fishing and the exploitation of vulnerable invertebrates and essential marine plants. Envision a sanctuary where fish can reach their full potential, spawning an abundance of eggs that not only replenish fish stocks in the bay but also spill over into surrounding waters, promoting biodiversity and restoring the entire coastal ecosystem.
Envision a world where the intertidal areas of Bongin Bongin Bay pulsate with life and energy. Visualize a haven where marine ecosystems flourish, liberated from the relentless strain of fishing and the exploitation of fragile invertebrates and vital marine flora. Picture a sanctuary where fish can thrive, giving rise to a surplus of eggs that not only replenish fish populations within the bay but also extend their influence to the surrounding waters, fostering biodiversity and rejuvenating the entire coastal ecosystem.
Let your imagination transport you to a realm where the intertidal areas of Bongin Bongin Bay brim with vitality and abundance. Envisage a place where marine ecosystems thrive, liberated from the ceaseless pressures of fishing and the plundering of vulnerable invertebrates and essential marine plants. Picture a sanctuary where fish can flourish, spawning a profusion of eggs that not only replenish fish stocks within the bay but also spill over into the adjacent waters, propagating biodiversity and revitalizing the entire coastal ecosystem.
I am not writing to you not as an individual, but as a collective voice representing many people who share a common hope and responsibility. Our goal is to turn this vision into reality by establishing Bongin Bongin Bay as a no-take aquatic reserve. By making this commitment, we can create an environment similar to Cabbage Tree Bay, where scuba divers and snorkelers have witnessed the incredible biodiversity that flourishes due to the "No Take" declaration in place since March 31, 2002.
My words reach you not as a solitary voice, but as a chorus representing a multitude of individuals united by a shared hope and duty. Our collective aim is to transform this vision into tangible existence by designating Bongin Bongin Bay as a no-take aquatic reserve. Through this commitment, we can cultivate an environment akin to the remarkable Cabbage Tree Bay, where divers and snorkelers have borne witness to the awe-inspiring biodiversity that thrives under the protective umbrella of the "No Take" declaration implemented on March 31, 2002.
As I address you today, I embody not just my individual voice but the resounding echoes of a united front, driven by a common aspiration and responsibility. Our objective is to translate this vision into tangible action by establishing Bongin Bongin Bay as a sanctuary where no extraction occurs. By embracing this commitment, we have the power to cultivate an ecosystem reminiscent of the wondrous Cabbage Tree Bay, where scuba divers and snorkelers have marveled at the extraordinary biodiversity that flourishes due to the steadfast implementation of the "No Take" declaration since March 31, 2002.
A significant portion of the fishing community practices sustainable fishing methods and consumes their catch responsibly. However, there exists a problematic aspect within the fishing community, where some individuals engage in unsustainable fishing practices that undermine the ability of fisheries to sustain themselves. It is crucial to acknowledge that many reasonable members of the fishing community are aware of this issue and are genuinely concerned about its consequences. The challenge lies in the fact that certain forms of collection and overfishing in specific areas of Bongin Bongin Bay are currently legal, leading to an imbalance and potential depletion of vital marine resources.
While it is important to recognize that a significant portion of the fishing community upholds sustainable fishing practices and responsibly consumes their catch, there remains a problematic aspect within the community. Unfortunately, some individuals engage in unsustainable fishing methods that directly undermine the long-term sustainability of fisheries. It is essential to acknowledge that many reasonable members of the fishing community are fully aware of this issue and genuinely concerned about its detrimental consequences. The challenge lies in the current legal permissibility of certain forms of collection and overfishing in specific areas of Bongin Bongin Bay, which creates an imbalance and jeopardizes the preservation of crucial marine resources.
Within the fishing community, a notable percentage of individuals demonstrate commendable commitment to sustainable fishing techniques and responsible consumption of their catch. However, it is necessary to address the problematic practices that exist among certain members. Unsustainable fishing methods employed by these individuals directly undermine the ability of fisheries to sustain themselves in the long run. It is important to acknowledge that many rational members of the fishing community are well aware of this issue and genuinely share concerns about the adverse impacts it brings. The challenge arises from the current legal permissibility of specific collection methods and overfishing in certain areas of Bongin Bongin Bay, creating an imbalanced ecosystem and putting vital marine resources at risk of depletion.
No-take aquatic reserves hold great significance in ecological conservation, extending beyond their immediate environmental benefits. By eliminating exceptions and ambiguity, we send a clear and transparent message to all: Bongin Bongin Bay is a sanctuary, off-limits to fishing. This clarity allows us to educate the public more effectively, fostering a collective understanding of the importance of safeguarding our marine environments.
The value of no-take aquatic reserves in ecological conservation reaches far beyond their immediate environmental advantages. By removing any exceptions and uncertainties, we convey a resolute and transparent message to all: Bongin Bongin Bay is a protected sanctuary, where fishing is strictly prohibited. This clarity enables us to educate the public more effectively, nurturing a shared comprehension of the utmost significance of safeguarding our marine environments.
No-take aquatic reserves carry profound significance in ecological conservation, transcending their immediate environmental benefits. Through the elimination of exceptions and ambiguities, we impart a lucid and unambiguous message to all: Bongin Bongin Bay stands as a sacred sanctuary, entirely off-limits to fishing activities. This level of clarity empowers us to educate the public more effectively, fostering a collective understanding of the paramount importance in preserving and safeguarding our marine environments.
The establishment of a No Take Aquatic Reserve at Bongin Bongin Bay holds multiple advantages for the fishing community, particularly over time. By implementing this reserve, the food sources in the intertidal areas can replenish and regenerate, creating a sustainable ecosystem for marine life. This renewal will have a direct impact on the fish population, enabling them to thrive in a healthier environment.
With the removal of fishing pressure within the No Take Aquatic Reserve, fish will have the opportunity to grow and develop to their full potential. As they reach maturity, they will lay a greater number of eggs, leading to a substantial increase in the overall fish stocks. This abundance of fish will not only benefit the reserve itself but will also extend to surrounding areas, enhancing biodiversity and the sustainability of the entire basin.
As the fish stocks flourish within the No Take Aquatic Reserve and spill over into nearby regions, the long-term benefits for the fishing community become evident. Over time, the increased abundance of fish will make fishing easier in adjacent areas, as the stocks continue to grow. By establishing this reserve, we create a positive cycle where the restoration of fish populations ensures a sustainable and thriving fishing industry for the future.
The implementation of a No Take Aquatic Reserve in Bongin Bongin Bay plays a crucial role in the effective policing of the area. By removing any exceptions and eliminating ambiguity, the rules and regulations governing the reserve become clear and unambiguous. This clarity empowers the authorities, such as NSW Fisheries, to enforce the regulations more efficiently, ensuring the protection of the marine environment.
The establishment of a No Take Aquatic Reserve also facilitates the education of the general public. With clear guidelines in place, it becomes easier to communicate and educate people about the importance of preserving the reserve and adhering to the no-take policy. This enhanced clarity fosters a collective understanding among the public, enabling them to make informed decisions and actively contribute to the conservation efforts.
A well-defined No Take Aquatic Reserve empowers the local community to develop a deep sense of ownership and responsibility towards the preservation of Bongin Bongin Bay. With clear rules in place, community members can take a keen interest in safeguarding the reserve, acting as vigilant guardians. This clarity also benefits Surf Life Savers, as they are equipped with precise knowledge of the rules and can readily identify any attempts to collect or fish within the reserve. Their ability to inform the relevant authorities ensures that the integrity of the no-take policy is upheld, maintaining the sanctity of the bay.
One voice of support can set in motion centuries of ecological diversity and sustained life. I urge you to honor our planet and the generations destined to inhabit it by making a resolute decision in favor of our shared ecological heritage. Let us lead by example, and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to a sustainable future by establishing Bongin Bongin Bay as a no-take aquatic reserve.
The power of a single supportive voice can initiate a cascade of ecological diversity and enduring life spanning centuries. I implore you to pay homage to our planet and the forthcoming generations who will call it home by making a firm decision in favor of our shared ecological legacy. Let us blaze a trail by setting an example and showcasing an unwavering dedication to a sustainable future through the establishment of Bongin Bongin Bay as a no-take aquatic reserve.
A solitary voice of support possesses the potential to unleash an abundance of ecological diversity and ensure the continuity of life for generations to come. I urge you to pay tribute to our planet and the destiny of those who will inherit it by making an unwavering choice that upholds our shared ecological heritage. Let us take the lead by exemplifying an unyielding commitment to a sustainable future, cemented through the establishment of Bongin Bongin Bay as a no-take aquatic reserve.
A committed group of people have contributed to creating this proposal. In the spirit of 'think globally, act locally' we hope, with your help, this commitment can be mirrored in the prompt declaration of Bongin Bongin Bay as NSW’s newest aquatic reserve.
The Friends of Bongin Bongin Bay acknowledge the Garigal people of the Wannangine Guringai Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the earth and waters where Bongin Bongin Bay is located and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia.
We honour their continuing culture and connection to land and sea. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect and recognition to all First Nations peoples.
