We're writing to express our concerns about the proposed extension of the "No Dive Zone" and the 2008 regulations.  (Regulations for the Protection of Wild Abalone (Haliotis) published in Government Gazette 30716, dated 1 February 2008)

While we understand the importance of protecting abalone, the rules currently in place are too broad. They ban activities like swimming with goggles, surfboarding with flippers, and recreational snorkeling which don't harm abalone.

These regulations affect activities people love, like swimming and snorkeling, which also help our local towns by bringing in tourists.

We believe the rules should strike a better balance between protecting abalone and our right to enjoy the ocean. The current rules go too far and limit our freedoms.

Even after 15 years, abalone poaching continues. These rules haven't helped. Instead, they've hurt regular citizens who follow the law.

We ask you not to extend the above regulations and indeed to scrap these regulations and appoint additional Sea Fisheries Inspectors, properly equipped and empowered to effectively enforce all the good laws and regulations that are in place already.

Thank you for listening, and we hope for a positive change that benefits both our oceans and our communities.