Photo © Meg GreenThe Federal Government is currently undertaking bioregional marine planning in 5 major marine regions of Australia including the south-west, north-west, north, east and south-east marine regions. A draft plan has been released for the south-west bioregion which is currently open for public consultation. The level of protection in this draft plan was totally inadequate and we don’t want the same result for our northern waters. In the coming weeks, the Federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke, will decide how much of the north bioregion will be protected in marine sanctuaries under the draft Northern Marine Bioregional Plan soon to be released. Now is a crucial time to tell the Minister we want strong protection for the north.
The North Marine Region stretches from the Northern Territory-Western Australia border to Cape York in Queensland and includes all Commonwealth waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria, Arafura Sea and the Timor Sea. The waters of the North Marine Region are extremely diverse and many of its ecological features are found nowhere else in Australia or even the world. This area contains a diverse range of habitats including coral reefs, tidal estuaries, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, extensive wetlands and beautiful beaches. These habitats support an amazing array of marine wildlife including many nationally protected species and globally significant populations of dugongs, sea turtles, dolphins and migratory birds. The Federal Government must ensure these species and their habitats are from threats such as over-fishing, oil and gas exploration and inappropriate development.
What is a marine sanctuary?
Marine sanctuaries are defined areas often within a multi use marine park where all marine life is protected. Within these areas people can swim, boat, snorkel, and dive but can not interfere with, damage, catch or remove marine life. Marine sanctuaries are also referred to as green zones, marine reserves, marine national parks or no-take zones.
Together we must send a clear message to the Federal Government that we want the unique habitats of the North Marine Region protected in a comprehensive network of large marine sanctuaries. This network must be based on scientific best practise and ensure the protection of all biodiversity values for the region.
Act Now
Write a letter to:
Hon Tony Burke MP
Minister for Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
PO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Here is some suggested text
Dear Minister,
I strongly urge you to create an extensive and comprehensive network of large marine sanctuaries in the North Marine Region of Australia. This network must be based on scientific best practise and ensure the protection of all biodiversity values of the region.
The North Marine Bioregion contains a diverse range of habitats including coral reefs, tidal estuaries, mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, extensive wetlands and beautiful beaches. These habitats support an amazing array of marine wildlife including nationally and internationally significant populations of protected species including dugongs, sea turtles, dolphins, migratory birds and the world’s largest population of humpback whales. A network of large marine sanctuaries will protect these species and their habitat from threats such as over-fishing, oil and gas exploration and inappropriate development. Protection from these threats will allow for new and sustainable employment opportunities. Iconic sites such as Limmen Bight, Fog Bay, the Gulf of Carpentaria including the Wellesley Islands and the Western Cape, Torres Strait, the Kimberley coast, Ashmore Reef, Cartier Island and Joseph Bonaparte Gulf must be protected within this network. In deliberations it is essential that the relevant indigenous Traditional Owners are consulted during the planning phase and involved in the management of Sea Country.
Yours sincerely,
What Wildlife Queensland is doing
Wildlife Queensland wrote to the Hon. Tony Burke MP
More information:
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