Divers protest at popular Halifax Park diving site smothered with sand

Published: 10-Nov-10 10:22:00
Source: The Herald - Australia
Author: Anna
Related: 10-Apr-10 23:11:09

Divers have been protesting at a popular diving site in one of Australia's top diving destinations, Port Stephens, after the Halifax Park reef dive has become smothered with sand, covering the coral reefs and leading to the disappearance of the fish.

Protesters took matters into their own hands recently by holding a protest dig at a popular diving site, the Halifax Park dive reef, after it became smothered with sand covering the stunning coral reef.

Angry divers held the protest at Port Stephens which was aimed at local authorities and their lack of action to help save the site, which is one of the most popular destinations for scuba diving in Australia.

Pro Dive Shop owner, Chris Norman said that approximately 50 divers helped to dig a channel to remove the sand from the diving site which had lead to the disappearance of fish, and though it was intended to get the attention of the local council, it was "more symbolic than anything else".

"It was an effort to show [Port Stephens] council that people are interested in this problem," Mr Norman explained.

"The council hasn't been doing enough; all they've been doing is complaining they haven't got any money. There's a lot of interest from divers, a lot of interest from fishermen, but there doesn't appear to be a whole lot of interest from the council."

Mayor of Port Stephens, Bob Westbury explained that the council was aware of the situation and had wanted to resolve the situation some time ago.

"The National Parks and Wildlife Service and Marine Parks Authority have been putting a block on it," Councillor Westbury said. "On Friday, they decided to let us do it. Now all the planets have lined up, we can work on it flat chat. We may not have lots of money, but we're making sure this is a priority."

Described as "probably the best shore dive in Australia", Mr Norman said: "It's a pristine environment with beautiful sponges and fantastic fish life. The sand is burying the sponges and the fish have disappeared."

The Halifax Park reef diving is a popular spot for local divers and travellers on scuba diving holidays. Located just two and a half hours from Sydney, diving enthusiasts could witness sightings of moral eels, cuttlefish, mosaic leatherjackets, boxfish, shovelnose rays, and colourful butterfly fish.

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