walpole and nornalup inlets marine park, western australia
DESCRIPTION
Andwers to frequently asked questions about this marine park.TRANSCRIPT
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Frequently asked questionsWhy do we need a marine park?Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park complements the surrounding Walpole-Nornalup National Park and protects and improves the unique natural biodiversity, aesthetic qualities and cultural values of the inlets. It ensures the area will support sustainable human use for present and future generations.
What’s so special about the Walpole and Nornalup inlet system?Of the many inlets along the south coast of Western Australia, none are more beautiful than the magnificent Walpole and Nornalup inlets. Surrounded by the undulating hills and eucalypt forest of Walpole-Nornalup National Park, the tranquil waters of the Walpole and Nornalup inlets support seagrasses, algae and diverse benthic fauna. There are at least 40 marine and estuarine fish species and a variety of waterbirds, seabirds and shorebirds. The Walpole and Nornalup inlets are geologically complex, forming an estuary consisting of two connected inlets that are permanently open to the ocean. The inlet system is fed by the Frankland, Deep and Walpole rivers and is in relatively good condition compared to most other easily accessible estuaries in the region. The Walpole and Nornalup inlets experience marine like conditions for most of the year and are biologically diverse compared to most estuarine systems of south-west Western Australia.
Will I have to pay to enter the marine park?No, there are no entry fees to access the marine park.
Are dogs permitted in the marine park?The current practice of taking dogs on vessels within the marine park can continue. It is important to note that dogs are not permitted within the surrounding national park or in the waters of the marine park.
Can I feed the wildlife?As per the Conservation and Land Management Regulations, feeding of wildlife is prohibited. Once animals become used to human contact, they can lose their natural fear of people. Locally, pelicans have been known to take fish from the hooks of fisherman before they can even land their catch, and can easily swallow a hook or become tangled in fishing line. Several birds in the area have died as a result of injury from fishing line or hooks. When cleaning your catch, dispose of waste thoughtfully and don’t feed it to the pelicans.
Are there any sanctuary zones in the marine park?No, due to the marine parks size, highly dynamic and seasonal nature and simple basin structure, sanctuary zones have not been included in the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park.
Can I still fish in the marine park?Yes, recreational fishing is permitted in the marine park as it is designated a recreation zone in its entirety. Recreation zones provide for conservation and compatible recreational activities. Please be aware that the Department of Fisheries size and bag limits apply – it is up to the individual to be aware of these limits before going fishing. Spear fishing, netting, aquaculture and commercial fishing are not permitted in the marine park.
Is jet skiing allowed in the marine park?Yes provided your jet ski is licensed, you have a recreational skipper’s ticket and you adhere to all rules and regulations of the waterways. Please respect other park users.
Wal
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Park Is water skiing allowed in the marine park?
Water skiing is only permitted within the gazetted ski area that is located in the south-western corner of Nornalup Inlet adjacent to Sealers Cove and the Circus Beach trail head (see map for details). The ski area boundary is designated by four yellow marker buoys and includes a beach take-off area located at the northern end of Sealers Cove.
Can I swim, dive and snorkel?Swimming, diving and snorkeling are permitted throughout the entire marine park. Please take care when carrying out these activities near other users such as those boating and fishing. Divers must meet the requirements of the relevant marine regulations. For the safety of swimmers there is a boating exclusion area adjacent to sections of Coalmine Beach.
Where are the boundaries of the marine park?The marine park covers all of the Walpole and Nornalup inlets as well as the tidal reaches of the Deep, Frankland and Walpole rivers. The boundaries are the Bibbulmun Track crossing on the Deep River, Monastery Landing on the Frankland River and the South West Highway on the Walpole River. The boundary with the ocean is delineated by a line of longitude at 116°44’15’’ East – this boundary is situated at the mouth of the inlet (see map).
Who is responsible for managing the marine park?The following are the three key government organisations with responsibilities in managing the marine park:
Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) is the primary manager of the marine park and is responsible for the implementation of the management plan.
Department of Fisheries is responsible for managing recreational fishing including education, research and monitoring.
Department of Transport is responsible for managing marine safety within the marine park.
For more information contact:Department of Environment and Conservation –Frankland District:South Coast HighwayWalpole, Western Australia, 6398Ph: (08) 9840 0400 Fax: (08) 9840 1251Email: [email protected]
Department of Fisheries – Albany:Suite 7 Frederick House, 70-74 Frederick StreetAlbany, Western Australia, 6330Ph: (08) 9845 7400 Fax: (08) 9845 7457www.fish.wa.gov.au
Department of Transport – Albany:178 Stirling TerraceAlbany, Western Australia, 6330 Ph: (08) 9892 7333www.transport.wa.gov.au
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Circus Beach
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Coalmine Beach
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Nornalup
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Highway
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BibbulmunTrack
Coalmine Beach HeritageTrail
Walktrail
National park
Marine park recreation zone
Boating prohibited area
Ski zone area
Marine park extent
Proposed State forest
Barbecue (gas) in shelter
Boat ramp
Caravan park
Canoeing
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Lookout
Picnic area
Toilets
Walktrail
Water skiing
COALMINE