Humpback Whales CREATURE FEATURE - Shark Champions - Australian Marine Conservation Society
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Summer 2019 VOLUME 20/1
Supporter Newsletter
CREATURE FEATURE
Humpback
Whales
Page 2
Shark Big Blue Issues Turning the
Champions Election Special Tide on Plastics
Page 4 Page 9-12 Page 16-17
©AMCS
With Thanks to YOU
Minke whale © Troy Mayne
Migaloo @ Craig Parry. Thank you to Craig Parry for donating this rare image of Migaloo to AMCS. More amazing images of Migaloo available at www.craigparryphotography.com
Creature Feature Protecting sea life thanks to you... Whaling You’re helping to protect whales globally…
Our whales need help,
not harpoons.
We International Whaling Bittersweet Victory:
Facts & Figures
Humpback Whales COMMON NAME: Humpback whale
Commission Report Southern Ocean Whaling Ends
SCIENTIFIC NAME: MEGAPTERA NOVAEANGLIAE
DIET: Humpbacks feed on krill and
The humpback whale is a large baleen whale Thanks to the support of ocean lovers like The Japanese Government has pulled out
that migrates annually along the east and west small fish, eating up to 1.5 tonnes of you, we were able to send AMCS CEO Darren of the International Whaling Commission
coasts of Australia. These majestic giants are food a day! Kindleysides to the International Whaling (IWC) and will therefore finally pull their
one of Australia’s most loved marine animals. COLLECTIVE NOUN: Pod Commission (IWC) meeting in Brazil in whaling ships out of the Southern Ocean.
With their distinctive knobbly heads and AVERAGE LIFESPAN IN THE WILD: 45-50 years September 2018. This is a huge win for our whales. We
long pectoral fins, humpback whales are SIZE (ADULT): Female: 15-16m, Male: 13-14m AMCS attended as a strong voice for whale have been fighting for decades to get the
easily recognised and a favourite with whale HEIGHT: 30,000 kg (Adult) protection. We helped secure several major wins whalers out of the Antarctic.
watchers around Australia. Their common for whale conservation, including important
However, Japan is leaving the IWC to
name is derived from the hump under their reforms to protect whale and dolphin populations
Migaloo (pictured) is Australia’s most well- resume commercial whaling in their waters.
dorsal fin, which is particularly noticeable when from bycatch and ocean noise pollution.
known humpback whale. Japan has turned their back on global
the whale arches its back to dive. Humpback In a critical victory, we stopped the Japanese
whales spend summers in the Antarctic, feeding When first sighted on 28 June 1991, passing by Government’s outrageous proposal to bring efforts to conserve whales in order to kill
on krill, before travelling north during winter to Byron Bay, he was the only known all white back commercial whaling in 2020. whales outside international control.
bear their young. humpback whale in the world. He was named Australians can celebrate the end of
We’re pleased to report that the Australian
“Migaloo”, which means “white fella” in some Antarctic whaling. It’s been a hard fought
Humpback whales were hunted almost Government led the charge to save the ban
indigenous languages. Then in September victory but is bittersweet if it comes with
to extinction for their meat and oil. Their on whaling, and increased pressure on Japan
2011 amazing footage emerged of an all-white
populations crashed during the peak of the to cease its controversial ‘scientific whaling’ unchecked commercial whaling by Japan
baby humpback calf. This new white whale was
whaling industry in the 1950s and 1960s. programs. The Japanese Government responded in their own waters.
named MJ (Migaloo Junior).
These gentle giants have been protected in to defeat by threatening to leave the IWC.
the Southern Hemisphere since 1963, and In August 2003, Migaloo was struck by a trimaran Frustratingly, pro-whaling nations blocked You’ve Stopped Antarctic Whaling!
a worldwide moratorium on whaling was off Townsville, Queensland and still bears the scars plans to create a whale sanctuary spanning
declared in 1986. Although listed as vulnerable from the collision on his back. Because Migaloo is the South Atlantic Ocean, but we will continue Because of you, Japan will close
to extinction, humpback whales are making a such a unique whale he has special Queensland to fight for this global reserve. The world’s down their illegal so-called ‘scientific
strong recovery and are a tribute to what we and Commonwealth Government legislation to whaling’ Antarctic whaling program.
whales need sanctuary. They have never
can achieve when we work together! protect him from overzealous admirers. All vessels Last year, after Japan was caught
faced such a range of threats from climate
are prohibited from approaching Migaloo and killing endangered sei whales,
change, entanglement in fishing nets, plastic we called upon our supporters to
must stay at least 500m away. pollution, underwater noise and ship strikes.
Did You Know? build a Stop Whaling Legal Fund, to
Migaloo is a part of the Australian east coast supercharge the fight against whaling.
The humpback whale features in humpback whale population, and delights Thank You With thanks to your support we raised
the AMCS logo which was created ocean lovers every year when he swims past over $30,000. THANK YOU!
by famed photographer and AMCS us along the coast for his annual migration. Thank you to our supporters who With Japan starting commercial
Honorary Life Member Steve Parish We work each day to ensure Migaloo and his funded our attendance at this critically whaling in their waters the fight
in the mid-1990s. species return for decades to come. important meeting to defend our whales. continues to save our ocean giants.
2 Turning The Tide With Thanks to YOU 3
© AMCS
© Alex Kydd
Sharks Protecting our vital sharks and ecosystems with your support… Fisheries Helping to provide educated and sustainable seafood choices...
The public’s choices
will guide the
industry towards true
sustainability.
A Positive Step Away Say-No Tasmanian
From Lethal Drumlines Farmed Atlantic Salmon
In late 2018 a cluster of shark incidents Australia’s Sustainable Seafood Guide is The salmon farming industry bears significant
occurred in Cid Harbour, Whitsundays, in Shark Champions an independent consumer guide to the responsibility for the environmental impacts
which three people were bitten, one of them AMCS is excited to launch our new “Shark sustainability of seafood available for in the Harbour, and needs to clean up its act.
fatally. In response to those tragic events Champions” campaign in collaboration sale in Australia. The easy to use traffic Adrian Meder, AMCS Sustainable Seafood
the local tourism industry and community with Humane Society International (HSI). light system rates farmed and wild caught Program Manager said, “Fish farming has
called for the removal of ineffective Australia is a global shark and ray hotspot, seafood as either green ‘Better Choice’, reached such intensity in Macquarie Harbour
drumlines and the implementation of Amber ‘Eat Less’ or Red ‘Say No’. that we’ve had consecutive summers of serious
home to one quarter of the world’s species
effective bather protection and education. Following a peer reviewed, scientific environmental impacts, including several massive
many of which are globally threatened.
The Queensland Government has now Sharks and rays are a keystone group of assessment of the ecological impacts of salmon fish kills. There have been dangerously low oxygen
committed $250,000 to community education species critical to healthy oceans. farming in Tasmanian sea cages, Atlantic levels in deeper harbour waters. Over a million
and research to improve protection for salmon has recently been downgraded from fish have been lost due to asphyxiation and
Please visit www.sharkchampions.org.au
bathers and ocean wildlife in Cid Harbour. an Amber ‘Eat Less’ to a Red ‘Say No’ rating. disease, and ‘dead zones’ have formed on the
AMCS welcomed the Queensland A red ‘Say No’ rating in Australia’s Sustainable seafloor. This is a serious failure in management”.
Government’s moves to immediately implement Drumlines are ineffective, offering bathers
Seafood Guide recommends the public The salmon farms in Macquarie Harbour are
effective, non-lethal means of safeguarding a false sense of security. In 2006, a woman
chooses more sustainable alternatives until operating right next to a wilderness World
bathers, which will better protect our community was fatally bitten at Amity Point, a drumlined
such time as the salmon farming industry Heritage Area, where farming should be
and our marine life. Dr. Leonardo Guida, beach on Stradbroke Island. In November
reduces their environmental footprint. managed to protect the values of the area.
AMCS Senior Shark Campaigner said, “This is a 2018, a man was bitten on the leg at Ballina
But dead zones were found even within the
welcome step, and our thanks goes out to the while surfing at a beach with active drumlines. If done sustainably, fish-farming can
World Heritage region.
Australian community who spoke out against We now call on the Queensland Government provide an important source of seafood
for Australians. It is unfortunate that the Until there’s scientific evidence that
calls for a shark cull”. to listen to the public sentiment and remove
scientific evidence has led to a sustainability salmon farming impacts are reduced and
Actions taken include permanent signage alerting the other 173 lethal drumlines throughout
downgrade of Atlantic salmon in the latest management arrangements are in place that
people to the presence of sharks, improved our World Heritage Great Barrier Reef
review of the Guide, particularly as the protect the marine environment surrounding
education about safe swimming and shark Marine Park. We have the new technology
salmon farming industry was heading in the the fish farms, Tasmanian farmed Atlantic
behaviour, and research into understanding how and non-lethal measures to protect ocean Salmon has been ranked Red ‘Say No’.
sharks use the Whitsunday waters. users without killing our threatened sharks. right direction until recent years.
But in the past three years’ fish farming has We know the salmon farming industry has
had serious impacts on sensitive marine the capabilities to farm fish in a sustainable
Sign the Petition Did You Know? way, and to learn from the mistakes that have
habitats and threatened species, particularly
led to environmental issues in Macquarie
Please add your support for our call to Lethal forms of shark control, such as in Tasmania’s Macquarie Harbour.
Harbour. We call on the industry to listen to
remove lethal drumlines throughout drum lines and nets, are ineffective at the concerns of the Australian public and
our World Heritage Great Barrier Reef protecting humans and come at a high to ensure future farming operations are
Download your free App today.
Marine Park. Take action, visit cost to threatened sharks and other
www.sustainableseafood.org.au conducted in a more sustainable way.
www.sharkchampions.org.au marine wildlife, such as whales and turtles.
4 Turning The Tide With Thanks to YOU 5
Clown fish © AMCS
Adani Rally Action @ AMCS
Fight For Our Reef Protecting our iconic treasure with your help...
Why The $444 Million Government Adani’s Reef-Wrecking Mine
Money Won’t Save The Reef Still Has A Long Way To Go
The Australian Government has come under You asked… Late last year, Adani announced that that Governments must resist pressure from
pressure for giving nearly half a billion As the leading charity and independent they would self-fund their reef-wrecking Adani to rubber stamp water approvals and
dollars of taxpayer funds to a foundation voice for the Great Barrier Reef for over 50 mine and was ready to start construction. extinguish native title rights.
to protect the Great Barrier Reef, instead of years, many of our supporters have asked us Despite their claims, Adani still has a long Adani’s determination to build this mine is
one of its own government agencies. to address the controversy surrounding last way to go before they’re ready to start matched by our determination to stop it.
But while the media spotlight remains year’s $444 million government funding to the construction. We know this coal mine doesn’t stack up
fixed on who got the money and how, Great Barrier Reef Foundation. Adani is currently being prosecuted in court environmentally or economically and we
the question that really matters remains We believe the federal government should by the Queensland government for polluting will let our politicians know it won’t stack
unexamined: will this money address what require the Great Barrier Reef Foundation the Reef and is under investigation by the up for them politically either. Let’s Stop
the Reef really needs? The answer is no. to hand back all unspent funds. The public state government for illegally drilling into Adani in 2019.
Funding to tackle poor water quality and money should be placed in a standalone Queensland’s groundwater and clearing
coral-eating crown of thorns starfish plagues special purpose Reef Future Fund, overseen vast swaths of land at the mine site.
by government. Stop Adani
is welcome, but it will be wasted unless tough Another major impediment for Adani is that
AMCS believes that there needs to be full AMCS is a founding partner
action is taken to mitigate climate change. it’s yet to get all approvals signed off by our
transparency and accountability over how the of the #StopAdani campaign,
If we continue burning fossil fuels at our state and federal governments. Just before
funding is spent. a growing grassroots
current rate, the planet’s reefs will be wiped Christmas the CSIRO reportedly found serious
movement of hundreds of local
out by the middle of this century. We cannot flaws in Adani’s key water management plan
community groups, made up of thousands
let this happen. ALERT! to protect an ancient springs complex near its
of individuals across Australia. We will
A massive coal mine located next door proposed Carmichael mine. The Queensland
Australians are demanding action on climate stop Adani’s dangerous coal mine and set
to Adani’s project has quietly been government has stated they will not review
change to protect the largest living structure Australia on the path beyond polluting
given the green light by the Queensland the plan again until Adani addresses the
on Earth and one of the world’s most fossil fuels towards a safe climate for us all.
Government’s Coordinator-General. This concerns of CSIRO.
biologically rich and beautiful treasures. grossly irresponsible approval signals that Not only must Adani have its groundwater
This means we need to stop new coal mines the government is still committed to opening management plan and a Black Throated
and move rapidly to renewable energy. up the Galilee Basin regardless of the Finch Management Plan approved - it’s Thank you
climate impacts on our Great Barrier Reef. still facing two legal challenges, and is yet to
The Queensland Government has yet to secure a railway line to transport coal from In response to Adani’s announcement it
Take Action will self-fund its Carmichael mega-mine
approve an environmental authority for the the Carmichael mine.
mine, and a mining lease, but this approval our supporters chipped in an amazing
Australians are watching more closely Adani is getting desperate. They have $65,000 emergency response to the Fight
than ever before. We just want our is simply wrong. The Galilee is the largest
launched a billboard campaign in the For Our Reef fund. Thank you! The life of
Reef protected and fixed. Please join untapped coal reserve on Earth. It must our Reef hangs in the balance – we will
Brisbane CBD pressuring the Queensland
the Fight for our Reef visit be protected from any coal developers, in fight and stop this mine.
government for holding up construction.
www.fightforourreef.org.au perpetuity.
6 Turning The Tide With Thanks to YOU 7
Coral Reef © Mark Spencer
Turtle © AMCS
Climate Change Your fight to protect our world’s coral reefs... Protecting Australia’s Oceans BIG BLUE ISSUES TO SOLVE IN 2019...
Imagine a world
without the crowning
jewels of the ocean, our
beautiful coral reefs.
Duty Bound To
Protect Coral Reefs
Last October, the world’s top climate scientists We cannot allow any new coal mines, let
released a report which urged the world alone Adani’s monstrous Carmichael coal
to make urgent, deep and far-reaching mine, which would open the floodgates to
cuts to carbon pollution if we are to avoid the Galilee Basin, one of the largest untapped
‘catastrophic climate change’, including the coal reserves on earth. We have to phase out
loss of the world’s coral reefs. Australia’s coal fired power stations and move 2019 Priorities:
The report of the Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change (IPCC) described what
the world would look like if we reached a 2°C
to 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Nor can we stop there. We need to transition to Protect Our Big Blue Backyard
a zero carbon economy as early as possible, by
rise. This report made global headlines and
2050 at the latest.
shocked people around the world. Incredibly,
within hours of the report’s release, our Prime AMCS Reef Campaign Director Imogen
Australia’s oceans are home to more marine We have a lot to lose.
Minister dismissed the report, saying he was Zethoven said, “We know our Great Barrier Reef
species than any other country on Earth. Our seas are at risk from rapidly escalating
more worried about electricity prices. - the world’s largest and most spectacular Reef
We are caretakers of some of the world’s climate change, pollution and industrial
- has suffered a lot and will suffer more. But most spectacular marine treasures; such as development. Some of our fisheries still threaten
But the science is clear.
we cannot and will not give up. We all share our World Heritage Ningaloo and Shark Bay, vulnerable species, and critical shortfalls
Coral reef expert and AMCS advisor Dr Scott
a moral obligation to leave a legacy for future the Kimberley, the Great Southern Reef, and remain in our protected marine estate. We are
Heron said, “The world’s top climate scientists
generations, but our current political leaders our beloved Great Barrier Reef. Our Great asking all political parties to prioritise ocean
have spoken and confirmed we are on a
trajectory to lose the Great Barrier Reef are blinded by their addiction to fossil fuels”. Barrier Reef is the planet’s largest living protection in the next term of government by
unless we do better. The report shows at 2°C As the custodian of the world’s largest structure, a World Heritage treasure. making the following election commitments.
warming, we would lose virtually all the world’s coral reef, our federal government has a
coral reefs from 2050 onwards. The loss of the responsibility to do everything it can as fast as
Great Barrier Reef and its marine life, not to possible to protect the Great Barrier Reef and Get behind our top 10 Big Blue Election Issues.
mention the more than 60,000 jobs it supports, its extraordinary marine life.
is unfathomable. Become advocates for our Ask your local MP and federal
The stark reality is that much of the world’s Take Action Big Blue Issues. Discuss them election candidates where they
coral reefs, will be lost in the next 30 years at dinner parties or over the stand on each of the Big Blue
even if we limit global warming to 1.5°C under A 2°C rise in global temperature would watercooler at work. Let’s get Issues. Let’s vote for our oceans
the Paris Agreement. But in a 1.5°C world, we mean the end of the world’s coral reefs.
Australia talking about saving in 2019!
won’t lose them all”. Take Action to halt Australia’s impact by
rejecting Adani’s colossal coal mine and the seas around us.
To stay below 1.5°C, we must immediately protect our Great Barrier Reef!
move away from coal and other fossil fuels. www.amcs.org.au/climateaction Let’s cast a vote for our Oceans in 2019!
8 Turning The Tide Authorised by D. Kindleysides, 4/145 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
©AMCS
Here’s STOP Reef-
Damaging
IMPROVE the
Sustainability of
our Developments
As the custodian of the
Australia’s Fisheries
Fishing is the most immediate threat to the
world’s largest coral reef ecosystem, continued existence of many endangered
Australia has a global responsibility to species and protected marine wildlife. END Commercial Whaling
do everything in our power to protect the In many cases, fishing has been the The Government of Japan continues their
Great Barrier Reef for future generations. major driver of declines in populations of so-called ‘scientific’ whaling in the Southern
We must prevent major Reef damaging threatened species, including turtles and Ocean despite Australia’s landmark win in
Big Blue
projects. If we are to protect the Reef’s dolphins. Industrial-scale freezer factory
the International Court of Justice in 2014.
future, Queensland’s Galilee coal basin trawlers (‘supertrawlers’) pose a significant
Australia must take leadership, and step
escalated risk to marine life and fish stocks.
must remain untouched and Adani coal up actions both within and outside the
The Australian community, including
mine must not go ahead. We must prevent International Whaling Commission to end
Election
recreational fishers, are opposed to industrial
any coal being shipped through our Great Japan’s whaling for good.
fish factories devastating our marine life.
Barrier Reef.
The next Australian Government must ensure The next Australian Government must
The next Australian Government must take further legal international action
Issues
our laws are used to drive fisheries towards
rule out all new thermal coal mine true sustainability, reducing the impact of against Japan and escalate diplomatic
developments including any mining fishing on protected and endangered species, sanctions and political actions to
from Queensland’s Galilee coal basin. and permanently ban all supertrawlers from oppose continued whaling by Japan,
fishing in Australian waters. Iceland and Norway.
© John Turnbull www.marineexplorer.org
© Xanthe Rivett
©Australian Customs Service
SAVE Our Reef and Oceans CLEAN UP Great Barrier PROTECT Endangered and RESTORE Australia’s
from Climate Change Reef Water Pollution Protected Marine Wildlife Marine Sanctuaries
Climate change is warming our oceans Our Great Barrier Reef is in peril; we must Australia’s oceans are home to endangered, In 2012 Australia’s decisive action for the
and causing underwater heat waves act now to give our Reef the best fighting and protected species, including many oceans led to a global turning point, creating
that are a major threat to all marine chance at survival. Sediment and fertiliser species of sharks unique to our oceans. From the world’s first and largest nationwide
ecosystems. Our Great Barrier Reef and all runoff from agricultural activities continues turtles and snubfin dolphins in our tropical network of marine parks around its coastline.
the world’s coral reefs are in peril. Climate to be a major threat to inshore coral reefs waters to albatross and Australian sea lions This proud moment followed 20 years of
change, driven mainly by burning coal and and seagrass meadows of the Great in the south, we have a great responsibility scientific investigation, comprehensive
other fossil fuels, is the biggest threat to Barrier Reef. The Reef needs the right laws, to protect and recover these wonderful community and stakeholder consultation,
our Great Barrier Reef. We must act now urgent action and more investment to marine species. Endangered sharks are and work from all sides of politics. Sadly, an
as a nation to reduce our contribution to improve water quality and tackle pollution. targeted for sale of fins and flesh in some Abbott government-initiated review revised
climate change by cutting our emissions commercial fisheries, and fishing is the management plans for the parks in 2018,
and transitioning rapidly from coal to The next Australian Government must most immediate and sustained threat to the removing half the high level protections in
renewable energy. introduce regulations under the Great survival of many species. these parks and exposing them to threats of
Barrier Reef Marine Park Act, and destructive commercial fishing, and oil and
The next Australian Government must establish and properly fund a large-scale, The next Australian Government must commit gas development.
commit to urgently embrace a national transformational Great Barrier Reef to strengthening protection of endangered
Emissions Reduction Target of 65 - 85%, catchment repair program to achieve the sharks and other protected species and The next Australian Government must restore
and a Renewable Electricity Target of 2025 water quality targets promised to the investing in the recovery of depleted species Australia’s marine sanctuaries and make
100% by 2030. World Heritage Committee. like sawfish and river sharks. further improvements.
Authorised by D. Kindleysides, 4/145 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Snubfin dolphin @ Daniele Cagnazzi
Protecting Australia’s Oceans BIG BLUE ISSUES TO SOLVE IN 2019... Threatened Species Fighting to protect our unique native marine life with your help...
SAFEGUARD
Environmental
Charities and
REDUCE Advocacy Work
Plastic Pollution © National Geographic Environmental charities have made a
Plastic pollution is devastating to our coasts huge contribution to safeguarding
and seas, inflicting a huge toll on marine Australia’s natural environment, yet the
wildlife. So much plastic is flowing into our sector has been unfairly targeted through
oceans that it’s thought that by 2050 there politically motivated inquiries, investigations
will be more plastic in the oceans than fish. and new red tape. We need to strengthen
Rare & Unique: Gillnet Fishing
the ability of community and civil society to The Aussie Snubbie Kills Our Snubbies
The next Australian Government must stand up for nature.
commit to introducing a national ban
on single-use plastics by 2023 and a The next Australian Government must
mandatory national 70% plastic pollution promote fairness and participation in the The Australian snubfin dolphin is listed On 21 October 2017, a fisher near Bowen
reduction target of plastic pollution public debate and uphold the right of as Vulnerable on the international IUCN accidentally caught and killed two
entering our waterways and reaching our charities to undertake advocacy work Red List and under Queensland’s Nature snubfin dolphins in a legally set gillnet. A
oceans by 2020. in Australia. Conservation Act 1992. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
“Snubbies”, as they are affectionately known, (GBRMPA) officer was on board as part of
are easily recognised from other dolphins their routine monitoring program. AMCS
from their blunt, rounded head and absence
REFORM Marine of a beak. Their short little noses and short
was able to secure the autopsy reports
Environment Laws (including pictures) under freedom of
dorsal fin means they are sometimes information laws.
Australia once led the world mistaken for dugongs.
“The shocking images show the true cost
in environmental legislation Snubfins are unique dolphins and only known
and oceans policy, but unfortunately that
of gillnet fishing in Reef waters. Gillnets
from Australian waters. They have been
is no longer the case. Laws have become recorded across northern Australia waters.
are invisible walls of death for some of
outdated, inadequate or weakened. An They were only identified as a separate our marine species. They kill threatened
overhaul of environmental legislation is species in 2005. species like snubfin dolphins and dugongs.
needed if we are to protect the places, Threats to snubfin dolphins include incidental We must permanently remove gill nets
habitats and species that we love, which capture in fishing gear and shark control nets, from their habitats,” said Tooni Mahto,
is vital for global biodiversity conservation. AMCS Fisheries and Threatened Species
habitat loss and degradation, noise pollution,
This includes oceans law reform. Campaign Manager.
poor water quality and boating activity.
The next Australian Government must Since AMCS exposed these deaths, the
commit to creating a new generation of Federal Environment Department has
strong national environmental laws and
Facts & Figures been assessing the sustainability of the
a national environmental authority that COMMON NAME: Australian Snubfin Dolphin
fishery in which the snubfin dolphins were
genuinely protects our unique wildlife and SCIENTIFIC NAME: Orcaella heinsohni caught. A decision regarding the fishery’s
the natural places we love. DIET: Various fish, cephalopods (squid sustainability is expected to be handed
and octopus) and crustaceans down in February.
(prawns and crabs).
We believe that the public needs to know
Big Blue Election Issues GROUP NAME: Pod
the true costs of fishing on our marine
AVERAGE LIFESPAN IN THE WILD: 30 years*
We are responsible for the third largest area of ocean on Earth, spanning tropical, wildlife. Thank you for working with us to
SIZE: 2 meters in length
temperate and Antarctic waters. Our oceans support six of the seven known species of drive sustainable fisheries reforms around
marine turtle, more than half of the world’s whale and dolphin species, over 20% of the WEIGHT: 190kg*
Australia.
world’s fish species, and are a hotspot of unique marine species. (*estimation as research of this species are limited)
With so much of our big blue backyard under threat, the next federal election presents a
critical opportunity for political leaders to act decisively.
© NOAA
With Thanks to YOU 13
Authorised by D. Kindleysides, 4/145 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Limmen Marine Park © Dave Hancock
’Whale Shark in Ningaloo © Alex Kydd
Marine Parks Protecting Marine Parks with your support...
Good Things Take Time: Paul Speaks Up Protecting Tim Winton’s
Limmen Bight Marine Park For The Top End Ningaloo Ningaloo
Limmen Bight Marine Park is located in Paul Arnold (pictured), bush AMCS is back at Ningaloo fighting for the Our Patron, Tim Winton (pictured) has long
the Gulf of Carpentaria. It has extensive explorer, photographer, future of the reef and the Exmouth Gulf in been involved in marine conservation. He
coastal mudflats, seagrass meadows, a iconic Territorian, and north western Australia. We have joined the was integral to the establishment of the
large coastal delta system at the mouth of Ambassador for our Keep Protect Ningaloo movement - a grassroots Ningaloo Reef marine park, and has rallied
the Limmen River and includes a number of Top End Coasts Healthy initiative to protect one of the world’s last arms with AMCS to save Ningaloo Reef and
off-shore islands. campaign, recently spoke great places. Ningaloo’s nursery, the Exmouth Gulf.
about his love for our Top End landscapes. After protecting Ningaloo in the Save Ningaloo Tim recently penned a stunning piece in The
The park was declared in 2012 but with a
change of government its progress stalled. “The Top End is a place of rare beauty, where Reef campaign in the early 2000’s, the Guardian reflecting on the miracle of this wild place.
However, AMCS is excited to report that country, culture and lifestyle are inseparably time has come to protect the extraordinary “This is Exmouth Gulf, in northern Western
intertwined. It is a timeless landscape but ecosystems that make up the Ningaloo Region. Australia, one of the last intact arid-zone
the project is due to be completed by the
the threats are now. Exmouth Gulf is the nursery to the amazing estuaries in the world. Right in the shadow of
end of 2019. This means better protection
Ningaloo Reef, which is under threat from the world heritage area at Ningaloo.”
for significant seagrass meadows, islands, Some places in the Top End have been
industrialisation and must be protected. The gulf is a special place for Tim, it’s a place
mudflats for migratory shorebirds, large altered by coastal development, pollution,
overfishing, destructive mining practices, and Can you imagine the damage? Oil and that he has spent 20 years defending. “This is
colonies of nesting seabirds, the largest
introduced species. The extensive dieback of gas pipe bundles up to 10km long will be where so much of Ningaloo Reef’s biodiversity
dugong population in the Northern Territory,
launched into the shallows with 150-tonne is generated, where fish and prawns and
as well as key turtle and dolphin habitats. mangroves in the Gulf of Carpentaria shows
towheads, then dragged along the seabed crabs are spawned. It’s Ningaloo’s nursery…
Limmen Bight Marine Park is only the how quickly change comes around”.
for about 1.5 kilometres until they float. These Exmouth Gulf has been slated for industrial
second marine park to be declared in The Keep Top End Coasts Healthy campaign pipes are stabilised by heavy chains that will
has encouraged the Northern Territory development. Already Ningaloo Reef is
Northern Territory waters. It’s been 35 drag along the seabed as tugs tow them encircled by oil-and-gas tenements. Every
years since the first declaration at Garig Government to prepare a marine and through the waters of the Gulf, then taken year the industry grows closer: the flares of
Gunak Barlu (Cobourg Marine Park), so this coastal strategy. Paul said, seaward through the World Heritage listed offshore rigs are visible at night. This year
park is badly needed. “It’s the perfect opportunity for us to show how Ningaloo Marine Park and across the horizon their service vessels have been thundering up
much we love the Top End’s coasts and seas, to service the oil and gas industry. and down the gulf as never before.
how much we depend on them for our culture, Join us as we act now to defend Ningaloo’s This is one of those places, and one of those
Stop Press livelihoods, lifestyle, peace and enjoyment, and nursery.
A big mine is proposed upstream, with reasons. One of those lines in the sand we
how strong our desire is to pass them on in can’t afford to cross”.
associated industrial activities and pollution
good health to the people who follow”. Defend Ningaloo’s Nursery
threatening the marine park, including
Read the Full Encounter
water extraction and pollution, potential Lend your support Tell the WA and Commonwealth
dredging, shipping and transhipping. governments that Ningaloo’s nursery Please read Tim’s full editorial from
Take Action to protect the Top End Please support our alliance campaign needs protection, not industrialisation. the Guardian detailing his exciting
from mining. to protect our northern marine spaces Visit www.protectningaloo.org.au to encounter with whales in the Exmouth
Visit www.amcs.org.au/protectroper by visiting www.topendcoasts.org.au take action. Gulf www.amcs.org.au/timsningaloo
14 Turning The Tide With Thanks to YOU 15
Turtle © AMCS
© AMCS
Plastic Pollution Turning the tide on plastic pollution with thanks to you...
Australia 2020: On The Front Line Tackling Trending: Container Single-Use Plastic
Plastic Free Seas Plan Plastic Pollution! Refund Schemes Revolution – A Hit!
As stewards of an incredible marine Jess and Claire (pictured) have been AMCS would like to congratulate the This summer
natural heritage, Australia should be a tackling plastic pollution in their own lives, Queensland Government on their successful AMCS is taking
world leader in stopping plastic pollution, reducing their plastic footprints down to Container Refund Scheme (CRS) launch in big action on
but we are lagging behind other countries almost nothing! October 2018. AMCS is part of the Boomerang plastic pollution.
to end our single-use plastic addiction. Passionate about the incredible marine Alliance, a group of NGOs campaigning for We launched
Recently the European Parliament approved world on their back doorstep and wanting container deposit systems across Australia. our Single-Use
a complete ban on a range of single-use to reduce their plastic footprint, they’ve Queensland now joins Northern Territory, Plastic Revolution
plastics. The UK is set to ban all sales of been helping our AMCS Plastics team since South Australia, A.C.T. and New South Wales Action Pack,
single-use plastics, including plastic straws Plastic Free July last year, sharing their
as states who are committed to recycling. filled with helpful
and cotton swabs, following their plastic bag years of insights into how we can all play
Western Australia is due to launch their resources and
charges and ban on microbeads. our part to reduce our levels of plastics use.
scheme in early 2020. tools to help you AMCS supporters action pack © @Rina
It’s time for Australia to take effective Based in Victoria, the duo has been attending ditch single-use
and hosting plastics events in Melbourne Jimmy Cordwell, AMCS Marine Campaigner
action – let’s demand government said, “This is a great moment for our oceans, plastic. The action pack went to over 35,000
commitment to remove single use plastics representing AMCS. They are looking forward supporters to encourage them to take action
to a big year in 2019 focusing on bringing a with plastic beverage containers being one of
from our supply chain. the major sources of plastic pollution in Australia. on plastic pollution!
Cash For Containers scheme to the state.
We need a national ban on single-use Seeing this implemented is an important goal for This action pack is just the beginning.
Jess and Claire said, “The best thing about
plastics, eliminating plastic cups, plates, our wonderful marine world”. We are working on rolling out a winning
both being so close and having a passion
straws and containers. We’re currently plan to save Australia’s oceans from toxic
for our environment is the inspiration we
seeking commitment from our leaders to plastic pollution. It’s a powerful action plan,
receive from each other and the constant Did You Know?
ban single use plastic by 2023. addressing all three parts of this toxic cycle -
support about the actions we are taking to The South Australian scheme has been
make the world a healthier happier place”. running since 1977. It is the oldest and personal choices, distribution by businesses,
Take Action It’s great to have Jess and Claire on the front longest running container collection and the production of plastic.
line and turning the tide on plastic pollution! program in Australia. It has resulted in an All we need to make it happen is you. Thank You!
Sign our “Australia 2020: Plastic Free 80% return rate of containers.
Seas” petition to demand clean and
healthy oceans full of life. We’re calling The Good News
on our government to commit to a Action Needed
target of 70% reduction of plastic The global momentum for change this
pollution entering our waterways and Victoria and Tasmania are lagging past year has been incredible. Record
reaching our oceans by 2020 and to behind as the only states without plans for numbers took the plastic-free pledge
a national phase-out of all single-use Container Deposit Schemes. Please join in July. Internationally, leaders have
plastics by 2023. Please sign today! us and urge these states to take action pledged to ban single-use plastics. Now
www.amcs.org.au/2020petition here www.amcs.org.au/fightplastic it’s time for Australia to play our part.
16 Turning The Tide 16 17 With Thanks to YOU 17
Turtle © AMCS
Wreck Diving at Lady Elliot Island @ DivePlanit www.diveplanit.com
Ocean Legacy Leaving a tribute for the future... Sea Guardians We can’t do it without you!
Legacy Gifts Sea Guardians Are Winners!
Leaving
Last October,a bequest to Australia’s
the world’s top climateoceans is a giftWe
scientists youcannot
may consider
allow anyincluding
new coalin your let
mines, Will, Last year as a thank you for your amazing
after your loved ones have
released a report which urged the world been provided for. Your gift enables you to leave a legacy that support, we launched an exclusive Meet Our Youngest Guardian
alone Adani’s monstrous Carmichael coal
contributes
to make urgent, to the typeand
deep of world you want your grandchildren to live in.
far-reaching competition for AMCS Sea Guardians. At the tender age of 18 months, Rosanna
We are mine, which would open the floodgates to Collins is our youngest Sea Guardian.
cuts to committed
carbon pollution to lookif after
we are ourtoplanet
avoid for the benefit of all those who follow in our footsteps. Congratulations:
When you entrust
‘catastrophic a giftchange’,
climate to AMCS, you canthe
including be surethe
thatGalilee
we willBasin,
continue one of the largest
working untapped
for our oceans Lady Elliot Island Prize Pack donated by Her loving parents Adrienne and Mark
and ensure a legacy
loss of the world’s coral reefs. of which you can be proud. coal reserves on earth. We have to phase out Diveplanit to the value of $3,019 was won by signed up Rosanna at birth so that she
IfThe
youreport
are considering a gift in your Will please visitAustralia’s
www.amcs.org.au/bequest
coal fired power stations or calland move Paul Fairweather, a long term Sea Guardian. will grow up knowing she is making a
of the Intergovernmental Panel
Emma Morgan on 0409 406 530 or email bequests@amcs.org.au. difference for our ocean wildlife.
on Climate Change (IPCC) described what to 100% renewable energy by 2030. Oris Diving Watch donated by Oris to the
the world would look like if we reached a 2°C Her mum sent us this photo of Rosanna’s
value of $2,900 was won by Peter King-
first glimpse of a little penguin at Taronga
degree rise. This report made global headlines Nor can we stop there. We need to transition to Church, a newly welcomed Sea Guardian.
Zoo. The look on her face shows the joy and
and shocked people around the world. a zero carbon economy as early as possible, by Five The Rocks Push Vouchers donated by The
In memory of
Incredibly, within hours of the report’s release,
In memory of wonder of a child
2050 at the latest. Rocks Push to the value of $99.95 each was experiencing sea
Mavis
our PrimeJoyce Minister dismissed the report, saying Joan Felicia won by Phillip Garrett, Thomas Brown, Kristy
AMCS Reef Campaign Director Imogen life for the first time.
he was more worried about electricity prices.
Matthews Parnell Milovankic, Adam Corrigan and Brock Lyons Thanks to Sea
Butwould
the science is clear. Zethoven said, “We know our Great Barrier Reef Auguste Clothing Voucher donated by
We like to honour We would like to Guardians like
Coral
the reefgift
life and expert
of theandlateAMCS advisor Dr Scott - the world’s
honour thelargest
life andand gift most Auguste to the value of $250 was won by Rosey, her next
Mavis
HeronJoyce “The world’s top climate scientists
said,Matthews. spectacular
of the lateReef
Joan-Feliciahas suffered Dianne Carpenter. penguin sighting
have
Mrs spokentravelled
Mathews and confirmed we are on a Parnell.
a lot and will suffer more. But we Samsonite 72 Hours DLX 55cm Spinner might be in the wild!
trajectorythroughout
extensively to lose the Great Barrier Reef Joan was a Suitcase donated by Samsonite to the value
cannot and will not give of $329 was won by Neal Collins
unless
her life andweworked
do better. as aThe report shows at 2°C contributing member
lecturer
warming, in biological
we would science. After retiring,
lose virtually all theMavis
world’s up.ofWe all share
AMCS sincea 2006.moral Three Ocean Mantra necklaces donated by Become a Sea Guardian Today!
took
coralto reefs
writingfrom to satisfy
2050aonwards.
deep artistic
Theurge.
loss ofShe
the She always
obligation to leavelivedaby Ocean Mantra to the value of $60 each was
went on to publish six books recounting
Great Barrier Reef and its marine life, not to her lifetime the ocean, which was a very important won by Anna Brockhurst, Bradley Jones and Sea Guardians are the lifeblood of our
legacy for future generations, but our current
adventures.
mention the more than 60,000 jobs it supports, part of her life. Throughout Joan’s life she Andrew Kennedy work. We receive very little government
political
was aleaders
committed are blinded by their and
conservationist addiction
won funding - all the work we do to fight for
is unfathomable.
Mavis was a “greenie” long before it became Tim Winton Bookpack to the value of $130
fashionable, and firmly believed an award
to fossil fuels”.for her contribution to Bushcare. our big blue backyard and vulnerable
The stark reality is that much that
of thehumans
world’sare was won by Glen Schneider.
marine animals is thanks to people like
not the reefs,
coral only important
will be lost life-form
in the onnextthe30planet.
years During
As the Joan’s of
custodian lifethe
sheworld’s
supported numerous
largest AMCS Prize Packs to the value of $81 was
AMCS campaigns, from protecting the you. Would you stand with us against
You
evendon’t
if weneedlimittoglobal
have awarming
lot to make to a big under
1.5°C won by Adam Elliott and Jeremy White. mounting threats to our oceans?
coral
Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef toacreating
reef, our federal government has
impact.
the Paris Mavis is testament
Agreement. Buttointhis. Sheworld,
a 1.5°C wantedwe
dugong sanctuaries. Thank you kindly to our amazing business Become an AMCS Sea Guardian today
AMCS
won’tto continue
lose them all”.our important work conserving responsibility to do everything it can as fast as
supporters for helping us show our appreciation with an affordable monthly gift.
our precious oceans for Australia’s marine Thanktoyou
possible Joan.the
protect Your legacy
Great has Reef
Barrier put theand
To stay below 1.5°C, we must immediately to our amazing ocean loving supporters. Visit www.amcs.org.au/seaguardian
wildlife, which we will honour with her legacy. wind in our sails.
move away from coal and other fossil fuels. its extraordinary marine life.
18 Turning The Tide With Thanks to YOU 19© AMCS
Thank you for
your support
The Australian Marine Conservation Society
is the voice for Australia’s ocean wildlife.
We have defended Australia’s oceans
for over 50 years. Thank you for your
help to ensure Australia’s coasts
and oceans remain healthy and
free for tomorrow’s generations.
Stay in touch @australianmarine @AustMarConsSoc @marineconservation.au
Contact Us 07 3846 6777 marineconservation.org.au
amcs@amcs.org.au PO Box 5815 West End QLD 4101
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