Help make history - Australia to decide on world's largest network of marine protected areas
In a matter of weeks the Australian government will make one of the largest conservation decisions in history when it considers the creation of the biggest network of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the world.
But the precise level of protection for marine life still hangs in the balance and with it a 'once in a generation' opportunity to set an international standard for a secure future for this region where over 50% of the different species of whale and dolphin are found. Facing growing threats from activities such as oil and gas exploration, the fishing industry, pollution and the effects of climate change, this protection can't come soon enough.
The Australian government, and in particular the Hon Tony Burke MP, Minister for the Environment will make his first and crucial decision for the western region of Australia within weeks, a move that will define the level of protection that will then be applied to the rest of Australia's waters for the next 10 to 20 years.
Australia has one of the largest marine territories in the world. A huge variety of fish, sharks, whales and seals live in the continent's spectacular submerged mountain ranges, deep sea canyons and both cool and tropical coral reefs. These waters provide refuge for the magnificent blue, humpback, and southern right whales, as well as bottlenose, spotted and striped dolphins, to name a few.
However, right now they are unprotected, and with oil and fishing industries undermining moves to increase protection, the international community needs to take what action it can to ensure that the government does not loose sight of its obligations to the wider environment. Together, we need to make sure it seizes this golden opportunity to make a truly global contribution to whale and dolphin conservation before it is too late.
Crunch time - it's not too late to be a part of conservation history
WHAT CAN YOU DO? You can make a difference and WDCS encourages everyone to remind the Australian government of why it is so important that protection levels in these areas are set high. Be part of a historic decision.
Please send an email to the Hon. Tony Burke MP, Australia's Minister for the Environment today. It will only take you a few seconds and could make a world of difference for whales and dolphins. Thank you.
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But kudos to the people who did their best to save him.