The state government is seeking public feedback on a proposal to better protect one of the state’s most popular tourism destinations and important sea lion habitats.

Public consultation on a proposal to expand the Southern Kangaroo Island Marine Park and Seal Bay Sanctuary Zone will close on Friday 13 December.

The marine park, which was established in 2012, is a protected area along the southern coast of Kangaroo Island that includes deep-water reefs, exposed cliffs and rocky headlands.

Expanding the marine park and sanctuary zone within the park will further safeguard vital breeding grounds for Australian sea lions and contribute to the biodiversity and health of the marine ecosystem.

The proposal would increase the size of the marine park from 673 square kilometres to 688 square kilometres, while the Seal Bay Sanctuary Zone would increase from 77 square kilometres to 95 square kilometres.

Under the proposal, shore based fishing will continue through the proposed extension area via the declaration of a ‘special purpose area’.

Marine parks are designated areas of ocean and coastline protected for conservation and sustainable use. They aim to preserve marine biodiversity, habitats and cultural values while providing for ongoing recreational and commercial activities.

Sanctuary zones are high-protection areas within a marine park set aside exclusively for conservation and low-impact recreation. In these zones, all forms of fishing are prohibited to protect critical habitats and breeding grounds for marine life.

Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Susan Close says sanctuary zones are biodiversity hotspots of the seas.

“While we want people to enjoy these areas, we need them to remember that all the plants and animals within them are protected.

“About 6 per cent of South Australian waters have been designated as sanctuary zones, which means the remaining 94 per cent of the sea is still available for fishing.

“It is vital that we maintain our fisheries for future generations and marine parks and sanctuary zones are an important part of this.”

The Department of Environment and Water is consulting with key stakeholders including marine scale, rock lobster and abalone industry representatives, RecFish SA, the Kangaroo Island Council, the Conservation Council and Wilderness Society.

The feedback will help inform a final decision on any changes to Southern Kangaroo Island Marine Park and the Seal Bay Sanctuary Zone. For more information about marine parks, visit the website.