PRESS RELEASE    21 Nov 2003

 GBRMPA SAYS BOWLING GREEN BAY IS ICONIC
TO THE GREEN MOVEMENT  

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Representative Areas Programme to protect the Biodiversity and close at least 30% of the Marine Park has failed to impress members of the Cabinet.  They were surprised that GBRMPA failed to produce any evidence that connected their proposed closures in Bowling Green Bay to the protection of Great Barrier Reef.

  Mr. Neil Green, Commercial Fisherman and SOS (Save our Seafood) spokesman said, “I am not surprised that GBRMPA has changed its reasoning for closing Bowling Green Bay because I have said all along that they have no science to connect the bay to the reef.  GBRMPA is continuing in its misconception and this time it is misleading the Government.”

  “GBRMPA  has proven this by stating that Bowling Green Bay “is Iconic” by appeasing the “Green Movement” and not using any science.” 

 Mr. Brian Pickup, Sunfish NQ spokesman said, “I agree whole heartedly with Mr. Green’s comments, Sunfish NQ has said from the outset that there was no scientific evidence for “Green Zones” as line fishers have minimal impact.  This has consistently been supported by other independent and prominent scientists. I think that the GBRMPA has wasted enough of taxpayer’s money and should throw the whole plan out.

  Further Information:

Contact Neil Green Mobil 0408 1822 52

                               Home 07 4783 6871

 Brian Pickup           Mobil 0427 3740 22

                               Home 07 4773 7346