Minister Launches Fish Friendly Marinas Initiative

by MIA on 19 Mar 2013 A new initiative focused on marina fish habit has been launched in Sydney at d’Albora Marina Rushcutters Bay by the NSW Government Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson.

She said Fish Friendly Marinas is an information campaign and accreditation system developed by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in collaboration with the Marina Industries Association (MIA) and the NSW Boating Industry Association (BIA).

Minister Hodgkinson said 'marinas can provide important habitat for fish. Fish Friendly Marinas has been developed to inform marina managers on how to maximise the benefits for fish and recognise those operators actively working to improve fish habitat. Fish Friendly Marinas provides advice and supporting material to help marina operators incorporate beneficial outcomes for native fish into their existing operational plans, such as ensuring their marina is free from marine pests and providing habitat for native fish. A ‘10 Tips’ publication has also been produced to inform operators and help them communicate their efforts to customers and visitors.' The Minister also announced that d’Albora Marina Rushcutters Bay is the first accredited Fish Friendly Marina.

The initiative is attached to MIA’s International Clean Marinas Program. Additional fish friendly criteria and an audit are requirements to achieve Fish Friendly Marina accreditation.

MIA Executive Officer Colin Bransgrove said the initiative is an important development. 'It is essential marinas continue to set the highest environmental standards. Marinas are the ideal location for many community members to see and learn about native fish and the aquatic environment. Clean Marinas and the Fish Friendly accreditation add-on demonstrate that industry, with support from government, is best able to set the standards that meet and exceed community and government expectations.'

d’Albora Marinas CEO Marcus Anketell said it was an honour to be named the first Fish Friendly Marina in Australia.

'We are delighted to be launching this exciting new environmental initiative at d’Albora Marinas Rushcutters Bay. d’Albora Marinas are committed to ensuring our marinas are of the highest environmental standard through participation in programs such as Clean Marinas. d’Albora Marina Rushcutters Bay has fully embraced the opportunity to meet the Fish Friendly criteria and subsequently be recognised as the first marina to be accredited as Fish Friendly.'

Colin Bransgrove said the initiative will be popular with many marinas and it will provide further impetus for participation in the Clean Marina Program.

'Soldiers Point Marina in Port Stephens has also just been accredited as a Fish Friendly Marina and we anticipate at least 10 more marinas signing up to the initiative in the next month.'

More at www.marinas.net.au