protect and conserve the biodiversity of the marine park whilst also allowing for sustainable resource use e.g. fishing, whilst also allowing for reaction and public use of the area. The Marine Parks Act created the Marine Parks Authority which has the responsibility for administering the act, a statewide Marine Parks Advisory Council that provides advice to the ministers responsible for marine parks on matters relevant to all marine parks, and local advisory committees that advise the ministers on local marine park matters. The act also provides for the preparation of zoning plans; establishment of closures; assessment of development activities, both within and affecting marine parks; and preparation of operational plans. The Cape Byron Marine Park is divided into zones such as the; sanctuary zones, habitat protection zones, general use zones, and special purpose zones and they are managed accordingly. Aside from the Marine Parks Act 1997, Cape Byron Marine Park is also affected by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999, NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. These acts impact on the area as they cover several species that are protected under these acts such as the grey nurse shark. The Cape Byron Marine Park is impacted by a range of programs, including those operating within the park including: fisheries management, pollution reduction, estuary and coastal management. There are also programs on a national level that affect the marine park such as catchment management, national park management and land-use planning associated with the marine park. The Marine Parks Authority has a role in influencing the programs and initiatives that it is not directly responsible for and attempting to work in collaboration in order to achieve common goals. The Marine Park Authority works with other governmental departments including the Department of Planning, local government and with the Australian Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. References Marine parks of New South Wales Protected areas established in 2002 Byron Bay, New South Wales