A record 42,000 demand sanctuaries in consultation period
A huge thank you to the 42,000 people that called for a network of large marine sanctuaries in Australia’s South West during the recent consultation period. This is the highest number of submissions ever sent to a government process on a conservation issue in Australia.
This also represents an enormous community backlash against totally inadequate marine sanctuaries proposed by Environment Minister Tony Burke in May this year. With 8 out of 10 hotspots for South West marine life left unprotected by this original proposal, we would expect some dramatic changes to the final sanctuaries being decided upon around November 2011.
And the number of submissions was merely the tip of the iceberg, demonstrating the breadth and depth of community feelings on the issue.
There were full page statements from business and community leaders in The Australian and The West Australian newspapers… 
…some of who made online videos to help get the word out there…
There were public meetings…. 
And information stalls…
There were full page advertisements placed in newspapers totally funded by concerned members of the community calling for sanctuaries… 
And 215 senior scientists, including world leading fisheries and marine scientists, condemned the Government’s proposed sanctuaries as inadequate and unrepresentative. 
And Australians of the Year also banded together to voice their call for marine protection…
Based on the overwhelming support for proper marine sanctuaries, Environment Minister Tony Burke now has a significant re-drafting of these proposed marine sanctuaries on his hands to ensure that they deliver what science says is needed – not what fishing and oil industries may want.
To ensure that proper protection is delivered we will have to remain vigilant and we will need your help.
Join the Big Blue Army and we’ll keep you informed of developments in the run up to the final decision in a few months time.
Thank you for your support. Join at http://www.SaveOurMarineLife.org.au
