Stories of revival: The Cape Byron Marine Park

One of the most important conservation actions in the last few decades in the Northern Rivers was the creation of the Cape Byron Marine Park (CBMP). It extends 37km from the Brunswick River in the north to Lennox Headland in the south and also includes the tidal waters of the Brunswick River and its tributaries. The marine park was established in 2002 – covering over 220 square kilometres of NSW State waters and has a combination of Habitat Protection and Sanctuary zones to protect vital marine habitat.

We’ve spent time in the water lately and have been astounded at the diversity and sheer amount of marine life, particularly in the sanctuary zones at Lennox Head and the Broken Head Nature Reserve. Much like their terrestrial counterparts, marine species are dependent on good habitat to ensure their survival. In many cases these habitats have been disrupted or destroyed by actions of modern human activities and it takes much longer to regenerate than it does to dismantle these complex ecosystems.

The CBMP conserves a number of subtropical marine habitats that support high levels of biodiversity and are home to a range of protected species like the Grey Nurse Shark – which you might spot if you’re diving out at Nguthungulli (Julian Rocks) or the Ballina Angelfish which lives in deep water and is rarely spotted within the park.

 One of the main problems with our ocean and conservation is the idea that it falls victim to the “out of sight, out of mind” mentality. That unless you’re frequently diving or snorkelling and observing changes in these marine environments, you’re not really aware of the effects of human impacts on our friends in the sea. Since (most of us) live our life out of the water – the threats to marine ecosystems can often go unchecked.

 We think the CBMP has been an awesome development for the region. Our friend James Peak an avid snorkeller and diver with 20 years under his belt in the Lennox Lagoon sanctuary zone, was yarning with us the other day about how drastically the ecosystem has changed. The levels of biodiversity in this small area have increased dramatically in a single generation. How good is that!

Although the CBMP has been beneficial for our marine ecosystems it still faces a number of threats. Whether its toxic runoff from our polluted rivers, plastic & microplastics, or overfishing, the need for constant vigilance in protecting marine biodiversity remains crucial.