Manta Rays Page 2

Spring 2020 VOLUME 21

Supporter Newsletter

CREATURE FEATURE Manta Rays Page 2

Australian Humpback Dolphins Page 5

Limmen Bight Success Page 7

Nation Takes Plastics Action Page 9

With Thanks to YOU “Nets Out Now”, Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast © Hype Digital Scalloped hammerhead Sharks On the Cover: Pinky & Friends; This page: Inspector Clouseau © Kristian Laine Photography (www.kristianlainephotography.com)

Creature Feature Protecting amazing sea life thanks to you... Sharks & Rays Together we’re defending our sharks and rays…

This is the only known pink manta ray in the world.

Sharks and Rays Nets Out Majestic Manta Rays Thank You Now

Manta rays are the largest rays in the world. Australia’s Unique Pink Manta Ray Did you know that rays are close cousins Shark Champions spell out “Nets Out These majestic sea creatures live in tropical, The pink manta ray, pictured on the cover of sharks? Now” with surfboards on the sand. subtropical and temperate ocean waters and above, is the only known pink manta ray Though their mouths and gills are located Following four whale entanglements - across our blue planet. in the world. on the underside of their bodies, rays have including a mother and her calf - at the There are two distinct species: the reef manta Reef mantas typically come in three colour the same cartilage skeletons as sharks and beginning of the whale migration season, our ray and the giant oceanic manta ray. Recent patterns: All-black, all-white, or black-and-white. share many of the same sensory features. Shark Champions alliance is calling on the Queensland government to remove shark nets. genetic evidence shows that they belong Fondly known as Inspector Clouseau (from the Australia is a shark and ray hotspot - home to the Devilray family ‘Mobulidae’. Mobula Pink Panther) this pink manta is rarely seen, to 322 different species. Australia’s rays are Nets are both ineffective at keeping bathers consists of eight species globally, five of which but known to cruise the tropical waters around particularly unique, with over two thirds of safe, and invisible curtains of death that call our Great Barrier Reef home. Lady Elliot Island in the Great Barrier Reef. our 125 species found nowhere else but in catch and drown treasured wildlife like our waters. turtles, dolphins and whales. “Manta” means blanket or cloak in Spanish, Scientists with Project Manta, an Australian describing their large, flat, diamond-shaped research group, suspect that the pink rosy Our unique sharks and rays around Marine scientists and campaigners led bodies. But these giants are no wet blankets complexion is a genetic mutation in the Australia are under threat from fishing, a phone blitz on Queensland MPs and – they perform stunning acrobatic displays pigment of its skin. lethal shark control, habitat loss and attracted media with our “Nets Out Now” of loop-de-loops in the water when feeding pollution. beach action, in a coordinated campaign on plumes of plankton. They also leap up Thank you to all of our Shark Champions calling on the Queensland Government to to 2 metres from the sea’s surface and fly Facts & Figures for supporting our work to fight for legal replace the nets at southern Queensland through the air for several seconds. beaches with drone surveillance and SMART COMMON NAME: Manta Rays protection for sharks and rays, especially Globally, manta rays are classified as for those fragile species most impacted. drumlines during whale migration season. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Mobula spp. vulnerable by the IUCN. Their greatest Visit sharkchampions.org.au today to We urge the Queensland Government to TYPE: Fish threat is overfishing. In Australia they are a help take action for our magnificent and do the right thing to allow whales to freely threatened species due to accidental capture DIET: Zooplankton and krill misunderstood sharks and rays. migrate through Queensland waters. in commercial gillnets and shark nets. AVERAGE LIFESPAN: up to 50 years *At time of printing this article a decision was pending with the government. SIZE: Wingspan up to 9 metres Aussie Battlers Watch: Stressed Out Sharks Fun Fact: IUCN RED LIST STATUS: Vulnerable Watch our new “Aussie Battlers” Manta rays have the largest brain- animated video to introduce our Did you know that sharks experience to-size ratio of any cold-blooded fish. little known, quirky and unique stress? Watch Dr Leonardo Guida’s Studies show that manta rays may Did You Know? threatened sharks and rays. We webinar about the shark stress response recognise themselves in the mirror - think you’ll fall in love with these to being caught and what this means an ability indicative of high cognitive All rays, including manta rays, stingrays wonderful characters just like for their survival, reproduction and function also shown by dolphins, and skates, are thought to have evolved we have. sustainable fisheries. primates and elephants! from sharks. Watch at amcs.org.au/AussieBattlers Watch at amcs.org.au/StressedSharks

2 Turning The Tide With Thanks to YOU 3 Australian humpback dolphin, Moreton Bay Marine Park © Dolphin Research Australia Inc (www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org)

Humpback whale © Vanessa Mignon Threatened Species Protecting our precious ocean wildlife…

Whaling Nature Law Win Not Fit Australian Humpback Dolphin

Good news for whales this year. Iceland Australia’s environment law is failing Everyone knows the iconic humpback whale – has cancelled their 2020 whaling season! our unique and precious wildlife and the but have you heard of a humpback dolphin? Facts & Figures Iceland is one of only three countries places we love. There are four recognised species of humpback COMMON NAME: Australian Humpback (including Norway and Japan) that still The Environment Protection and dolphins across the globe, including our very Dolphin practices commercial whaling, so this Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 own Australian humpback dolphin. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Sousa sahulensis cancellation for a second year in a row is (EPBC Act) is undergoing a statutory Australian humpback dolphins are native to TYPE: Mammal not only great news, it is further evidence 10-year review, at the same time as Australia and Papua New Guinea. They are AVERAGE LIFESPAN: Unknown of the decline of the whaling industry. Australia faces an extinction crisis in our a northern Australian dolphin, with resident Iceland’s two whaling companies skipped oceans and on land. populations from Moreton Bay, Queensland SIZE: up 2.7 metres and 260-280kg the whale hunt this European summer, The interim report delivered in July was a to the tropical waters of Shark Bay, Western DIET: Fish, prawns, molluscs, crabs, with one stating that they were hanging up scathing assessment of the failure of our Australia. They prefer inshore waters less than 20 squids and octopus their harpoons for good. national law to protect and conserve our metres deep in estuarine and coastal regions. HABBITAT: Shallow estuarine and coastal Unfortunately the global fight is not over, environment. Despite their common name, Australian regions with Japan – the main market for whale It’s a chance for the Australian government humpback dolphins don’t have a distinctive IUCN RED LIST STATUS: Vulnerable meat consumption – withdrawing from the to turn our ship around and strengthen our hump on their backs like their relatives in the International Whaling Commission in 2019 most important environment law. Atlantic, Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific. and resuming commercial whaling in their But instead the government is focusing Humpback dolphins usually occur in small own waters for the first time in 31 years. on introducing legislation that devolves groups of 2-6 individuals. They have strong Fun Fact: AMCS continues to call on strong environmental assessment and approval mother and calf bonds, lasting up to four years. A rare hybrid between an Australian international pressure to protect whales powers to the states before the review is The Australian Humpback Dolphin is listed as humpback dolphin and an Australian from commercial whaling by Japan, Norway even complete. vulnerable in Queensland due to their small snubfin dolphin was recently and Iceland. population sizes and low population growth AMCS is a member of the Places You discovered in Western Australia. Love alliance. We will be working to rates, as well as habitat destruction and IWC 2020 improve environmental law in Australia incidental drowning in shark control programs to meet the challenges of the climate and and some fisheries. Did You Know? The International Whaling Commission extinction crises. Shark nets and commercial fishing such as (IWC) was due to meet in September 2020, gillnets pose a significant threat to dolphins. but due to COVID-19 restrictions has been These types of nets are invisible to dolphins, Australia has 15 species of dolphins and postponed for a year. Thank You which become entangled, trapped and one species of porpoise. They are all protected under law. Some of them, such Together we are a powerful voice for drowned. whales in Australian waters and on the Thank you for adding your support as bottlenose dolphins, are relatively international stage. Our work continues, to the review process this year – our It is increasingly reported that chemicals, plastic common but others are vulnerable fighting for sanctuaries for our whales and collective voice helps better protect our waste and bacterial pollution from sewage to extinction, such as our snubfin and against Japanese commercial whaling. threatened marine life. waste are also harming our beloved dolphins. Australian humpback dolphins.

4 Turning The Tide With Thanks to YOU 5 Waddling Gentoo Penguins © G Walker Australian Fur Seal, Narooma NSW

Marine Parks & Sanctuaries You are protecting special places... Augie the Orca, Ningaloo World Heritage site © indianoceanimagery Dugong

East Antarctic Protecting Celebrate Batemans Agenda Ningaloo Limmen Bight Bay Dismay

Australia can be proud of our history Ningaloo Reef and Exmouth Gulf are a A new Limmen Bight Marine Park for the Shocking attacks on Batemans Bay marine safeguarding Antarctica and the Southern unique and special part of the world. Northern Territory! sanctuaries risk endangered grey nurse Ocean. That’s why it’s such a concern that a Thanks to caring ocean lovers like you, one sharks and other extraordinary sea life. We were instrumental in the creation of the multinational oil and gas company - of Australia’s most beautiful places is now In a shocking backwards step, the NSW Antarctic Treaty in 1959. And in 1989 Australia Subsea 7 - wants to industrialise this place. better protected. Government has moved to allow fishing in and France led a mighty diplomatic feat that To see why this rare beauty deserves Located at the mouth of the Roper River protected sanctuary zones at Batemans resulted in banning mining in the Antarctic. saving from industrialisation, our Protect in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Limmen Bight Bay - including in the waters around Backed by ocean lovers like you, Australia took Ningaloo team has been busy showcasing Marine Park will help safeguard the unique Montague Island - a critical habitat for the lead last year in the push to create the East the amazing Ningaloo waters. Watch: cultural, conservation and fishing lifestyles of grey nurse sharks and a feeding ground Antarctic Marine Park. Standing with France and Killer Whales with Dr Bec Wellard and this beautiful place. for Australian fur seals. the European Union our country is calling for an John Totterdell. Two leading scientists It’s home to extensive seagrass meadows This decision was made with a complete East Antarctic Marine Park. share the wild and wonderful facts which feed and shelter threatened green disregard for due process – they didn’t We must protect our Antarctic wilderness and about Ningaloo Reef’s killer whales. sawfish, sea turtles and dugongs! consult with the community or with vulnerable penguins and whales. Antarctic Watch at amcs.org.au/KillerWhales scientists. The NSW Government has marine life is increasingly under threat from Marine sanctuaries – like national parks on even ignored their own legislation, which Industrial fishing and rising temperatures. Whale sharks with Dr Brad Norman. land – are necessary to protect our marine Learn about the famed mighty whale biodiversity. requires consultation and is intended to A critical decision is about to be made. CCAMLR protect the marine environment for all. (the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic sharks of Ningaloo. Watch at The new marine park will also help combat Marine Living Resources) nations are deciding amcs.org.au/WhaleSharks seabed mining, which is a particularly With Australia’s marine wildlife facing whether they will consider the proposal at this The Wonders of Exmouth Gulf with destructive industry that does not belong in increasing threats, we cannot afford to year’s Commission meeting. We will keep you Dr Ben Fitzpatrick. Exmouth Gulf is an our waters. lose our hard-won sea sanctuaries. updated as the news unfolds. amazingly diverse ecosystem. Discover The Limmen Bight Marine Park is now one interesting facts about a wide range of of only two marine parks in the Northern Watch: Our Antarctic Legacy Ningaloo’s critters. Watch at Territory. Hats off to our partners atKeep Take Action amcs.org.au/ExmouthWonders Top End Coasts Healthy and the local Tim Jarvis: Protecting Australia’s Together we will protect and preserve the community for making this happen. NSW has some of the most stunning Antarctic Legacy extraordinary wildlife and habitats of the marine ecosystems in Australia, but only 7% of these are fully protected. Right now Australia is leading the Ningaloo region. With thanks to you! Our wonderful ocean wildlife needs more charge for an East Antarctic Marine marine sanctuaries, not less! Park. Join Aussie Antarctic explorer We could not have achieved this Tim Jarvis and AMCS CEO Darren Take Action without you! Tell the NSW Parliament to honour our Kindleysides to learn more about our To everyone who has signed a petition, marine sanctuaries in Batemans Marine Antarctic legacy and how you can help. Sign up to help protect Ningaloo’s nursery! donated, met your MP or spread the Park and across the state. Watch at amcs.org.au/TimJarvis Visit protectningaloo.org.au word - thank you! Visit amcs.org.au/nsw-sanctuaries

6 Turning The Tide With Thanks to YOU 7 Plastic free cutlery, cups and bags ‘Rebuild For Our Reef’ fins on beach © Christian Miller

Fight For Our Reef You’re standing up for our precious reefs… Plastic Pollution You’re turning the tide on plastic pollution...

Rebuild For Green & Our Reef Blue Stimulus Nation Takes Plastics Action

Our Fight For Our Reef team is building A green and ‘blue’ stimulus package from The race is on to ban single-use plastics in You can see from our map how we’re support for green economic stimulus plans. our governments will help our oceans, Australia! progressing each state and territory with our AMCS has been working with the tourism communities and natural places to recover. Thanks to pressure from ocean lovers like you, mission to eliminate plastic bags, implement industry in Cairns to call for a Reef-friendly Right now, governments across Australia are South Australia, Queensland and the ACT are Container Deposit Schemes and ban single- recovery, and we recently sent this message developing plans to rebuild our economy. competing to become the first state to ban killer use plastics. As we emerge from this challenging period using diving fins from local tourism single-use plastics like straws and cutlery. Plastic Policy Status in Australia operators on Yorkeys Knob Beach, pictured. we need to build a better, fairer and more We’ve helped thousands of people participate in sustainable world. The Queensland Government has just the development of these sea life-saving laws. YES YES AMCS has united with more than 70 responded by announcing a $10 million With plastic use increasing during COVID-19, YES YES YES environmental and landcare groups Reef Assist Program which will provide fighting the scourge of plastic is more DEFERRED NO PROPOSED to propose conservation projects for employment for up to 200 people to work important than ever. NO green and blue stimulus that will create in the Reef catchment, boosting programs NO thousands of jobs, help supercharge the Almost 10,000 AMCS supporters that clean up waterways that flow into our YES recovery and help recover nature on land responded to the NSW Government survey beautiful Reef. This shows how we can create CONSIDERING and sea around Australia. to support a ban on single-use plastics. jobs that have been hit hard by COVID-19 and help our Reef. It is a great start. A green and blue stimulus can provide 94% of submissions to the QLD immediate and meaningful employment Government supported a proposed ban YES Investment in renewable energy projects, for Australians while bringing environmental on single-use plastics. Draft laws have restoring Reef catchments and supporting YES benefits now and into the future. been tabled in SA and QLD parliaments YES the tourism industry will help boost the PROPOSED for vote later this year. BY 2023 long-term prosperity of our Reef and YES NO Victoria joined the rest of Australia in committing YES region. We need more corals, not more coal Our Great Barrier Reef: BY 2022 to introduce a Container Deposit Scheme. YES and gas, as we emerge from this global Watch this beautiful video of our Great Bag ban NO PROPOSED pandemic. Barrier Reef by GoodFolk Films. Plastic pollution is killing our turtles, whales Container Visit amcs.org.au/StillGreat and seabirds every day, so we cannot afford to Deposit Schemes sit idle. Ban on single-use plastics

Did You Know? Take action Watch: Plastic vs Ocean Wildlife New Resources Our Great Barrier Reef has just faced Get your plastic-free shareables and Let’s make sure we rebuild in a way Do you know the 10 worst consumer its third mass coral bleaching event that gives our Reef its best chance at a plastics for ocean wildlife? Test your downloadables: in five years from yet more record- healthy future while creating jobs and knowledge with our resident plastics • Plastic-free grumpy turtle poster at breaking sea temperatures. It’s not too opportunities where they’re needed. expert, Shane Cucow. amcs.org.au/turtleposter late but time is running out. We urgently Take Action by visiting Watch at amcs.org.au/PlasticOcean • Top 10 Killer Plastics booklet at need Reef-safe climate policies. amcs.org.au/rebuild-reef amcs.org.au/killerplastics

8 Turning The Tide With Thanks to YOU 9 Big Australasian snapper,Big Australasian Jenny with King Penguins on Macquarie Island School shark,

Fisheries You’re helping create sustainable choices… Sea Guardians You’re making waves…

Galeorhinus galeus Pagrus auratus

Give Flake GoodFish A Break Goes Global Meet Jennifer

With thanks to your support, our Shark AMCS and tech firm Two Hands are improving Professor Jennifer Rolland has been a Champions alliance has launched the “Give global seafood sustainability with blockchain supporter of AMCS since 1998. She is an Flake technology. AMCS member and Sea Guardian. A Break” campaign off Despite the global growth of the sustainable As a child Jennifer loved beach holidays, the back of recent scientific findings. seafood movement, up to 30% of global swimming, snorkelling and exploring rock In July, school shark (Galeorhinus galeus) seafood is mislabelled, sometimes pools. She vividly remembers snorkelling, was globally listed as critically endangered. deliberately. This means that positive changes floating on the surface of the water and Despite a 90% drop in its Australian by fishers and sustainable choices by seafood seeing a whole new world beneath her, population, it is still commercially harvested lovers can be wasted or misplaced. which she describes as, “just mind-blowing!” and can be sold here as “flake”. So AMCS has partnered with tech firm Two A Professor of Immunology, Jennifer says, The term “flake” should only be used for Jenny & Euan, South Georgia Hands to solve this issue. All seafood products “Knowledge is so important. I’m a scientist species of gummy (Mustelus antarcticus) sold in the Two Hands digital marketplace and rig ( so I always appreciate good science M. lenticulatus) sharks, which are have a unique, customised smart tag which Georgia, where she saw penguins, elephant not endangered species. Since the 1920s it’s underpinning evidence-based decision tracks seafood from the moment it is caught seals and many other sea birds and been used as a catch-all name for shark making. AMCS is solid in terms of the until it reaches the plate. mammals. meat, meaning it’s impossible to tell what science and evidence they use.” A keen environmentalist, Jennifer volunteers we’re buying. This collaboration will integrate our Jennifer and her partner, Euan, are retired for and supports many land and sea GoodFish Guide with the Two Hands and now live in country Victoria. She “Flake” is often sold in fish shops around conservation projects. Australia, particularly in our southern states. platform, connecting fishers and farmers recently attended our online AGM and directly with their customers. Starting in “I think that marine life is so often An independent survey shows one in three enjoyed meeting the team via Zoom China, Two Hands will grow their market into overlooked. AMCS is fantastic at raising Australians don’t know flake is shark meat. during lockdown. Australia over time. awareness of the importance of the oceans To give flake a break visit amcs.org.au/flake Jennifer said “I very much like regular The technology supports global food safety, to life on earth. Being aware of how the and shop sustainably with our GoodFish giving. I feel very fortunate; I’m now retired reduces seafood mislabelling and increases oceans work, all the currents channelling app if you’re buying seafood. and I like giving to environmental causes. seafood sustainability, which ultimately helps around, and the links between the land and Making a regular gift is a really good way our oceans. the sea, it’s so important to learn about how to give as I believe it helps organisations Take Action! easy it is to tip the balance.” plan for the future.” GoodFish Eats Give Flake A Break A passionate birdwatcher, Jennifer’s and use GoodFish: Become a Sea Guardian today! Check out these sustainable seafood favourite sea bird is the Campbell Australia’s Sustainable recipes submitted by chefs, food Seafood Guide to Island albatross. Jennifer has enjoyed Show your support for our oceans as an writers and members of the GoodFish choose a sustainable conservation-driven small ship expedition AMCS Sea Guardian with an affordable community designed for you, the alternative to flake. cruises to the New Zealand sub-Antarctic monthly gift. home cook. Visit goodfish.org.au islands, the Antarctic Peninsula and South Visit amcs.org.au/SeaGuardians Visit amcs.org.au/Recipes

10 Turning The Tide With Thanks to YOU 11 Humpback Whales © BLUE the Film Baby green turtle on beach @ Alex Kydd

Ocean Community Celebrating our ocean loving community… Sarah Gittoes

Thalassophile (n): a lover of the sea

The Year You Sarah’s BLUE that was… said… Passion Screenings

Our oceans are changing. Earlier this year over 5,000 of you Sarah grew up close to the beach and Dive beneath with BLUE the Film! Global ocean warming is transforming completed our Supporter Survey. always had a deep affinity with the ocean. Councils around Australia are using the powerful life beneath the waves. Our Great Barrier According to your responses, the average As a diver, Sarah says, “deep under social impact film, BLUE the Film, as a great Reef has had mass coral bleaching three AMCS supporter… the waves I feel exhilarated and can engagement tool to illustrate the devastating times in five years and changed forever. Loves dolphins and whales the most, completely switch off from the everyday.” consequences of plastics in our oceans. Marine species are headed south and with turtles a close third. Seahorses “Because I spend so much of my free time In light of COVID-19 lockdowns, the film kelp forests are disappearing beneath our and sea dragons were a common and diving, the issues occurring in our oceans screening project temporarily paused. eyes. Fisheries are still catching too many popular write-in choice. have become really prevalent for my life.” However, councils are now cautiously fish and drowning our threatened species. Likes visiting the beach and swimming, Sarah Gittoes co-owns the jewellery and beginning to reschedule group screenings. Despite our progress, our oceans are still surfing or diving. design label Sarah & Sebastian. Her love To celebrate World Environment and overused and underprotected. Is the most passionate about our work for the ocean is the dominant inspiration World Oceans Day in June, Wyndham (Vic), With few exceptions, every marine sanctuary on Climate Change, Plastic Pollution for her designs and a driving force for the Gladstone and Ipswich (Qld) held online around Australia, every sustainable fisheries and Marine Parks & Sanctuaries. social and environmental responsibility of community screenings. Brisbane City Council reform, every pivotal progress made for our And… support AMCS because they want the design label. She says, “My business ran 11 screenings at Environment Centres for Great Barrier Reef has been down to our partner Robert Sebastian and I are deeply Plastic Free July. influence - thanks to your support. to protect our oceans and planet for future generations. invested in the work that the AMCS does” In the coming months QLD, WA and NSW are Working together in 2019 we achieved: Thank you to all who contributed to our “After seeing an endangered grey nurse setting dates for National Science Week and Great Barrier Reef water pollution laws. Supporter Survey – the feedback will shark with a hook caught in its jaw, Robert National Water Week. Southern Ocean whales freed from harpoons. help impact and frame our work in and I recognised the opportunity for our It’s truly inspiring to see councils across Australia Single-use plastic bans. ocean conservation over the coming designs to communicate the issues. acting right now to reduce plastic waste. Combating illegal shark finning. years and helps us to grow our movement We’re very excited to support the Save the Sharks campaign.” BLUE Near You? Bigger, bolder, better GoodFish Guide. of ocean defenders. Despite the enormous challenges to our Together we will work to ensure Australia’s Hearts of Gold If you’d like to be involved in a creening natural world, we made big waves last coasts and oceans are healthy and thriving for tomorrow’s generations. in your council area, please contact year, thanks to hundreds of thousands of Katie at [email protected] Heartfelt thanks to Sarah & Sebastian Australians just like you.

for your support as AMCS Gold BLUE the Film Are You A Thalassophile? Partners helping to protect Australia’s Read: Annual Report 2019 threatened sharks. From the Greek word thalassa, Want to become an AMCS Learn more about how AMCS defended meaning “sea”, a thalassophile can business supporter? our oceans in our latest Annual Report. be defined as “a lover of the sea.” Visit amcs.org.au/CorporatePartner Visit amcs.org.au/AnnualReport

12 Turning The Tide With Thanks to YOU 13 Gary Johnson Paul Krattiger

In Memorium Leaving a Legacy for our oceans… Gary Johnson

Paul’s Legacy Remembering Gary

Paul and Florence Krattiger were dedicated Gary was at home in and on the ocean. Gary’s vision included the Recherche ocean lovers. Gary had an affinity with all marine life but Archipelago becoming a world-famous Their love for the oceans blossomed in 1995 mostly he loved watching the antics of fish, marine park. when they were on holidays in Heron Island. small and large. With his wife Karen, Gary We hope that AMCS’s continued advocacy On their first day on this Great Barrier Reef would go out diving whenever he could. for the ocean, working together with Save island Paul and Florence witnessed large The Recherché Archipelago was a favourite Our Marine Life and The Gary Johnson sea turtles coming to shore before dawn to diving spot of Gary’s. They host a diverse Foundation (established by Gary’s family) will keep his memory and visions alive. lay their eggs as hatchlings from other nests marine ecosystem including fur seals, sea were making their dash to the water’s edge. lions and many species endemic to the They were ‘over the moon’ to experience this Southern Ocean. Esperance, Western Australia natural wonder of nature. Gary Johnson, an AMCS Sea Guardian and ocean lover, tragically passed away earlier Esperance is best known for its long Once they arrived home from their trip, this year. Rather than receive flowers at stretches of pure, white sand on the Florence persuaded Paul to do a scuba and shipwrecks the world over, visiting his funeral his family asked that mourners south coast of Western Australia. diving course together, which they did remote islands and resorts ‘with crystal make a donation to celebrate Gary’s life The Recherche Archipelago is a group the following year on Hook Island in the clear and turquoise waters that were pure by showing support for a cause that was of approximately 105 islands, and over Whitsundays. This was the beginning of paradise’. 1200 rocky outcrops off the coast of profoundly important to him. In Gary’s a deep mutual passion for diving which Earlier this year we received an unexpected Esperance, Western Australia. The loving memory family and friends islands stretch 230 kilometres from east lasted the rest of their lives. gift left in Paul’s will. We never got to thank contributed almost $7,000 in his memory to west and to 50 kilometres offshore. From that point on, most of their holidays Paul for his generosity, but with his legacy to AMCS’s work. With caves, large boulders and lots of were centred around diving. Florence and we’ll be sure to keep up the fight for our As an active environmentalist, standing at swim-throughs, exploring the water here Paul’s passion saw them diving with sharks precious oceans around Australia. six-foot-four, Gary was a strong man who is fascinating. Sea life includes colourful trod lightly on the earth and finned carefully coral and sponges, the protected Blue in the ocean. He passionately supported the Groper, snapper, cuttlefish, weedy and What’s Your Legacy? leafy sea dragons, fur seals, sea lions, work done by AMCS to protect our oceans. dolphins, huge crayfish and abalone. How would you like to be remembered? For your sense of adventure? He had observed with dismay at the Your love of the ocean? Your determination to make a difference? reduction of fish numbers over the years What would be the one thing you would like to pass onto the next generation? and believed that human interaction with By giving a gift in your Will, you will hand on a wilder, more the ocean had caused an imbalance in diverse and beautiful ocean planet to future generations. the marine ecosystem. He believed that Visit amcs.org.au/OceanLegacy community care and guardianship would Contact Emma Morgan on 07 3846 6777 or email [email protected] make the greatest difference. Gary’s View of Esperance, Western Australia

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PO Box 5815 West End QLD 4101 End West 5815 PO Box @AustMarConsSoc marineconservation.org.au

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and free for future generations. future for and free Australia’s coasts and oceans remain healthy healthy remain and oceans coasts Australia’s 50 years. Thank you for your help to ensure ensure help to your for you Thank years. 50 We have defended Australia’s oceans for over over for oceans Australia’s defended have We is the voice for Australia’s ocean wildlife. wildlife. ocean Australia’s for voice is the The Australian Marine Conservation Society Society Conservation Marine Australian The in touch Stay of this land andWe acknowledgesea country, and that pay this our land respects and sea to theirwas andElders always past willand be present. Aboriginal land and sea. The Australian Marine Conservation Society acknowledges the Traditional Custodians

Thank you for for you Thank