The Environment Centre of the NT (ECNT) says that the sea cage fish farm proposed for Darwin Harbour threatens to damage two declared heritage-listed sites: the Ellengowan shipwreck and the Channel Island Reef.

ECNT Marine Project Officer Adele Pedder said that the sites are protected for their historic, social and ecological values. They should not be jeopardized by this sea cage fish farm proposal.

“The proposed sea cage fish farm would sit directly above the Ellengowan shipwreck and would cover 10% of the Channel Island Reef – with impacts likely to extend across the whole Reef.

“Our Harbour is fortunate to be the final resting place for the SS Ellengowan shipwreck. I t is the oldest known shipwreck in Darwin Harbour and has been sitting on the Harbour floor for 108 years. The Channel Island Reef, listed for natural heritage, is a highly valued resource for education and research and has a diverse coral community.

“These declared heritage places are protected under the NT Heritage Conservation Act for current and future generations.

“As a community we are asked to respect these sites of the Territory's unique heritage – ‘do not disturb them - take only photographs, leave only footprints' we are told.

“Yet, a foreign company (Marine Harvest) is seeking to set up a sea cage fish farm covering an area equivalent to 135 football fields that threatens the integrity of these sites.

“If these farms were to go ahead it is likely that there will be a number of impacts on the heritage sites and the community’s ability to enjoy them, including pollution of the marine environment and access restrictions.

For more information on the SS Ellengowan wreck go to: http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/heritage/ntregister/declared/display.html?elleng

For more information on the Channel Island Reefs go to: http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/heritage/ntregister/declared/display.html?channel

Contact: Adele Pedder, Marine Project Officer - 8941 7461 or 0422 108 539