The zoning plan for the park will start on Saturday, April 21, the weekend the Easter school holidays draw to a close.

While that much is certain, local commercial fishermen are still yet to hear whether they have secured buyouts as part of the State Government's $10 million buy-back of commercial fishing licences.

General manager of the Wallis Lake Fishermen's Co-Operative, David Bell said the uncertainty is a major concern for members of the co-op, many of whom have worked for decades in the industry and know no other trade.

"You have got a group of fishermen and their families who have thought long and hard about their futures and had to weigh up the options whether or not to apply for a buyout and they are being treated like fools by the government," Mr Bell said.

"They were told they would know the outcome before Christmas, they were then told the end of February, now they won't know before the end of March.

"How are these people meant to plan for the future and look after their families when they don't know what is around the corner and the government is not rushing to tell them?"

Mr Bell said he was also concerned that a buy-back could impact the quantity of local produce available to the co-op.

"We as a co-operative have to make plans as well," he said. "At the moment everything is up in the air."

Announcing the April 21 start date on Friday, March 2, NSW Primary Industries Minister, Ian Macdonald said the start of the zoning plan had been put back until after the completion of the current game fishing tournaments in Port Stephens.

"We listened carefully to what the local community had to say, and the start date of April 21 was chosen because it comes after the summer holiday peak and after a number of key recreational fishing events in the area," Mr Macdonald said.

"Signage will be installed throughout the marine park area, including boundary identification signs as well as general education and information signs at boat ramps and other key sites."