The South Australia Marine Parks Information Tool (SAMPIT) was among the new initiatives discussed as the newly formed Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park Local Advisory Group met for the first time in Port Augusta last Tuesday night.

The Upper Spencer Gulf Local Advisory Group chairperson Robin Sharp said the meeting was a good chance for the new group to meet each other ahead of ongoing discussion to help develop draft management plans and zoning arrangements for the state’s 19 marine parks.

The group is made up of 15 representatives from Port Augusta, Whyalla and Port Pirie.

Department for Environment and Heritage staff attended the inaugural meeting.

Mr Sharp said at the meeting members endorsed the new SAMPIT tool.

The tool aims to offer local residents the opportunity to outline where and how they use the waters within the marine park.

Community members are being urged to map out details, either online or hard copy about fishing, boating and diving habits in the Gulf.

It also looks to gather more information regarding environmental knowledge about bird and plant life.

“It’s for general feedback from the public… the idea is that if they’re fishing in a certain spot, this could perhaps be taken into consideration,” Mr Sharp said.

The information will be collected online and in hard copy. March 19 is the deadline for submissions in time for consideration at the next advisory group meeting in late April.

Visit the marine parks website at marineparkssa.ning.com or phone 1800 006 120.