As a marine biologist who has spent a lot of time visiting the amazing Fly Point sanctuary, I want to address Mr Clarke's questions about the lack of science supporting the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park - particularly regarding the necessity of habitat for grey nurse sharks, and the need for 20 per cent as a sanctuary zone.

The grey nurse shark population estimate was released by CSIRO last month and is around 2000 individuals - meaning there has potentially been some recovery and increase in the population numbers, but they are still critically endangered.

The protected sanctuary areas provide a vital refuge for these and many other endangered species as well as ensuring healthy populations and ecosystems into the future (and also better fishing in the surrounding waters).

It's generally accepted by marine biologists globally that 30 per cent sanctuary zone is necessary for the sanctuary to function in the long-term, and many countries are already working towards this goal (with the UK putting it forward as a global target at the UN General Assembly in September).

There is a huge amount of science showing the necessity and functionality of these marine sanctuaries, which make it clear that the Port Stephens Great Lakes MP is much more valuable now then it was originally established, and I hope to see the science supporting this better communicated to the public in the future.  

I'm sure Mr Clarke, and many of your readers, know the value and necessity of this marine park, and I agree with his comments regarding the need to keep monitoring these places, and ensure that all the stakeholders are informed and a part of the decision making. Hopefully this little science update helps. 

The recent estimate on grey nurse numbers can be found here.

Here's an article about the UK at the UN calling for 30 per cent of oceans to be protected: www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/boost-ocean-conservation-uk-call-30-cent-seas-be-protected-2030

Related reading: Opinion, Time to review marine park or remove it

First of all we would like to say a very special thank you to all the firefighters who did an outstanding job on containing the recent fires at Mariner Crescent and Worimi Drive, Salamander Bay.

With Mariner Crescent being a very narrow road and Worimi Drive not much wider, it almost made it impossible for fire trucks to get around and find a place to park due to nonresident sticky beaks roaring around the neighborhood and not looking at where they were going.

Please people, have some common sense and respect for our volunteer firefighters and the people who lived there trying to get back to their homes. Let the [firefighters] do their job and in future, if you don't live in the area then stay away.

Related reading: Letters to the Editor, December 20

We would like to give our deepest thanks and appreciation for the wonderful way that the fireman handled and fought the fire in the wetlands recently.  

The men and women were not only very precise about where they needed to be at the right time they were extremely reassuring and professional in the way they handled the huge flames around our houses on Sandy Point Road.  

Since the last fire was roughly sixteen years ago in the wetlands, we had forgotten how menacing and intense an out-of-control bushfire can be and feel so blessed that our area has such dedicated and professional people to fight and protect our residents and homes.

 We hope the firefighters have a blessed and peaceful Christmas and send our sincere thanks again. 

Also read:

Double demerits begin Friday

Santa’s ready for a Port Stephens Christmas

Lowndes’ visit adds to record numbers