North Harbour seagrass consultation period extended

The period for receipt of public submissions in response to an issues paper outlining options to improve protection for seagrasses and Little Penguins in North Sydney Harbour has been extended until next Monday. 

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Manager Fisheries Ecosystems, Sarah Fairfull, said the extension of the consultation period has been granted by request to allow time for additional submissions to be received. 

“More than 250 submissions have been received to date in response to the issues paper developed by NSW DPI, Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to investigate options for the greater protection of seagrass populations and Little Penguins in North Harbour,” she said. 

“The three agencies agreed to extend the consultation period from June 1 to next Monday June 4, to allow another weekend for people to consider the Issues Paper and make a submission.” 

Ms Fairfull said the issues paper was developed following requests from the community in the Manly area that more be done to protect important seagrass habitat in North Harbour. 

“There was particular community concern about high boat usage at Manly Cove West and Quarantine Beach that resulted in anchoring damage and propeller scarring to seagrasses, including the endangered population of strapweed,” she said. 

“The issues paper also addresses concerns for the endangered Little Penguin population of North Harbour, the only breeding colony for the species on the NSW mainland. 

“Once the consultation is complete, submissions will be reviewed and used to inform final recommendations for improved seagrass protection at Manly Cove West and Quarantine Beach.” 

The Issues Paper can be downloaded from www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au or you can request a copy by phoning (02) 6626 1269. Submissions can be lodged with NSW DPI electronically at the same website or via mail or facsimile by 4 June 2012.  

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