Sean Barker handed Dr King a copy of an open letter signed by 142 scientists supporting marine protection areas. Mr Barker heads up  ‘Spot a Shark’, an organisation which uses non-invasive methods to track and study shark populations. Mr Barker called for greater enforcement of illegal fishing practices.

Eco Divers spokesperson, David Thomas, also called for greater enforcement of irresponsible fishing. Mr Thomas’ group removes tons of snagged fishing lines, nets and sinkers and has applauded the reduction in shark net use and promotes more sustainable fishing practices.

Mackellar Greens’ candidate, Dr Jonathan King, has spoken out against the misinformation campaign launched by the Fishing Party and other vested interests. Dr King said, “These people are claiming that the Greens want to ban fishing altogether: this is a gross distortion.  Current MPAs cover just 34% of Australian coastal waters and less than 7% of that 34% is designated as “no take” or sanctuary zones.”  Dr King went on to explain that most people who fish understand that we must preserve marine species and marine habitats and are sensible about how they fish.

Dr King said, “It’s totally irresponsible that a few thoughtless people would abuse the rules and fish in this tiny area of less than 3% of coastal waters. These sanctuary zones are vital and need to be better enforced”

Dr King slammed opposition leader Tony Abbott when he said “we [The Coalition] will immediately suspend the marine protection process which is threatening the livelihoods of many people in the fishing industry and many people in the tourism industry''. Dr King said, “He has it totally wrong, if we don’t act on marine protection, there won’t be a fishing industry or a tourism industry – Mr Abbott’s remarks are akin to ecological vandalism.”

New South Wales Greens MLC,  Ian Cohen, was contacted by phone and said “Comments from the Fishing Party, the Coalition and others who have pushed for the removal of protection measures are simply not guided by the science. Their comments have been made for purely political purposes and they have no idea what we must do to achieve sustainable fishing” Mr Cohen went on to say that there are at least 28 marine science publications that show the effectiveness of marine protection areas.