MEDIA RELEASE: 12th DECEMBER 2019
NSW GOVERNMENT DECISION TO REMOVE PROTECTIONS AT BATEMANS MARINE PARK “SHORT-SIGHTED AND INHUMANE”
The Hon. Emma Hurst MP has slammed today’s decision by the NSW Government to roll back marine protections at Batemans Marine Park, saying it is “short sighted and inhumane”.
“This shockingly short-sighted decision by the NSW Government removes marine protections only one day after a comprehensive report by the Australian Marine Conservation Society and Humane Society International has shown Critically Endangered Grey Nurse Sharks in these very waters are facing extinction,” said Ms Hurst.
“Our marine life is facing threats from all sides. Our oceans are polluted, climate change is destroying what is left of our marine environments, and now we are reducing what minimal protections they have.
“Our Government should not be encouraging cruel fishing practices such as line and spear fishing in an already delicate marine environment that thousands of sentient animals call home.
“There is clear scientific evidence that fish are intelligent and have the ability to feel pain. Knowingly causing harm to an intelligent, sentient animal is unethical and inhumane.
“Encouraging more people to get involved in animal cruelty and support a brutal industry that has devastated our State’s precious marine environments is unconscionable,” said Ms Hurst.
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