South Australia's commercial fishing industry is backing the opposition in the March election, saying the government's marine park sanctuary zones threaten livelihoods.
The commercial fishing industry's future would be shaped by who wins the March 15 election, said Justin Phillips, executive officer of the SA Rock Lobster Advisory Council (SARLAC), representing most of the fishing industry.
SARLAC on Tuesday launched a video saying the state government's marine park sanctuary zones threaten the livelihoods of local fishers and regional communities and urging voters to support them.
"We reject the Labor Government's ill-considered plans and sanctuary zones, and urge all South Australians who want a healthy, sustainable seafood industry for generations to come to support the Liberals' marine park policy on March 15," he said.
"We think the Liberal Party has adopted a sensible approach to marine parks and has committed to conserving marine biodiversity without compromising regional communities, seafood exports and the future viability of commercial fisheries across the state."
In 2012, the government set up a network of 19 marine parks which places restrictions on commercial and recreational fishing, saying it was aimed at protecting the state's environment for generations.
The parks also include smaller sanctuary zones which will essentially become no-go areas for fishing in October.
Environment Minister Ian Hunter on Tuesday said the Liberals had already made it clear that, if elected, they would tear up SA's marine parks.
"Tony Abbott has already ripped apart commonwealth marine parks and Steven Marshall will follow and allow him to run his agenda here," he said.
