Ron Boswell (Queensland, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, upon notice, on 27 February 2012:

With reference to the Marine Bioregional Planning Program:

(1) On what scientific basis have the lines defining the bioregions of the South-west, North, North-west, Coral Sea and the Temperate East Marine Regions been determined.

(2) Can the scientific analysis that underpins the location of the closures be provided, including details of what specifically needs protection and what it is being protected from.

3) What peer reviewed scientific analysis has been used to ban trawling in each of the marine regions?

(4) How did the Minister formulate the policy that marine parks are the best way to conserve biodiversity?

(5) Has the Government assessed the number of boats that trawl in the highly protected (green zones), multiple-use, general purpose and special purpose zones?

(6) (a) What amount of fishing effort will have to be reduced and how many licences will have to be removed to allow the remaining boats to fish in areas that are not zoned; and (b) how were these figures determined.

(7) Has the Government estimated the cost of buying-out the licences and the boats that will be required to reduce the effort; if so, which government body will assess the compensation to fishermen.

(8) Can the Minister advise whether the Government will compensate allied seafood businesses, such as processors, wholesalers and retailers who will be severely impacted by the closures, many of which are located in regional towns that rely on industry jobs therefore forming an important part of the community.

(9) Can the Minister advise why a management plan was not prepared prior to the declaration of the bioregions.

(10) In regard to Australia's international obligations to establish marine reserves: (a) what is Australia's commitment; and (b) under which particular agreements is Australia bound.

(11) What is the total, quantifiable commitment made to international bodies and to which international bodies has Australia made a commitment.