The Submission period has now closed for the Port Stephens Great - Lakes Marine Park. Stay tuned for updates.  Older news about the PSGLMP:HCEC is hosting the National Parks Association NPA Marine Sancturaies campaigner. We fully endorse the additions to the Government's zone plan that NPA has proposed. Downlaod the NPA Submission to the Port Stephens - Great Lakes Marine Park Zoning Plan and Regulations by clicking here and the map of the NPA Zoning Plan by clicking here The Government's zoning plan is on exhibition until 23 September. We ask you to make a submission supporting the NPA Zoning Plan for adequate marine conservation on the Mid North Coast of NSW.You can make an online submission supporting the NPA Zoning Plan by visiting www.marine.org.auContact HCEC to get a copy of the proposed Sanctuary additions or a copy of the Government's proposals or visit http://www.mpa.nsw.gov.au/psglmp/psglmp.htmDownload a letter writing guide from this site to help yoiu make a submission to the Marine Park Zone Plan exhibition process.Key additions required are:

1. 1. The Branch River Sanctuary A beautiful river important for fish species that migrate between saltwater and freshwater to complete stages of their life cycle. Since the removal of fish barriers such as weirs, the natural water flow and tidal limits of this river have been restored and water quality improved.
2. 2. Wurrung and Snapper Island Sanctuary At the mouth of the Karuah River, identified as high conservation value would protect 20 ha of mangrove and salt marsh, and 40 ha of Zostera seagrass.
3. 3. Soldiers Point to Taylors Beach Habitat Protection Protects 220 ha of sensitive Posidonea and Zostera seagrass, and 80 ha of mangrove and salt marsh from commercial fishing such as hauling and mesh netting, but allows recreational fishing to continue.
4. 4. Middle Island Sanctuary Protects 30 ha of Posidonea and Zostera seagrass and some of the deepest water in the Port. Almost fished out, protection will allow Grey Nurse Shark’s to recolonise the area. Middle Island is a sacred Aboriginal site.
5. 5. Bagnalls Beach Sanctuary An area of rocky reef harbouring soft corrals and sponge gardens of enormous conservation significance that would also protect Posidonia and Zostera seagrass.
6. 6. East Port Stephens Habitat Protection Protects large areas of seagrass and fish nurseries and a breeding area of the resident dolphin population that support a $40 million tourist industry. Recreational fishing can continue.
7. 7. Myall River Sanctuary One of the highest areas of conservation significance identified by the Government, this protects a large area of Zostera seagrass and is surrounded by important areas of mangrove and salt marsh. First proposed for protection by NPA in 1995.
8. 8. Fingal Island and Box Beach Sanctuary Fingal Island is an important intertidal rocky shore and near shore reef habitat connected to the coast by a sand spit submerged at high tide. Contains high biodiversity, being one of the few areas to contain all five rocky shore “communities” and large areas of complex near shore reefs of up to 40 m depth. Protection is also provided to important deep water habitats.
9. 9. Boondelbah and Yacaba Head Sanctuary Protects an important site for up to five Grey Nurse Sharks and the waters of Boondelbah Island, one of a few north coast Little Penguin nesting sites and site of the trial reintroduction of the endangered Gould’s Petrel, all impacted by fishing.
10. 10. Broughton Island Sanctuary Rated by the Government as one of the most significant areas, it fully protects the resident Grey Nurse Sharks (10% of the NSW population) and allows them to extend their range to complex near shore and deep reef habitats and gutters to the south of the Island.
11. 11. Boolambayte Lake Sanctuary One of the most complex and least disturbed lakes in the Myall system within Myall Lakes National Park. Protects Stoneworts, Prickly Waternymph, and Myriophyllum. First proposed for protection by NPA in 1995.
12. 12. and 13 Edith Breakers, north Yagon Beach and Sawtooth Rocks Sanctuary Protects 12% of the NSW population of Grey Nurse Shark, including breading areas near Sawtooth Rocks. The vulnerable Great White Shark and threatened Black Cod have also been sighted at Edith Breakers.
13. 14. Smiths Lake Sanctuary The largest intermittently closing and opening lake in the State, listed as an internationally significant Ramsar wetlands and rated as high conservation significance by the Government. Protects Rupia seagrass and the endangered coastal spurge. Rocky shore and near shore reef hotspots requiring protection
14. 15 Bald Point Sanctuary Has the highest species diversity of any intertidal rocky shore in the region. Recommended for protection since 1982. Grey Nurse Shark hotspots requiring protection
15. 16. Latitude Rock and the Pinnacles Sanctuary Protects two Grey Nurse Shark sites that habour 16% of the State’s population and significant areas of intertidal rocky shore and 40-60 m reef system. These Sharks regularly traverse between the two sites.