Banners were unravelled on beaches in Huskisson, North Wollongong and Stanwell Park on Saturday as part of a statewide ‘‘Banners on the Beach’’ event.

Marine campaigner Daisy Barham said the initiative, based on a similar plan in New Zealand, was the community’s last-ditch effort to stand up for its sanctuaries.

‘‘The campaign really ramped up over the weekend as the NSW government prepares to make a decision on this issue in the coming days,’’ she said.

South Coast fishing zones could be extended

‘‘People in the community are sick and tired of having these important decisions made for them – they wanted to show the government that people throughout the state oppose opening these precious protected areas.’’

The NSW government temporarily opened its marine sanctuaries, including the Jervis Bay Marine Park, to fishing in March last year.

It announced its intention to review the operation late last year and is set to announce whether the safe havens will be made permanent fishing spots this week.

Ms Barham said both tourism operators and scientists had flagged concerns with the controversial plan and its impact on the nearby economy and environment.

‘‘Businesses are worried – they’ve been able to use these protected areas as a marketing tool for snorkellers and tourists,’’ she said.

‘‘Scuba-diving operators are really concerned about the loss of business – people will just go to other protected areas in Australia to dive as they know there’ll be more marine life.

‘‘People don’t want to lose those popular snorkelling and kayaking spots – we have such incredible marine life and these sanctuaries are vital to their protection.’’

Less than 7 per cent of NSW waters are protected as sanctuaries.