'We're not greenies': Dive industry makes case for stronger ocean protections
Australia's dive industry is advocating for expanded no-fishing and no-drilling zones as a federal review of marine parks approaches. The campaign aims to enhance protections in offshore waters, particularly in the Coral Sea, highlighting the importance of these areas for marine life. The federal government has committed to increasing highly protected marine areas from 24% to 30% by 2030, but the fishing sector is concerned about the impact on commercial activities.
- ▪The dive industry is launching a public campaign for stronger ocean protections ahead of a federal marine park review.
- ▪The sector is estimated to be worth about $4.2 billion a year and emphasizes the need for sanctuary zones for marine breeding.
- ▪Federal environment minister Murray Watt is consulting with various stakeholders before the review process begins.
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Dive industry calls for more no-fish, no-drill zones as marine park review looms By national tourism reporter Kristy Sexton-McGrathTopic:Great Barrier ReefThu 4 Jun 2026 at 4:56amThu 4 Jun 2026 at 4:56amThu 4 Jun 2026 at 4:56amRichard Nicholls has completed 12,000 dives and supports stronger protections of oceans. (Supplied: Richard Nicholls)abc.net.au/news/great-barrier-reef-conservation-dive-industry/106752952Link copiedShareShare articleAustralia's dive industry has backed calls to expand no-fishing and no-drilling zones across the nation's oceans ahead of a federal review of marine parks.The sector will today launch a public advertising campaign urging stronger protections in offshore waters, including the Coral Sea off Queensland.The campaign comes as federal environment minister…
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