Surfing]]> Marine protected areas]]> Urban planning]]> Coastal management]]> Noise pollution]]> Public land]]> Water pollution]]> National parks]]> Erosion]]> Marine parks]]> Litter (Trash)]]> Fishing boats]]> Beaches]]> Estuaries]]> Oceanography]]> Geology]]> Seawalls]]> Coastal zones]]> Coastal settlement]]> Coastal landforms]]> Marine ecosystems]]> Sea level]]> Tourism]]> Scientific observation]]> Surveying (Geography)]]> Research]]> Predictions (Science)]]> Environmental awareness]]> Environmental responsibility]]> Environmental stewardship]]> Environmental pollution]]> Environmental scientists]]> Environmental change]]> Environmental risk management]]> Environmental hazards]]> Environmental policy]]> Environmental conservation]]> Intangible assets]]>
He has an intimate knowledge of coastal dynamics from his experience as a surfer, and postgraduate research in coastal dynamics and processes. He loves surfing for its relaxation and its physical challenges. He reflects on what he has learned from surfing, being able to read the ocean, waves, tides and winds. Being a surfer has given him an intimate understanding of the environment, informing his research on coastal processes such as wave and rip modelling.

The interviewee accepts the inevitability of coastal development, and suggests that it is possible to move forward as long as communities are kept out of hazardous areas that are prone to floods and erosion. Environmental processes need to be understood. For example, in New South Wales, headlands are left undeveloped, and houses are hidden behind foredunes. Coastal development should be ‘nodalised’ near services, not spread along the coast. A reference is made to the NSW Coastal Policy.

He surveys local beaches once a month, and notes the environmental impact (generally) of visitors from Canberra, and weekenders. Jet skis used for recreation are a pest, creating noise and air pollution, but are also useful for research and rescue purposes. He comments positively about marine park exemptions that allow fishing off shores and rocks, and feels the controls are sufficient with bag and size limits in place. He notes more people fish from boats, but overall there is a small population of fishers.

The interviewee is concerned that while local government recognise the value of coast to the local community, state and federal government do not. In order to respond to issues such as rising sea levels, funding is required at that level in order to sustain coastal management into the future.
]]> CC BY]]> Moruya, NSW [populated place]]]> Surfing]]> Marine protected areas]]> Social values]]> Water quality]]> Noise pollution]]>
The interviewee has extensive experience in environmental, conservation and government organisations, having worked nationally in National Parks and Environment. He is a supporter of marine parks and thinks that sanctuary zones should be enforced (i.e. exemptions not allowed) in order to give fish stocks a chance to build up. He would like to see the continuation of sanctuary zones.

Although surfing is a solo activity, he likes the social aspect of going down to the beach, assessing surf conditions before going out to surf. He talks about the beautiful views of land from the ocean, and the way in which surfing educates you about the weather and tides.

He reflects on the lack of major development as a reason for good water quality in the region, and finds the greatest irritant to be recreational jet skiers due to the noise and smell (fumes) of the craft. He would like to see restrictions on jet ski activities. ]]> CC BY]]> Moruya River, NSW [stream]]]> Marine protected areas]]> Economic activity]]> Fishing]]> Tourism]]> Poaching]]> Noise pollution]]>
His father was drawn to the area for its recreational fishing, and the interviewee ‘grew up as a mad fisherman’, fishing from both the shore and boat. He has taught his children to fish, and recalls fond memories growing up with his brother, snorkelling and spear fishing.

In terms of the tourist business, he enjoys the interactive experiences he is able to offer customers, such as watching South Coast stingrays and water birds feeding on fish. Out in the kayaks his experiences are generally positive; kayakers are able to move about freely and interact with local commercial fishermen, who are happy to engage and educate. There are negative experiences as well, including poaching or illegal fishing in sanctuary zones. Jet skis are a problem; they are noisy and reduce the enjoyment of kayakers.

When asked about the amnesty or allowance of shore fishing in sanctuary zones, he raises concern about the confusion it causes between ‘ocean-fronted’ and other sanctuary zones. He believes more resources should be placed into educating the public so that recreational fishing and tourism can still bring economic value to the region, in an environmentally sustainable way.]]> CC BY]]> Mossy Point, NSW [populated place]]]> Clyde River, NSW [stream]]]> Durras, NSW [populated place]]]>