The Federal Resources Minister has approved an area off the coast of Margaret River for petroleum exploration… http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2010/05/17/2902074.htm

HUNDREDS of people from all walks of life rallied in Margaret River on Saturday, and their message was loud and clear – marine sanctuaries; not oil rigs. http://www.margaretrivermail.com.au/news/local/news/general/no-oil-rigs-here/1828022.aspx

Federal Resources Minister Martin Ferguson says any proposal to drill for oil off the South West coast would have to clear all environmental hurdles. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/04/13/2871023.htm

The Federal Government is considering allowing companies to drill for oil in a section of ocean off the Margaret River coast which has been earmarked for inclusion in a planned marine sanctuary. http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/mp/7048192/margaret-river-faces-oil-search

Leading WA marine scientists have pleaded with the State Government to protect a big section of the Kimberley coast and include substantial sanctuary zones in the proposed Camden Sound marine park http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/6962224/experts-campaign-for-wa-whale-sanctuaries/

SCARBOROUGH Beach is a sounding board for marine conservation this morning with hundreds of people taking part in the first Sandcastles for Sanctuaries competition. http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/sandcastles-for-sanctuaries-competition-on-scarborough-beach/story-e6frg15c-1225843362553

A new report has found there would be significant economic benefits associated with the creation of large marine sanctuaries in Western Australia’s south. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/05/2837299.htm

Establishing marine parks along the WA coast would cost private and professional fishing activities about $20 million, much less than the hundreds of millions the industry claimed, a new report has found. http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/6894325/marine-park-costs-overstated-report

You probably know Australia boasts koala bears, kangaroos and the famous Opera House. The waters off southwestern Australia are home to some of the most astounding biodiversity on the planet. But less than 1 percent are protected… http://news.discovery.com/earth/pew-australia-tour.html

Scientists have seen a doubling of fish biomass over five years inside the fishing exclusion zone on the Great Barrier Reef. The reef is now cited as an example of what can be achieved in marine management. http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2010/2829737.htm