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!

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UPDATE: Campaign win!

Historic decision protects the Murray River Red Gum Forests

Following a campaign led by The Wilderness Society Sydney and the National Parks Association of NSW, the NSW Government announced they will protect the internationally important River Red Gum Forests – including the immediate protection of the iconic Millewa Forest.

This is an historic conservation outcome for NSW, with a greater proportion of State Forest lands protected than in any previous forest decision. The includes significant outcomes for Indigenous Traditional Owners, allowing for joint management of the Millewa Forests by the Yorta Yorta people and includes the transfer of two major forest groups to Traditional Owners as Indigenous Protected Areas.

The decision will see the creation of over 100,000 hectares of new protected areas and will protect crucial habitat for threatened species such as the superb parrot.

Combined with recent new park decisions across Victorian Forests, the decision sees over 200,000 hectares of River Red Gum Forests protected in the Murray region.

A generous restructure package will provide support to industry, allowing them to progress towards a more sustainable regional economy. Previous studies have shown that National Parks have the potential to provide good outcomes for both the environment, and for the regional economy.

The Wilderness Society recognises the hard work of NSW Environment Minister, Frank Sartor, and the welcome decision of NSW Premier Kristina Keneally to protect the Murray River Red Gums - a significant environmental outcome for Ausralia.

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Australia has the two largest River Red Gum forests in the world.

The health of the Murray River and its River Red Gum Forests are intrinsically linked - a healthy river needs healthy forests.

However, our River Red Gum Forests are not healthy - in some areas 75% of the trees are already stressed, dead or dying and they are further being degraded by destructive logging and grazing.

The Red Gum forests act as filters for the river - if the New South Wales Government is serious about protecting the health of the Murray River, then it needs to protect our River Red Gums. Often referred to as 'The Kakadu of the South' these forests are also vitally important habitat for a number of threatened and endangered species and play host to many thousands of migratory birds each year. They also attract tourists to the region, who are an important part of the region's economy. Logging, primarily for low values products such as firewood, fence posts and railway sleepers, is destroying the very values that the forests have become famous for. Replacing logging with well managed National Parks will protect the forests, ensure that the Murray retains its filter system and continue to provide vital income to the region. The New South Wales government needs to urgently commit to creating National Parks from our State Forests in full consultation with local traditional owners.

Often referred to as 'The Kakadu of the South', these forests are vitally important habitat for a number of threatened and endangered species - and play host to many thousands of migratory birds each year. Barmah State Forest. Photographer: R. Jung

Replacing logging with National Parks will give these trees a future.