New courtesy moorings for boaters in Sydney harbour

by Medianet Operations on 22 Aug 2013 Eight new sea-grass friendly courtesy moorings will be installed in Manly West and Quarantine Bay in Sydney Harbour to help protect local marine vegetation.

Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) Principal Manager Sydney Trevor Williams said the courtesy moorings will be installed prior to the new boating season by RMS as a community service to boaters travelling through the area.

'The new moorings in the two bays will help with the protection of sea-grass which can be damaged when vessels drop anchor.

'The project is in response to concerns raised by Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI) about the impact of boat propellers on sea-grass in the area.

'RMS has consulted widely with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services, the Boating Industry Association, the Boat Owner’s Association and Sydney Harbour user groups on the design and location of the moorings.

'RMS will install and maintain five courtesy moorings at Manly West and three courtesy moorings at Quarantine Beach.

'Boaters will be able to secure to any of these moorings for up to 24 hours at a time.

'Three courtesy moorings are already available to boaters 24 hours in Middle Harbour near Chinamans Beach and two others offering boaters two hours mooring are in place near the Spit Bridge,' Mr Williams said.

RMS reminds boaters it is an offence within the Fisheries Management Act 1994 to harm declared species of marine vegetation.

For more information on anchoring, courtesy moorings or seagrass protection, go to Maritime NSW website