Marmion Marine Park management Plan - Department of ...

1.0 OVERVIEWThe Marmion Marine Park lies within State waters between Trigg Island and Bums Rocks, andextends from high water mark to approximately 5.5 km offshore (Map 1). It covers approximately 9500 ha.The area has long been recognised as having outstanding conservation value. Habitats in the areainclude intertidal reef platforms, coastal sand beaches, a high limestone reef about 1 km from thecoast, Little Island, and the Centaur Reef/Three Mile Reef system (Marmion Reefs) about 4 kmoffshore. Of note are complex assemblages of sea floor communities, including seagrass meadows,algal limestone pavement communities and crevice animal associations.The outer reef protects lagoons to the north and south of Mullaloo Point that provides a range ofrecreational opportunities for visitors. The area lies adjacent to a densely populated sector of thePerth metropolitan area which is rapidly increasing in size. The Marine Park is extensively used forrecreation, particularly swimming, diving, sailing and fishing.The diversity of natural resources have educative and interpretive values, particularly given theirproximity to the metropolitan area. Shipwrecks and other cultural features along the coast are also ofinterest.Valuable commercial fisheries, including rock-lobster fishing, operate in the Park.The Park is accessed from the coast where a range of facilities are provided. Coastal land adjacent tothe Marine Park is generally reserved as Regional Open Space for Parks and Recreation and managedby local authorities. Two boat harbours have been built on the coast. It is essential that managementof the adjacent land and the Marine Park is integrated.Management of the Park will need to be one step ahead of recreational demand. It will, however, bedifficult to anticipate changes in patterns and levels of use.Activities are divided into two types, consumptive and non-consumptive activities. Consumptiveactivities (for example, fishing) will need to be regulated to maintain resources on a sustainable basis,whereas non-consumptive activities can be enjoyed and promoted with minimal impact on theenvironment.As the number of people using the Park continues to rise, competition for preferred areas willinevitably cause conflict. Demand for certain uses may increase at a greater rate than others and2