Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park Impact Statement

Abstract

The Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park covers waters north of a line from the southern end of the Whyalla-Cowleds Landing Aquatic Reserve on the western side of Spencer Gulf to Jarrold Point on the eastern shore. The park also includes the uppermost reaches of Spencer Gulf extending north of Port Augusta. The landward boundary of the marine park extends at least to the median high water mark and where possible incorporates coastal Crown Lands including beaches, sand dunes, estuaries and saltmarshes, as shown in the map. Impacts of implementing the draft management plans were assessed against a base case scenario of no management plans. The base case is not static, and requires an understanding of the existing trends in natural resource, economic and social conditions. There are external factors which influence both the 'with management plan' and the base case scenarios that were taken into consideration.