Fiona McCuaig - 5 March 2024

Fiona McCuaig presented to Council at the Public Access Session on 5 March 2024.

Blue Economy in Eurobodalla Shire Council

BAR BEACH in Narooma to be our first Snorkeling Sanctuary

A presentation by Fiona McCuaig from Nature Coast Marine Group.

The Blue Economy, or ocean economy is a term used to describe the economic activities associated with the oceans and seas. It is a huge opportunity for the Eurobodalla Shire Council to bring more tourism to the region to showcase our amazing and unique marine life.

The vision is to create a Snorkeling Trail on the South Coast that can be promoted far and wide as another great reason to visit our region.

Thank you to the Council for the fantastic job you have done with the accessibility mat and ramp in Narooma. Let’s keep building on this momentum.

Bar Beach is one of the most important beaches in our Shire. There are not many beaches that offer such an easy place to enter the water, find a park easily, swim safety in the calm waters and see a huge variety of fish species and other marine life.

Marine life tourism has huge growth potential. More and more people are bringing their snorkel to Bar Beach, all ages and stages can safely access the water and once they submerge their head are enthralled by the incredible variety of fish species, octopus and crustaceans. It’s another world.

1.  I propose that we make Bar Beach into our First Snorkeling Sanctuary

(Action - Council to please write to NSW Government/ NSW Marine Parks requesting this.)

2.  The erection of a sign at Bar Beach which showcases the marine life that can be seen while snorkelling. Fiona will hold up a large sign that has been designed and printed - during the meeting Tues 5th March.

(Action - approval of this by Council, final design confirmed by Council & Fiona to send proposed location)

3.  Consider the replacement of the net at Bar Beach. The current arrangement of the net being removed for cleaning is not only costly but removes a huge amount of natural habitat that is important for sea horses, octopus, mature and juvenile fish. Fish eggs that important for recreational and commercial fisheries attach here. It’s an important ecosystem that hundreds of people a year enter the water at Bar Beach to see. Replacing the net with one that does not need to be removed is an investment in our Blue Economy.

-     It can be cleaned in-situ (or in individual panels if needed)

-     The owner of the company Eco-Barrier has offered to clean it and also the idea that we Lease the net (opposed to purchase.)

-      It will be well received by the community as there has been years of on-going concern about the removal of the net. Fiona is happy to organise letters of support from the community if needed.

(Action - approval of this by Council/ further cost analysis)

Thank you! Fiona McCuaig