Local communities on the south coast, as well as people who visit the area, are being encouraged to go online and discover a new mapping tool that is capturing information on how the area is used.
The ‘south coast marine values mapper’ has been developed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions in partnership with social researchers at The University of Western Australia (UWA) and traditional owners from the Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (ETNTAC).
The mapper will help inform planning and future management of the proposed South Coast Marine Park, including marine park zoning, and can be accessed at https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/parks-and-wildlife-service/plan-for-our-parks/south-coast-marine-park
An additional partnership project between ETNTAC and UWA has tailored the tool for use by traditional owners to map a wide range of cultural values occurring in the area, which ETNTAC can then contribute to the planning process in its role as joint management partners.
As stated by Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
“This new online mapping tool is a great way for people to record how they currently use the proposed South Coast Marine Park.
“It’s easy to register all types of engagement within this beautiful coastal environment, whether it’s going swimming at your favourite beach, bird watching, sailing around picturesque islands or going fishing.
“Understanding how people use and value their local coast and marine environment is critical in designing marine parks, which help protect ecological and cultural values while also continuing to support sustainable resource use such as commercial and recreational fishing.”
