Environment Tasmania and Kuno have welcomed important commitments for Tasmania’s marine environment in this year’s State Budget, while acknowledging the difficult context in which the budget has been delivered.

The budget includes $500,000 towards development of the proposed Marine Environment Tasmania Act (META), alongside a further year of funding for Tasmania’s long-spined sea urchin culling subsidy program.

Environment Tasmania Senior Marine Campaigner Rebecca Howarth said the commitments represented important progress for ocean health at a time when Tasmania’s marine ecosystems face growing pressures from climate change, biodiversity decline and fragmented management.

“We recognise this budget comes at a difficult time for many Tasmanians,” Ms Howarth said.

“In that context, it is encouraging to see continued investment in the long-term health of Tasmania’s marine environment.”

“The commitment towards progressing the Marine Environment Tasmania Act is a significant step forward, and we look forward to working with the government, communities, ocean users and stakeholders across Tasmania to shape a shared vision for a healthy and thriving marine future.”

Environment Tasmania also welcomed the continuation of funding for the state’s urchin subsidy program, which supports efforts to control the spread of the long-spined sea urchin threatening Tasmania’s Giant kelp forests and reefs.

“Continued investment in urchin control is critical to protecting reef health and supporting the commercial divers who remove more than 500 tonnes of invasive urchins from Tasmania’s waters each year,” Ms Howarth said.

Dr Phillip Pullinger of Kuno said the funding commitment created an opportunity for a genuinely community-led conversation about the future of Tasmania’s oceans.

“It is fantastic to see the government progress their commitment to healthy oceans, healthy fisheries and Tasmania’s outstanding coastal way of life through the Marine Environment Act.”

“This funding commitment opens the chance now for a genuine community led vision from Tasmanians from all backgrounds and all walks of life to share their dreams for the future of our oceans, coastal way of life and fisheries.”

“With the right community led approach, the opportunity is there to ensure we hand on a Tasmanian marine environment in as good or better a shape than the one we inherited.”