Our Oceans

Australia’s oceans cover a massive area – twice the size of our land. The seascape below the surface is more varied and dramatic than that on land; a place filled with canyons, undersea mountains, plateaus and trenches – and amazing plant and animal life.

Coral bleaching on a tropical reef system. Photo: Bryan Skinner

Sadly, our oceans are being affected by overfishing, oil and gas drilling, mining, pollution and ocean acidification from climate change.

To ensure that our marine life is given proper protection for our kids to enjoy in the future - we need marine sanctuaries*

*Marine sanctuaries are safe havens for our marine life to feed and breed in – they are the only fully protected areas of marine parks, free from damaging mining, oil/gas exploration, fishing and other extraction activities.

Unique and diverse marine life

Australia boasts some of the most unique and diverse marine life in the world, according to a 10-year international global study of our oceans (Census of Marine Life Project). From our vast fringing coral reefs in the Kimberley and North Queensland, to our unique kelp forests of Southern Australian, there have been over 33,000 species found and documented.

Dugong Bay, Kimberley WA. Photo: Richard Costin

The study unlocked many secrets, not only documenting long-term and widespread declines in marine life but also the resilience of the ocean in recovering areas. Scientists predicted that there could be another 200,000 species living in our oceans still to be discovered…

This is exciting news but with overfishing, oil and gas drilling/exploration, mining, pollution and ocean acidification changing our marine ecosystems – our marine life needs our help.

“Marine species have suffered major declines over the last century - in some cases 90 per cent losses - due to human activities and may be heading for extinction, this is why marine sanctuaries are so urgently needed”, said Dr. Jill St.John of The Wilderness Society in Perth.

What areas need urgent protection?

The Wilderness Society has current marine campaigns in the following states:

• Western Australia (The Kimberley and the unique South-West)

• South Australia (The islands and coastal bays)

• Northern Australia (the coastal islands)

• Tasmania (kelp forests in state waters)

Take Action - 4 ways you can help during oceans '11.

Real Marine Parks, Surf Circle, WA 2008

1. Sign our online petition to Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke today - Support the protection of the Flatback Turtle, Dugong and the Australian Snubfin Dolphin.

2. Join our Blue Army on Facebook – friend Support Marine Sanctuaries and the Wilderness Society

3. Stay up to date. Subscribe to email updates.

4. Show your support by ordering your free 'Save Our Marine Life' sticker and display it with pride!