Survey aims for a better marine park

Visitors to the Solitary Islands Marine Park over January have been given the chance to make a positive contribution to how it is managed.

People using the beaches, boat ramps, headlands and estuaries have been asked to respond to two surveys that are aimed at delivering better services in the park.

"One is a user survey which we use to improve the information for park users, and the other is an economic survey that is being conducted here and at marine parks in Byron Bay and Jervis Bay," said Solitary Islands Marine Park Manager Libby Sterling.

The surveys are aimed at locals as well as holidaymakers. The area involved is from Sandon River to Coffs Harbour. All survey points except the Coffs Harbour boat ramp are within the marine park boundaries.

"The surveys have been under way since 5 January and will continue to 31 January," Ms Sterling said.

"The user survey has been conducted in the past two years for the Solitary Islands Marine Park and has already resulted in positive improvements to the information we provide in our recreational user guide and zoning signage.

"The user survey is management oriented. It asks people where they live, how long they are spending in the park, what activities they are involved in, and if it is fishing, what kind of fish are they targeting and what are they catching.

"We are also interested in knowing if people have seen a copy of our zoning summary or recreational user guide.

"Many people are finding out about the marine park for the first time from undertaking the survey."

If they haven't already seen the recreational guide they will not go away empty handed, as the survey points also offer a cool drink and information on the Solitary Islands Marine Park, fishing and National Parks information.

Media contact: Howard Spencer (02) 6656 8800 or mobile 0428 696 672