Jervis Bay Aquaculture Facility

Hi Manda hop U get 5 min to read it Thanks Ofer

I am writing to bring to your attention the proposal by NSW Fisheries for the development of commercial aquaculture leases in Jervis Bay (for blue mussels, scallops, Akoya pearl oysters, Sydney rock oysters, flat oysters & abalone). The proposal is for an initial 10 ha (approx. 24 acre) lease, 660m north of Orion Beach near Holden Street boat ramp, Vincentia, and 2 x 20 ha (approx. 98 acre) leases 1.5 km & 1.9 km southeast of Callala Beach (north of Currambene Creek entrance at Huskisson).

If this proposal goes ahead it will have a detrimental effect on Jervis Bay forever.

I strongly believe that we should object to this proposal. The reasons are listed below:

1: 50 ha (122 acres) of submerged cable structure presents a real danger to recreational users of Jervis Bay. Entanglements of marine mammals (e.g. whales, dolphins) in aquaculture infrastructure are also known to occur.

2: There will be visual pollution presented by 50 ha (122 acres) of floating buoys.

3: NSW Fisheries indicated that commercial aquaculture on this scale was not financially viable. Therefore the developer, which will eventually hold these leases, will seek to maximise the leases to the full 440 ha (1087 acres). This is about 4 times the size of the whole Bayswood Vincentia development.

4: When Jervis Bay became a Marine Park, there was an allocation of 440 ha (1087 acres) for commercial aquaculture leases. It is obvious that any lease holder will seek to maximise their production. If we allow this 50 ha (122 acre) development, there is a real risk that we will end up with 440 ha (1087 acres) of aquaculture in the Bay within this decade.

5: Jervis Bay is a well known international sailing venue and has been for approx. 30 years. Sailing and other recreational water-based activities such as scuba diving and kayaking, contribute significantly to the local and regional economy. For instance in February 2014 it is estimated that sailing events alone, such as the Hobie World Titles, will contribute more than $1,000,000 to the local economy. The estimated gross turn over of the commercial aquaculture proposal of 50 ha, is a mere $173,000!!! Not only will the proposal contribute little to the local and regional economy, it may compromise attracting future national and international events such as the Hobie World Titles.

6: Jervis Bay has the "whitest sand in the world" and a number of the beaches have been recognised with "clean beach" awards. The Bay's beaches are one of our major tourism drawcards and the pride of all that have the opportunity to enjoy them. Foreshore and beach litter is known to occur as a result of aquaculture activities. Our clean and white beaches should be preserved.

7: Jervis Bay is the last body of water in proximity to Sydney that has no commercial aquaculture leases in place. The Bay is well known for its high water quality. The community, and governments, have fought for generations to protect Jervis Bay and keep it free from primary industry.

I object to this proposal by nsw fisheries.

Sincerely

Amanda Smyth

I have been visiting Jervis bay for the past 30 years and eventually bought a house here because this place is one of the very few untouched and pristine places in the world.
We have and documented the whitest sand in the world among other things. Why anyone in the right mind would want to destroy something like this.
The Proposed Development in Jervis Bay so close to the shore, where families enjoy the beauty of the land and sea will kill it for ever.

One has to visit the place every weekend to see the life and enjoyment the children of the visitors and locals alike having here.
According to our information the fisheries indicated that such development will not be able to sustain the expense that will be required to build such monstrosity.
There for what will be there to stop them from expending further.
Can anyone tell us where all these people that use Jervis Bay as is today will then go, and from where the millions of dollars that are coming in to the area from tourists will come from?
Why you want to send away the Sailing and Kayaking venues away-elsewhere. Why You want to destroy Jervis Bay, can anyone tell us the benefits that will derive from such Development
Of 122 acres and possible 1087 acres eventually.
With these few words very strongly oppose the proposed development.
This is not the right place for it as will be very detrimental to the Area - its people living here and Visitors alike.
Living in HOPE that
sanity will find its way to STOP this proposed development from going ahead.
James Tzavaras

To whom it may concern,

I strongly object to this proposal. The reasons are listed below..

1: 50 ha (122 acres) of submerged cable structure presents a real danger to recreational users of Jervis Bay. Entanglements of marine mammals (e.g. whales, dolphins) in aquaculture infrastructure are also known to occur.

2: There will be visual pollution presented by 50 ha (122 acres) of floating buoys.

3: NSW Fisheries indicated that commercial aquaculture on this scale was not financially viable. Therefore the developer, which will eventually hold these leases, will seek to maximise the leases to the full 440 ha (1087 acres). This is about 4 times the size of the whole Bayswood Vincentia development.

4: When Jervis Bay became a Marine Park, there was an allocation of 440 ha (1087 acres) for commercial aquaculture leases. It is obvious that any lease holder will seek to maximise their production. If we allow this 50 ha (122 acre) development, there is a real risk that we will end up with 440 ha (1087 acres) of aquaculture in the Bay within this decade.

5: Jervis Bay is a well known international sailing venue and has been for approx. 30 years. Sailing and other recreational water-based activities such as scuba diving and kayaking, contribute significantly to the local and regional economy. For instance in February 2014 it is estimated that sailing events alone, such as the Hobie World Titles, will contribute more than $1,000,000 to the local economy. The estimated gross turn over of the commercial aquaculture proposal of 50 ha, is a mere $173,000!!! Not only will the proposal contribute little to the local and regional economy, it may compromise attracting future national and international events such as the Hobie World Titles.

6: Jervis Bay has the "whitest sand in the world" and a number of the beaches have been recognised with "clean beach" awards. The Bay's beaches are one of our major tourism drawcards and the pride of all that have the opportunity to enjoy them. Foreshore and beach litter is known to occur as a result of aquaculture activities. Our clean and white beaches should be preserved.

7: Jervis Bay is the last body of water in proximity to Sydney that has no commercial aquaculture leases in place. The Bay is well known for its high water quality. The community, and governments, have fought for generations to protect Jervis Bay and keep it free from primary industry.

I object to this proposal by nsw fisheries.

Sincerely

Alexander Penny

To whom it may concern,
I continue to be amazed at the considerations of the respective Government departments that preside over this kind of development application.

On one hand, Jervis bay in it's entirety has been designated a marine park where restrictions apply to to the removal of specific species. Zones have been created within the confines of the marine park which restrict the activities of all park users, it is gazetted that these zones have been created to provide sanctuary to other species and habitats so that they may grow and flourish unimpeded by the actions of the humble marine park user.

Whilst on the other hand, it seems to be common place for ridiculous development proposals to be accepted for consideration. In an environment where nature in it's most basic and pure form should be embraced, a commercial aquaculture operation that by design will initially bombard the immediate area with nutrients which will accelerate the growth of not only the species being farmed, but all of the species and habitats in zones that have been deemed protection worthy before leaching this overload of nitrates, etc, across the whole of Jervis Bay.

These nutrients will also accelerate the growth of pests and weeds that have been introduced and are currently present directly in the areas where implementation of these aquaculture pens are proposed to be.

This proposal should be rejected not only for the environmental issues it raises, but also for the one reason a marine park is created for, the people, today and for all future generations not for profit or commercial gain.

Yours sincerely
Vassilis Tzavaras

I strongly object to this proposal. The reasons are listed below:

1: 50 ha (122 acres) of submerged cable structure presents a real danger to recreational users of Jervis Bay. Entanglements of marine mammals (e.g. whales, dolphins) in aquaculture infrastructure are also known to occur.

2: There will be visual pollution presented by 50 ha (122 acres) of floating buoys.

3: NSW Fisheries indicated that commercial aquaculture on this scale was not financially viable. Therefore the developer, which will eventually hold these leases, will seek to maximise the leases to the full 440 ha (1087 acres). This is about 4 times the size of the whole Bayswood Vincentia development.

4: When Jervis Bay became a Marine Park, there was an allocation of 440 ha (1087 acres) for commercial aquacultureleases. It is obvious that any lease holder will seek to maximise their production. If we allow this 50 ha (122 acre) development, there is a real risk that we will end up with 440 ha (1087 acres) of aquaculture in the Bay within this decade.

5: Jervis Bay is a well known international sailing venue and has been for approx. 30 years. Sailing and other recreational water-based activities such as scuba diving and kayaking, contribute significantly to the local and regional economy. For instance in February 2014 it is estimated that sailing events alone, such as the Hobie World Titles, will contribute more than $1,000,000 to the local economy. The estimated gross turn over of the commercial aquaculture proposal of 50 ha, is a mere $173,000!!! Not only will the proposal contribute little to the local and regional economy, it may compromise attracting future national and international events such as the Hobie World Titles.

6: Jervis Bay has the "whitest sand in the world" and a number of the beaches have been recognised with "clean beach" awards. The Bay's beaches are one of our major tourism drawcards and the pride of all that have the opportunity to enjoy them. Foreshore and beach litter is known to occur as a result of aquaculture activities. Our clean and white beaches should be preserved.

7: Jervis Bay is the last body of water in proximity to Sydney that has no commercial aquaculture leases in place. The Bay is well known for its high water quality. The community, and governments, have fought for generations to protect Jervis Bay and keep it free from primary industry

I strongly believe that we should object to this proposal. The reasons are listed below:

1: 50 ha (122 acres) of submerged cable structure presents a real danger to recreational users of Jervis Bay. Entanglements of marine mammals (e.g. whales, dolphins) in aquaculture infrastructure are also known to occur.

2: There will be visual pollution presented by 50 ha (122 acres) of floating buoys.

3: NSW Fisheries indicated that commercial aquaculture on this scale was not financially viable. Therefore the developer, which will eventually hold these leases, will seek to maximise the leases to the full 440 ha (1087 acres). This is about 4 times the size of the whole Bayswood Vincentia development.

4: When Jervis Bay became a Marine Park, there was an allocation of 440 ha (1087 acres) for commercial aquacultureleases. It is obvious that any lease holder will seek to maximise their production. If we allow this 50 ha (122 acre) development, there is a real risk that we will end up with 440 ha (1087 acres) of aquaculture in the Bay within this decade.

5: Jervis Bay is a well known international sailing venue and has been for approx. 30 years. Sailing and other recreational water-based activities such as scuba diving and kayaking, contribute significantly to the local and regional economy. For instance in February 2014 it is estimated that sailing events alone, such as the Hobie World Titles, will contribute more than $1,000,000 to the local economy. The estimated gross turn over of the commercial aquaculture proposal of 50 ha, is a mere $173,000!!! Not only will the proposal contribute little to the local and regional economy, it may compromise attracting future national and international events such as the Hobie World Titles.

6: Jervis Bay has the "whitest sand in the world" and a number of the beaches have been recognised with "clean beach" awards. The Bay's beaches are one of our major tourism drawcards and the pride of all that have the opportunity to enjoy them. Foreshore and beach litter is known to occur as a result of aquaculture activities. Our clean and white beaches should be preserved.

7: Jervis Bay is the last body of water in proximity to Sydney that has no commercial aquaculture leases in place. The Bay is well known for its high water quality. The community, and governments, have fought for generations to protect Jervis Bay and keep it free from primary industry.

I wish to object to this proposal and outline my reasons below:
1) I believe that this presents real and immanent danger to other uses of this area of waterway , sailors, kayaks , small boat uses,paddle board uses, kite boarders .
2) I attended the presentation by fisheries officer and felt that there were many misleading points in this presentation , photos were shown supposedably of examples of the types of the vessels that would be used for harvesting, and photos of land based processing plant. For a leesee to have anything remotely similar in this area is simply financially unviable.
3) I strongly feel that a true financial viability analisise has not been conducted on this proposal . At best this entire lease might support 1 full time job, it would be a large investment on behalf of the lessee and would fail within 18 months. Question asked at fisheries presentation : " What protection do we have if the lessee walks away? Answer: We will take a $10,000 bond ! Small business owners walk away from business that should be worth 10 times that, every week in Australia, this is ridiculous .
4) This venture compromises the best beaches in Australia,it will add to problems with beach pollution each and every time we have a storm.
5) Our community and governments over time have strengiously fought to protect Jervis Bay over many years . Why now ,to supposibly create one or one and a half jobs is this proposal even getting breath ?
6) Not meaning to leave this to point 6 , but the VISUAL impact will be immensely more imp-actual than the " fisheries officer" outlined in his presentation , initially there will only be a few buoys , however as the mussels grow, buoyancy will need to be added and this will create a very unpleasant visual experience ,which in turn will have an effect on tourists and locals.this is unexceptable .
7) There has been a mussel lease within this area previously, and having experienced prior and current , it is very much nicer section of the Bay without the mussel lease.

I strongly oppose the development of commercial aquaculture leases as specified by the NSW fisheries for the following reasons:
1. Jervis Bay is the last body of water in proximity to Sydney that has no commercial aquaculture leases in place. It is famous for its high quality of water, opportunity to interact with permanent and visiting wild life and the cleanest and safest beaches. The Bay continues to attract many thousands of Australians and overseas visitors each year.
2. Generations have successfully fought various large scale commercial and industrial proposals in the past. The uniqueness of the relatively unspoilt natural environment was finally recognised by the establishment of the Marine Park.
3. NSW Fisheries indicated that the current scale of the current proposal (50ha) would not be financially viable, so future extensions of the leases will become inevitable, bringing with them increased detrimental impact on both the water and the land - as any large commercial activity does.
4. The development of the commercial aquaculture leases will directly impact on the safety of the marine mammals (dolphins and seals) living or visiting the bay, drawn to the leases by the availability of food. Entanglements of marine mammals (e.g. whales, dolphins) in aquaculture infrastructure are known to occur. These mammals are currently the draw card for the visitors.
5. Any future potential to develop Jervis Bay as Ecco tourism destination (opportunities consistent with the preservation of Bay's uniqueness) will not be possible while simultaneously expanding the aquaculture leases.
6. If this proposal goes ahead it will have a detrimental effect on Jervis Bay long term.

To whom it may concern
I have been a member of the Vincentia Sailing Club since it's formation. My son and daughter are third generation members. The club has members aging from 7 to 75 years of age. We have a wide range of sailors from novice to state, national and world champions.
The proposed location of the commercial shellfish aquaculture is north of Orion Beach. This location puts it right in our racing area and will make it extremely dangerous for all competitors.
Risks such as entrapment are highly likely. Capsized sailboats and crew drifting in an open area opposes very little risk as they are easy to spot therefore rescue craft are able to respond quickly.
A sudden weather change and there could be 10 boats or more in difficulty.
If they end up inside the lease area, which will happen, it would be very difficult to respond quickly.
Crew being entangled in between boats and the proposed aquaculture lease is a real concern.
Vincentia Sailing Club is well respected and has held major events over many years.
Our greatest asset is our unobstructed waterway.
Therefore I strongly object to the proposed lease.

I oppose the aquaculture submission for the following reasons:
1. The potential of this proposal to expand to 440 ha.
2. The threat to marine life such as dolphins and whales which inhabit Jervis Bay, posed by the buoy and cable structure of the proposal.
3. Any commercial development will bring with it the problem of pollution.
4. The limitations and dangers the proposal will bring to the sailing and boating that occurs on the bay.
5. The infrastructure both on land and in the bay that this proposal will require to service it is totally unknown at this stage. What is being asked for is akin to a blank cheque.

If this proposal goes ahead it will have a detrimental effect on Jervis Bay forever.

I strongly believe that we should object to this proposal. The reasons are listed below:

1: 50 ha (122 acres) of submerged cable structure presents a real danger to recreational users of Jervis Bay. Entanglements of marine mammals (e.g. whales, dolphins) in aquaculture infrastructure are also known to occur.

2: There will be visual pollution presented by 50 ha (122 acres) of floating buoys.

3: NSW Fisheries indicated that commercial aquaculture on this scale was not financially viable. Therefore the developer, which will eventually hold these leases, will seek to maximise the leases to the full 440 ha (1087 acres). This is about 4 times the size of the whole Bayswood Vincentia development.

4: When Jervis Bay became a Marine Park, there was an allocation of 440 ha (1087 acres) for commercial aquacultureleases. It is obvious that any lease holder will seek to maximise their production. If we allow this 50 ha (122 acre) development, there is a real risk that we will end up with 440 ha (1087 acres) of aquaculture in the Bay within this decade.

5: Jervis Bay is a well known international sailing venue and has been for approx. 30 years. Sailing and other recreational water-based activities such as scuba diving and kayaking, contribute significantly to the local and regional economy. For instance in February 2014 it is estimated that sailing events alone, such as the Hobie World Titles, will contribute more than $1,000,000 to the local economy. The estimated gross turn over of the commercial aquaculture proposal of 50 ha, is a mere $173,000!!! Not only will the proposal contribute little to the local and regional economy, it may compromise attracting future national and international events such as the Hobie World Titles.

6: Jervis Bay has the "whitest sand in the world" and a number of the beaches have been recognised with "clean beach" awards. The Bay's beaches are one of our major tourism drawcards and the pride of all that have the opportunity to enjoy them. Foreshore and beach litter is known to occur as a result of aquaculture activities. Our clean and white beaches should be preserved.

7: Jervis Bay is the last body of water in proximity to Sydney that has no commercial aquaculture leases in place. The Bay is well known for its high water quality. The community, and governments, have fought for generations to protect Jervis Bay and keep it free from primary industry.

Aileen Brown-Sarre

What is the council thinking. Jervis bay is a marine national park these parks are developed for the protection of the environment for all and future generations to enjoy, not for commercial enterprises that could possibly harm the pristine ecology of the bay.

If this proposal goes ahead it will have a detrimental effect on Jervis Bay forever. Jervis Bay is one of the last pristine coastal areas left on the east coast. I live in Vincentia for this reason, unspoilt coastline, marine life, recreational activities and the share enjoyment of nature's bounty. Why does this have to change? the only benefits will be to the leaseholders, once again the NSW government have let us down all for what they see as financial gain without any thought to the long term effects on the coast line , the marine life and the changes to balance of nature.

50 ha (122 acres) of submerged cable structure presents a real danger to recreational users of Jervis Bay. Entanglements of marine mammals (e.g. whales, dolphins) in aquaculture infrastructure are also known to occur. There will be visual pollution presented by 50 ha (122 acres) of floating buoys.

NSW Fisheries indicated that commercial aquaculture on this scale was not financially viable. When Jervis Bay became a Marine Park, there was an allocation of 440 ha (1087 acres) for commercial aquaculture leases, now there is a real risk that we will end up with 440 ha (1087 acres) of aquaculture in the Bay within this decade.

Jervis Bay is a well known international sailing venue and has been for approx. 30 years. Sailing and other recreational water-based activities such as scuba diving and kayaking, contribute significantly to the local and regional economy. For instance in February 2014 it is estimated that sailing events alone, such as the Hobie World Titles, will contribute more than $1,000,000 to the local economy. The estimated gross turn over of the commercial aquaculture proposal of 50 ha, is a mere $173,000!!! Not only will the proposal contribute little to the local and regional economy, it may compromise attracting future national and international events such as the Hobie World Titles.

Jervis Bay has the "whitest sand in the world" and a number of the beaches have been recognised with "clean beach" awards. The Bay's beaches are one of our major tourism drawcards and our clean and white beaches should be preserved.

Jervis Bay is the last body of water in proximity to Sydney that has no commercial aquaculture leases in place. The Bay is well known for its high water quality. The community, and governments, have fought for generations to protect Jervis Bay and keep it free from primary industry.
We need to preserve the pristine nature of our Bay.

The Aquaculture site will have detrimental impacts on the existing equilibrium amongst the fish species in the bay as the mussels and their waste will change the biodiversity.

Further, the beauty, the unspoilt, unobstructed, unhindered beauty of the whole of the Jervis Bay waterway would be tarnished by the visual pollution that the buoys and the shipping/working vessels would create, and the physical off-limit areas.

This region is a jewel in the crown for tourism, long white stretch sand, clear calm waters, and it should be promoted further for tourism, which so many holiday owners/ local businesses need for economic survival. The 10, 20, 30 jobs the aquaculture would create is hardly a benefit. With tourism promotion for the areas natural beauty, why would the area need to resort to a manufacturing plant as a economic booster, this is just a guise.

All in all, the aquaculture proposal is a devastating development if it is approved and should be abandoned before this crime against mother nature is committed. As a bare minimum, if and only if the proposal will proceed, it must be moved so that it does not impact the visual amenity from Callala Beach.

I object to the proposal of an aquaculture development in Jervis Bay.
My family have been members of the Vincentia Sailing club for many years and hold great respect for our clean, pristine non polluted waters of Jervis Bay.
Apart from the dangers of this proposal (boats being entangled in the farm), I object to the look and the potential aroma this farm could bring.
My teenage children spend many hours weekly on Jervis Bay waters including sailing, swimming, snorkelling, surfing and walking along the beaches. They have enjoyed these priviliges throughout their life and because of the proposed position of the farm, I can see these priviliges being taken away. I strongly object to the aquaculture farm.

If this proposal goes ahead it will have a detrimental effect on Jervis Bay forever.
My reasons for objecting to this proposal are listed below:

1: 50 ha (122 acres) of submerged cable structure presents a real danger to recreational users of Jervis Bay.
Entanglements of marine mammals (e.g. whales, and the 80-odd dolphins who use the bay) in aquaculture infrastructure are also known to occur.

2: There will be visual pollution presented by 50 ha (122 acres) of floating buoys.

3: NSW Fisheries indicated that commercial aquaculture on this scale was not financially viable. Therefore the developer, which will eventually hold these leases, will seek to maximise the leases to the full 440 ha (1087 acres).

4: When Jervis Bay became a Marine Park, there was an allocation of 440 ha (1087 acres) for commercial aquaculture leases. It is obvious that any lease holder will seek to maximise their production. If we allow this 50 ha (122 acre) development, there is a real risk that we will end up with 440 ha (1087 acres) of aquaculture in the Bay within this decade.
5: Jervis Bay is a well known international sailing venue and has been for approximately 30 years. Sailing and other recreational water-based activities such as scuba diving and kayaking, contribute significantly to the local and regional economy. For instance in February 2014 it is estimated that sailing events alone, such as the Hobie World Titles, will contribute more than $1,000,000 to the local economy. The estimated gross turn over of the commercial aquaculture proposal of 50 ha, is a mere $173,000. Not only will the proposal contribute little to the local and regional economy, it may compromise attracting future national and international events such as the Hobie World Titles.

6: Jervis Bay has the "whitest sand in the world" and a number of the beaches have been recognised with "clean beach" awards. The Bay's beaches are one of our major tourism drawcards and the pride of all that have the opportunity to enjoy them. Foreshore and beach litter is known to occur as a result of aquaculture activities. Our clean and white beaches should be preserved.

7: Jervis Bay is the last body of water in proximity to Sydney that has no commercial aquaculture leases in place. The Bay is well known for its high water quality. The community, and governments, have fought for generations to protect Jervis Bay and keep it free from primary industry. Please reject this threat to our valuable, pristine environment, which offers so much to so many in its current state.

Although our community needs development;
- it must not conflict with of the beauty of Jervis Bay.
- It must draw people to the area who spend, enjoy, leave and recommend it
- the proceeds of the development must largely stay within the community

It appears the proposal only meets the last point and therefore should not be allowed.

I wish to object to the proposed commercial shellfish aquaculture proposal in Jervis Bay.
I have grown up in the Jervis Bay area and adore the pristine waters.
As well as being a member of the Vincentia Sailing Club, I surf, snorkel, run along the beaches and fish.
The proposal for the aquaculture would pose many limitations to the hobbies I enjoy.
It would interfere with our sailing courses, interfere with snorkelling and fishing and I imagine it to be quite a disturbing scent at times, something as unattractive as a commercial shellfish aquaculture would not suit the beautiful bay, it would be an eyesore. I strongly object to the proposal and am sure many other members of the Jervis Bay community have the same opinion. I hope you consider my judgement and take into account the consequences it will pose on the beautiful area of Jervis bay.

A mussel farm was established in Twofold Bay in 1998. To date, there have been no records of whale, dolphin or seal entanglements despite the whale numbers increasing annually. There has been some episodes of mussel farm infrastructure (mainly buoys) washing onto local beaches after storm events. There has been no report of changes to shark numbers, shellfish faeces or similar on beaches. Eden Mussels are now marketed as such around the region and during the recent Eden Whale Festival, a number of people learnt how to cook recipes using local mussels. As far as our organisation is aware, there is no scientific or empirical evidence of any major negative impact on the environment or to the tourism industry in the Eden/Twofold Bay region as a result of mussel farming in the bay.

I oppose the aquaculture lease off callala beach.
I believe our natural ecosystem which already exists will be altered due to the introduction of foreign materials.
Our dolphins can become easily tangled in nets.