The fishing industry and enthusiasts are warning the New South Wales Government's plan to designate the Hawkesbury Shelf marine area a marine park with 25 distinct protection zones could destroy their livelihoods and lifestyles.

But some in the region who are already feeling the effects of climate change say the protections do not go far enough.

Scott Thorington, who runs a charter fishing company popular with Sydneysiders and Chinese tourists, is among those worried about the plan.

"There's generally a good fishery here where you can go and catch a few snapper, flathead, there's plenty of kingfish."

But his favourite spots may soon fall into at least five of the 25 new protection zones that are being proposed as part of a massive new marine park.

"I think we're holding our breath at the moment to see what happens," he said.

"I've been doing it for 30 years; it's too late for me to change jobs. I love doing what I'm doing."

Some of the proposed marine zones would allow lobster and abalone fishing, but not line or spear fishing. ( ABC News: Gavin Coote )

Different zones, different restrictions

The NSW Liberal Government hopes the marine park, stretching from Newcastle to Wollongong, would help address the threats posed by fishing, boating and climate change.

Each of the proposed zones would have unique conditions set out for them.

Some would allow lobster and abalone fishing, but not line or spear fishing.

In other areas, like the popular Forrester's beach, north of Terrigal, all fishing would be banned.

That is annoying recreational fisher Justin Reid, who takes his nephew there regularly.

"There's a couple of the beaches in the marine parks where I normally take him where it's nice and safe and protected from the wind," he said.

"They're going to [say] either not go fishing or go fishing in other areas which are not as protected and aren't as safe for the young kids."

Opposition to the proposed marine park is strongest on the Central Coast. ( ABC News: Gavin Coote )

While the proposed marine park covers a vast area, opposition to it is strongest on the Central Coast.

That is providing a political opportunity for the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, which is hoping to harness the discontent to pick up some coastal seats.

Even the Liberal member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch, has reservations about the proposal.

Mr Reid said he was pleased the issue had captured the local member's attention.

"I think he's seen the writing's on the wall; that this is going to affect the Central Coast in a huge way that he probably didn't understand," Mr Reid said.

"Not just recreational, but commercial, and all the businesses — a huge amount of income's not going to come to the Central Coast if this happens."

Peter Ofner and recreational fisherman Justin Reid ( ABC News: Gavin Coote )

Protecting habitats a priority

But John Asquith, a prominent Central Coast conservationist, said there was a large amount of coast that people could use, which the scientists had determined was a lesser priority than the areas identified for marine park zoning.

"It's really important that we get these areas [planned protection zones] because they're the healthiest," he said.

"They're the ones where the biodiversity is going to be the richest and where the most opportunity is, by good management, to maintain species.

"In time, those species spill out of the reserve areas and travel all along the coast."

A sign protesting the plan says "Stop the Lockout: We Fish, We Vote". ( ABC News: Gavin Coote )

Consultation on the marine park proposal closes later this month.

The Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair said no final decision had been made.

"I think one thing we can all agree upon is that the 25 sites that we have identified are probably the right sites because they have key habitat and key species at them," he said.

"What is not in agreeance is the proposal that's been put forward on how to manage those sites, and that's what we're consulting on at the moment."

Mr Asquith urged those on all sides of the debate to think about future generations of ocean lovers.

"That's where the message has got to be sold, because those people have the vote, they communicate better, they're better educated," he said.

"Not with people who want to play politics on it, because it's too important to be left to just the politics."