Marine & Coastal Updates

Migrating oceanic sharks less protected than ever! - February 19, 2010

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.

Kimberley humpback whales: our international responsibility! - February 18, 2010

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.

Sandy Seal game goes live! - February 21, 2010

Late last year Save Our Marine Life was so excited about the release of the new online game ‘Unprotected Waters’ that we told you about it even before it went live!  This time, we’re ready. Please enjoy….

South Australian election - a chance for better marine protection! - February 19, 2010

With the South Australian Election just around the corner, The Wilderness Society is calling on all political parties to commit to marine park sanctuary zones which strictly protect at least 30% of South Australia’s marine habitats. CALL TO ACTION - show your support for large marine sanctuaries by telling the State Government which places you want to see protected. 

Camden Sound Marine Park - Can it really protect the Kimberley Humpbacks from coastal LNG industrialisation? - February 25, 2010

The Kimberley coastline is one of the last remaining wilderness coastlines in Australia and the world. However, there is growing public concern that the Marine Park will be too small and lack adequate ‘no-take’ sanctuaries to protect anything, including the whales. Read more here.

"Surf Circle" for Sanctuaries Event Album - February 22, 2010

The weather turned it up for the 'Surf Circle' for Sanctuaries event this weekend at Cottesloe main beach, with over 50 participants joining hands to show support for marine sanctuaries.

Tasmanian MPAs: supported by science hampered by politicians - February 21, 2010

Ocean Planet, in alliance with other environment groups, has released a joint 2010 Environment Policy Agenda in anticipation of Tasmania’s 20 March election.

Western Blue Groper - bring the BIG boys back! - February 17, 2010

The Western Blue Groper is a protogynous hermaphrodite. This means all juveniles are females and mature as green-coloured females at 15-20 years old, before developing their adult male blue colouring at 30 years old.

Send an E-Postcard to save our marine turtles! - February 18, 2010

Sadly, all six of the seven species of marine turtles found on the Top End coast are listed as endangered or critically endangered under the ICUN threatened species list. Climate change, ghost nets, boat strikes, fishing gear entanglements and turtle-egg eating feral pigs are threatening their survival. However with your help we can prevent this from happening.

Bullying tactics used in push to industrialise the Kimberley. - February 11, 2010

Right now, the Kimberley is under threat like never before. The Western Australian government, the Federal Resources Minister (Martin Ferguson) and the company Woodside have activated a time bomb set to explode in the Kimberley.