Marine and Coastal
Australia's largest wilderness Australia's marine waters cover double the area of our land. The seascape below the surface is more varied and dramatic than our terrestrial landscapes; canyons, undersea mountains, plateaus and trenches, home to an incredible variety of life. Sadly, overfishing, oil and gas drilling, mining and pollution are destroying marine habitats, leaving them impoverished and on the verge of collapse. Some species have already disappeared. Climate change will make matters worse because it will turn seawater warmer and more acidic and change ocean currents - a key foundation of life in the marine environment.
- Into the blue
- Global warming and oceans
- Learn about state campaigns
Australia’s marine waters extend over an area almost twice as large as the area of our land. It is also filled with amazing plant and animal life. Sadly, overfishing, oil and gas drilling, mining and pollution are destroying marine habitats, leaving them impoverished and on the verge of collapse.
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Global warming threatens to have profound impacts on each of our lives, and an even greater effect on the millions of plants and animals that we share this planet with. Many species of marine life are particularly vulnerable to changes in water temperature, including Australia's diverse and treasured coral reefs.
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Help out with our campaigns in New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia to protect Australia's magnificent marine environment.
more »Marine & Coastal Updates
- Working together to save the Kimberley's whales - September 05, 2008
- World Ocean Day – what a splash! - June 08, 2008
- Global map of human impacts on oceans - June 06, 2008
Few Australians realise the maternity ward for the group IV population of the endangered Humpback whale is located off the remote wilderness coast of the Kimberley region. Community groups, Scientists and Conservationists are working together to save the Kimberley whales habitat.
Despite a rather stormy start to this year’s World Ocean day - Sunday June 8th – the day’s events attracted over 200 people from our Newcastle community who rugged up for the fun.
In February the journal Science published the first global map of human impacts on marine ecosystems. This study suggests that about 41% of oceans bear a serious human "footprint " and few areas remain untouched. Results suggest that coral reefs have been particularly hard hit with other ecosystems such as seagrass beds, mangrove forests in estuaries, seamounts, rocky reefs and continental shelves also in trouble.
Marine & Coastal Media Releases
- Colourful whale action for Kimberley protection - August 28, 2008
- Major marine stakeholders agree on urgent need for reform - August 21, 2008
- Barnett's Kimberley industry plans threaten Humpback whale Sanctuary - August 12, 2008
Conservation groups and the Kimberley Marine Tourism Association delivered letters and thousands of signed postcards to WA politicians Colin Barnett and Alan Carpenter calling for the protection of the Kimberley’s unique natural values including its coral reefs and islands from unchecked industrialisation.
Major WA marine stakeholders all agree that the Carpenter Labor Government has failed to deliver on its promise of regional marine planning for WA.
The Wilderness Society WA has expressed grave concern that recent statements by Opposition leader Colin Barnett promoting the industrialisation of the Kimberley could lead to the demise of the region’s newly discovered Humpback whale sanctuary.
Sign online!
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