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.
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- Into the blue
- Marine Parks - Great for our State
- Global warming and oceans
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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The Wilderness Society, along with other national and South Australian conservation groups, is campaigning for the protection of our unique marine and coastal environments through the establishment of Marine Parks containing networks of large no-take sanctuaries.
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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.
more »Marine & Coastal Updates
- WA’s prized fisheries: Rock lobsters hit rock bottom and dhufish declining - March 14, 2010
- Migrating oceanic sharks less protected than ever! - February 19, 2010
- Kimberley humpback whales: our international responsibility! - February 18, 2010
It seemed just a few years ago that West Australia boasted some of the healthiest fisheries in Australia and the world. The Western Rock Lobster fishery was the jewel in the crown, being Australia’s highest value fishery and the first in the world to gain Marine Stewardship Council certification as an allegedly environmentally sustainable fishery.
Populations of sharks are declining worldwide. Sharks continue to be at risk internationally from over-fishing, illegal trade (e.g. shark fins), habitat degradation, incidental bycatch as well as emerging threats such as climate change. Despite supporting their listings as internationally vulnerable on the IUCN red list and the Australian Government’s commitment to international shark protection and conservation, Environment Minister Peter Garrett suddenly changed his mind.
Every winter the shallow warm seas from south of Broome to the Bonaparte Archipelago W.A. become a nursery for the largest population of Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the world. However situated in state waters, this area is also in the sights of Premier Barnett.
Marine & Coastal Events
- Training for Peaceful Community Action: Broome
- Funk for da Fish! Music fundraiser
- Sandcastles for Sanctuaries
An invitation to attend a Broome workshop for Peaceful Community Action is extended to those who want to protect the Kimberley. When: Saturday 20th March, 10am - 4.30pm
'Funk for da Fish' presents Matt Gresham, The Brow Horn Orchestra, Funk Club House Band and DJ Charlie Bucket for a night of good tunes, happy vibes and an important issue - saving our marine life! Friday 26th March, $10 entry.
The third event of the Summer Sanctuary Series is a team sand-castle building competition! Use your imagination and creative talents to form marine themed letters - and help spell out a giant message "Save Our Marine Life!". Enter for your chance to win a gift voucher at Zanders Restaurant or Rendezvous Observation City Hotel restaurant, both in Scarborough.
Marine & Coastal Media Releases
- Oil and gas industry leader out of touch on oil response – not handled 'perfectly' - November 02, 2009
- Fishing ... for Australian Sea Lions - November 01, 2009
- "World class" claims by oil spill company, confirms worst fears - October 28, 2009
Conservation groups have slammed Woodside’s claims that the Government’s response to the oil spill was handled 'perfectly', saying it again demonstrated that the Australian public could have little confidence in the current oil and gas operations off the Kimberley coast.
With the Great Australian Bight Marine shark fishing season reopening today, The Wilderness Society is calling upon State and Federal Governments to take urgent action to protect the endangered Australian Sea Lion.
West Australians should be greatly alarmed by PTTEP’s claim that their response to the oil spill was “world class”. Such a claim gives no confidence for future oil and gas development in the region.
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