Our new report - Valuing Our Top End Coasts and Seas - spells out just how valuable healthy Territory coasts are to our unique lifestyle, livelihoods and economy.
It also finds that without proper protection and management, the Top End is at risk.
Over the next two weeks, the Gunner Government will be considering the first stage of the Marine and Coastal Management Strategy that they promised at the election.
It’s important that local politicians hear from you right now. Add your name today telling the Gunner Government that the health of our coasts is too valuable to risk, and we need a Plan that will properly protect our coasts into the future.
The findings from the Valuing Our Top End Coasts and Seas report are stark:
- With a production value around $180million recreational, commercial and tour fishing are important economic drivers in the Top End and are all reliant on the good health of coasts;
- Tourism is now the NT economy’s third largest sector, generating 15,500 jobs (compared to 4,800 in the mining and resource sector). A large portion of that is marine tourism;
- Ecosystem services provided by mangroves, seagrasses and nearshore waters are valued at $428million annually;
- The unique Top End lifestyle is the major selling point used to attract residents and visitors alike to the Top End;
- For saltwater people all aspects of social, cultural, and economic life are intimately connected to the health of their coastal lands and seas;
- On the whole, the region’s coasts and seas remain in very good condition. Yet, without improved protection and management, the Top End is at risk of degradation;
- Indigenous Protected Areas, marine national parks and recreational fishing areas have a key role to play in helping ensure the future health of the Top End’s coasts and seas and maintain the Territory lifestyle.
Territorians have a special connection to our Top End coasts. They are some of the last healthy and unique tropical waters on Earth.
Please take a moment to add your name today telling the Gunner Government that the health of our coasts is too valuable to risk.
We need a Plan that will properly protect our coasts and, in doing so, protect the Top End’s unique lifestyle, livelihoods and economy.
You can read the report here.
LISTEN: ABC radio story here.