The federal government is further strengthening environmental protection of Australia’s marine parks with a $5 million fund to improve conservation and encourage sustainable fishing practices.
Our Marine Park Grants build on the government’s world-leading management plans implemented last year, which delivered new levels of protection for 3.2 million square kilometres of pristine marine areas.
The program, part of the $35 million Fisheries Assistance and User Engagement Package, will support industries and communities transition their operations under the new arrangements.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch encouraged local groups and individuals across Far North Queensland to apply for assistance through the grants program.
He said the grants will support marine users to engage with managing these special places and support their ongoing sustainability.
“Eligible projects include a variety of initiatives such as improving fishing gear types or practices, connecting fishers to marine park management through citizen science, and marketing locally and sustainably caught seafood,” Mr Entsch said.
“Up to $5 million is available in the first round for grants ranging from $50,000 to $1 million.
“It is important that we continue to build on the work to preserve our unique marine areas in our backyard and ensure they remain in a pristine state for future generations.”
The government will open a further grant round to a wider range of organisations representing marine park users later this year.
Applications for round one of the Our Marine Parks Grants program close at 2pm AEDT on 12 March, 2019.
For more information about Australian Marine Parks visit parksaustralia.gov.au/marine.
