Five new fishing zones have been created in the Batemans Marine Park, the NSW Government announced on Thursday, December 12.
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The five sites identified for increased access were Brou Lake (South), Clarks Bay (Freshwater Bay), Forsters Bay, Montague Island (East and South) and Nangudga Lake.
Member for Bega Andrew Constance said the sites were "low-hanging fruit and areas where it makes sense to wind back restrictions on recreational fishing activities".
"Today's announcement will provide immediate access to these areas before school holidays start and we see tourists and families heading out for some quality fishing," he said.
"A broader review of the Batemans Marine Park is ongoing and will provide government with key information about management of the park going forward.
"I want to see a marine park that balances recreational, tourism and conservation values."
He said it was tragic "a lot of these areas weren't locked up for any sound ecological reason, meaning recreational fishers missed out".
"The Greens and Labor locked up 85 per cent of the region's best fishing grounds with the stroke of a pen, which was an absolute body blow to our community's recreational fishers," Mr Constance said.
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said fishing was one of the state's iconic pastimes.
"As minister, I'm keen to support our recreational fishing industry, which generates $3.4 billion in economic output each year," Mr Marshall said.
"These newly created zones within the Batemans Marine Park will allow families to access more fishing areas ahead of summer school holidays."
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