The State Government is reviewing the policy that guides how Cockburn Sound is protected and managed, and this is an important opportunity for people who fish, boat and enjoy the Sound to have their say.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) is asking the community what they value about Cockburn Sound and what they want its future to look like.
If Cockburn Sound matters to you, we encourage you to complete the survey and share your views. When responding, think about what Cockburn Sound means to you, why you use it and what you want to see protected or improved. Some things to consider include:
- Cockburn Sound should be healthier in the future than it is today. With more than 80% of its historical seagrass lost, we should aim to restore and improve the Sound, not simply prevent further decline.
- A healthy Sound means healthy habitats and healthy fish populations. Water quality matters, but so do healthy seagrass and habitats, abundant fish populations, spawning and recruitment.
- Fishing and recreational access must be protected. As industrial, port and defence activity increases, people should continue to be able to fish, boat and enjoy Cockburn Sound.
- The combined pressures on Cockburn Sound need to be managed. Development, dredging, shipping, climate change and other pressures need to be considered together, not in isolation.
There are no right or wrong answers. What matters is that people who know, use and care about Cockburn Sound share their experiences and views while this important policy is being reviewed. Have your say and help shape the future of Cockburn Sound – the survey closes on 8 September.
