The Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park is the thirteenth marine conservation area in the state, but the first to be created since 2004.

The marine park encompasses the 100-hectare Walpole Inlet, the 1,300-hectare Nornalup Inlet and the tidal reaches of the Frankland, Deep and Walpole rivers.

Environment Minister Donna Faragher said the permanent opening to the sea, the mixing of fresh and salt water, and the dynamic sandy deltas of the marine park created a distinctive habitat for more than 40 fish species.

This included larger fish such as sharks, uncommon in other inlets.

“A major attraction of the inlet system for visitors is the perception of remoteness that can be experienced, particularly in parts of the Nornalup Inlet and the Frankland and Deep rivers,” she said.

“Tour boats operating from Walpole allow visitors to experience the marine park’s stunning scenery and get up close to wildlife.”

Seagrasses, algae, a diverse range of shellfish and other animals also live on the marine park’s floor, including some prawn species, the blue swimmer crab and mud-burrowing crab.

A wide range of waterbirds use the marine park. Pelicans, gulls and terns are abundant, and shearwaters, gannets and albatrosses are regularly seen along with ospreys and white-bellied sea eagles.

Migratory and Australian shorebirds use the tidal delta flats to probe for worms and small shells and crabs.

“The entire Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Park is zoned for recreation which allows for recreational fishing to occur in all areas,” Mrs Faragher said.

“This zoning will allow uses of the marine park to be managed in an equitable, integrated and sustainable manner by the departments of Environment and Conservation and Fisheries, and present opportunities for the local community and visitors to contribute to the management of this important addition to the State’s marine parks and reserves system.”

Mrs Faragher also released a management plan for the Walpole Wilderness area which recognises the unique natural environment between Manjimup and Denmark.

“The establishment of the marine park and development of management plans for the marine and terrestrial areas recognise the important ecological and recreational values this region,” she said.