| Abstract: |
The governance frameworks for Ningaloo Marine Park (NMP) and Shark Bay Marine
Park (SBMP) are explored, employing the MPA governance analysis framework.
Both face similar conflicts typical of ecotourism, particularly related to the
impacts of recreational fishing and marine wildlife tourism. A high diversity
of incentives is found to be used, the combination of which promotes
effectiveness in achieving conservation objectives and equity in governance.
Highly evolved regulations have provided for depleted spangled emperor
(Lethrinus nebulosus) stocks in NMP to stabilise and begin recovery, and pink
snapper (Pagrus auratus) stocks in SBMP to recover from past depletions,
though there are still concerns about recreational fishing impacts. The
governance frameworks for marine wildlife tourism are considered extremely
good practice. Some incentives need strengthening in both cases, particularly
capacity for enforcement, penalties for deterrence and cross-jurisdictional
coordination. In NMP there was also a need to promote transparency in making
research and monitoring results available, and to address tensions with the
recreational fishing sector by building linkages to provide for their specific
representation, as part of a strategy to build trust and cooperation with this
sector. Both case studies represent world-leading good practice in addressing
proximal impacts from local activities, but in the longer-term the foundation
species of both marine parks are critically threatened by the distal impacts
of climate change. A diversity of incentives has promoted resilience in the
short-term, but global action to mitigate climate change is the only way to
promote the long-term resilience of these iconic marine ecosystems. |