Letters to the Port Stephens Examiner: December 20

One of the problems with the original sanctuary zone establishment was that apart from known aggregation areas for the grey nurse shark and the "middle ground” regularly used by pods of nursing female dolphins, many of the sanctuary zones became simply areas less used by fishers.

It was obviously to avoid conflict but there wasn’t in fact much “science” behind their establishment and that is why we need a review to see if they are indeed in the right place.

Sanctuaries are established to provide protection for a variety of different habitat types and what lives within them; sandy beaches, rocky shoreline, seagrass, mangroves etc. and although not designed to “improve” fishing, many have, particularly those in the estuary where seagrass exists. 

After 24 years of regularly snorkelling the western side of Cabbage Tree Island, an area which had become a “sea urchin barren” from over fishing prior to the marine park, the rocky island shoreline has now bounced back since fishing controls were put in place and large groper, wrasse and even a hawks bill turtle have taken up residence with the urchins now receding. 

Those of us fortunate enough to live here know this is a special place, we are in effect all custodians together but government should assist. A review is long overdue.

Related reading: Letters to the Editor, December 13

We recently took family to enjoy a lovely meal at Salamander Bay and then thought we would visit Nelson Bay to have an ice cream and take in the festive lights.

Oh dear, what a sad dismal Christmas effort there.

No lights, no festive mood, no people. We wonder why ? 

How about the local shopkeepers invest in making the space a must visit and see place for families and their kids, instead of this constant bleating on how bad business is.

What about some night markets and food stalls on the marina promenade?

Given the tourist side is apparent and many times the permanent population, how about some investment and confidence by local shops to create a decent Christmas atmosphere?

Council seems ready enough to lift local rates despite public backlash - how about they spend some money on the local area and bring tourists back? 

Oh and we also bought two ice creams [for a total of] $17.00 –  that was a real bargain. 

Related reading: Letters to the Editor, December 6

We are now entering the festive season and will be enjoying the pristine waters of Port Stephens.

We should all spare a thought and give thanks to those many volunteers and emergency service personnel who continually put their lives at risk and will be on standby over this holiday break.

Also, to those men and women serving overseas in our armed forces, far away from their families. May they all return home safely.

I sympathise and agree with John Stinker Clarke (Examiner, Opinion, December 13).

Many of us are equally frustrated with the delay in a meaningful marine park review.

But be careful what you wish for. Be prepared for a frustrating, delayed and drawn out process of “consulting with the community” – spin talk for for a rubber-stamping process with floored research and false promises.

If Batemans Bay marine park review is anything to go by, then it will be a slow and drawn-out process.

Also read: Snap up free tickets to Seniors concert

Also read: Thank a farmer, leave your Christmas message here