Mr McGowan said the 124,500ha Capes marine park would also include special purpose zones for the priority uses of shore-based activities and surfing, as well as recreation zones.

Mr McGowan said the plan proposed 17 sanctuary zones, 10 special purpose zones for surfing and two special purpose zones for shore-based activities such as line fishing.

"They will provide valuable areas for scientific research, education, nature-based tourism and nature appreciation free from extractive activities. "Sanctuary zones also provide insurance for the future as they increase the ability of the eco-system to adapt to and recover from change.

Mr McGowan said the proposed marine park would complement the existing Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, which protected the distinctive biodiversity of the South-West's forests and coastal zones.

"This is a significant step forward in establishing a world-class system of national parks and marine conservation reserves along Western Australia's coastline," he said.

"It follows on from the release of the draft management plans for the Walpole Wilderness Area and Walpole-Nornalup Inlet marine park on 26 August."

Mr McGowan said that as well as zoning, other management strategies recommended included education, patrol and enforcement, research, monitoring and public participation.

"Central to the development of the proposal has been the involvement of a community-based advisory committee that has held numerous meetings to discuss issues such as boundaries, purpose and zoning of the proposed marine park," he said.

"The Department of Environment and Conservation has also conducted a broad-based public participation program that resulted in extensive input from the community.

"I commend the positive way that all stakeholders engaged in developing constructive solutions to the difficult issues that were raised during the planning process.

"The major interest groups, such as those representing commercial fishing, tourism, recreational fishing and conservation, participated in the planning process through sector reference groups. Their involvement was appreciated and greatly improved the outcomes."

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