Help make sure Environment Minister Tony Burke protects hotspots for unique marine life.

A historic decision by the Federal Government on the future of our oceans and marine life will be made within the next month.

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has released maps of proposed new marine parks off Australia’s south west coast for public consultation. Click here to view the map.

You don’t need to be an expert to take part in this consultation process – the Minister needs to keep hearing from all Australians just how valuable our marine life is.

Please take action today and tell Tony Burke that sanctuaries are needed if we are to save our unique marine life from destruction. Click here to have your say.

The stakes are high because the final decision on the south west will set a precedent for the rest of Australia’s waters.

These proposals for the South West fall well short of what is needed:
- The current draft map leaves 8 out of the 10 identified biodiversity hotspots unprotected.
- Although there are large areas of ocean that have been included, less than 3% of the biodiversity rich continental shelf has been protected.

Marine sanctuaries are recommended internationally by marine scientists to reduce over fishing and protect biodiversity and have a number of important benefits:
- Marine life can flourish, breed and feed free from interference
- Fishing stocks increase, providing a greater quantity of fish
- Eco-tourism can gain economic benefits from the sanctuaries

There is a consensus of science opinion and evidence about the need for and benefits of sanctuaries to protect marine life.