Introduction to the marine environment can quickly affect another, and human of undisturbed natural marine habitats, respect activities and natural events on land and in the cultural heritage values, and be a place of atmosphere can have widespread inspiration, enjoyment and renewal for all consequences for the marine environment. people. The system will complement our Boundaries in the ocean can be difficult to terrestrial protected areas in our world-class define, and the effects of human activities can system of protected areas. be hidden from view. This vision aims to preserve the diversity of Like the atmosphere, but in contrast to land, our marine environment, its and fauna, its the marine environment is a common resource natural beauty, and the diversity of activities which is rarely in private ownership, and there that may be enjoyed there. It is a vision that are few natural or artificial barriers to invites all Victorians to become involved, to movement. Many of the strategies used to take pride in our Marine National Parks and concentrate the impacts of recreational Marine Sanctuaries, and to share in their activities in terrestrial parks (e.g. the creation stewardship.’ of walking tracks and picnic areas) are not feasible in the marine context. Contribution of Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary to the statewide system Conserving historic and cultural places and The Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary is objects is also a challenge because it is significant in the representative statewide difficult to identify an underwater place or system for its ecological values and for its monitor activities that take place on the open values for underwater recreation and sea or under water. Sea and cultural Country potentially for marine education (ECC 2000). association to, or past use of, underwater places which were exposed before the sea level rose must also be considered. Implications for management The differences and connections in the marine The long-term protection of the sanctuary environment mean that Victoria’s Marine relies on the support and goodwill of the National and Marine Sanctuaries must community, together with the help of coastal be managed somewhat differently from land managers and government agencies. The plan environments. Natural, recreational and to foster a strong sense of custodianship cultural values may be affected by the use of of the Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary and both land and marine areas some distance to strengthen its protection while respecting away, over which sanctuary managers have no cultural and community associations with the direct control. Impacts on one marine habitat area.
Introduction to the marine environment of undisturbed natural marine habitats, respect cultural heritage values, and be a place of inspiration, enjoyment and renewal for all people. The system will complement our terrestrial protected areas in our world-class system of protected areas. This vision aims to preserve the diversity of our marine environment, its and fauna, its natural beauty, and the diversity of activities that may be enjoyed there. It is a vision that invites all Victorians to become involved, to take pride in our Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries, and to share in their stewardship.’ Contribution of Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary to the statewide system The Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary is significant in the representative statewide system for its ecological values and for its values for underwater recreation and potentially for marine education (ECC 2000). Implications for management The differences and connections in the marine environment mean that Victoria’s Marine National and Marine Sanctuaries must be managed somewhat differently from land environments. Natural, recreational and cultural values may be affected by the use of both land and marine areas some distance away, over which sanctuary managers have no direct control. Impacts on one marine habitat can quickly affect another, and human activities and natural events on land and in the atmosphere can have widespread consequences for the marine environment. Boundaries in the ocean can be difficult to define, and the effects of human activities can be hidden from view. Like the atmosphere, but in contrast to land, the marine environment is a common resource which is rarely in private ownership, and there are few natural or artificial barriers to movement. Many of the strategies used to concentrate the impacts of recreational activities in terrestrial parks (e.g. the creation of walking tracks and picnic areas) are not feasible in the marine context. Conserving historic and cultural places and objects is also a challenge because it is difficult to identify an underwater place or monitor activities that take place on the open sea or under water. Sea Country and cultural association to, or past use of, underwater places which were exposed before the sea level rose must also be considered. The long-term protection of the sanctuary relies on the support and goodwill of the community, together with the help of coastal managers and government agencies. The plan to foster a strong sense of custodianship of the Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary and to strengthen its protection while respecting cultural and community associations with the area.
Mushroom-Reef-Marine-Sanctuary-Management-Plan-accessible-version.docx