CREDITS&CONTACTS From the DIRECTOR OUT OF THE BLUE 4 Australian Marine Conservation Society PO Box 5815 Darren Kindleysides WEST END QLD 4101 TAKING THE FIGHT TO INDIA 6 Ph: (07) 3846 6777 Fax: (07) 3846 6788 Email: [email protected] SAVING OUR SANCTUARIES 8 www.marineconservation.org.au BROKEN RECORDS Patron Tim Winton and stuck records CHANGING CLIMATE 10 AMCS Management Committee President: Nick Heath We’re breaking records. We’re even breaking Secretary: Mary-Ann Pattison DOLPHINS, SEALS AND TRAWLERS 13 Treasurer: Rowan Wallace records for breaking records. General Member: Craig McGovern As we emerge from Australia’s angry summer, research by the Climate General Member: Margaret Harlow Council has found that Australia’s recent extreme weather set more than CREATURE FEATURE 14 General Member: David Hincks 200 records in just 90 days. We were hotter for longer. In some places we General Member: Dr Jill StJohn were a lot wetter too. General Member: Alison Johnson CONTENTS LEAVING A LEGACY 15 General Member: Richard Leck Angry summers seem to be becoming the norm. What we need is some General Member: Dr David Neil anger management. But while we know what that entails, few politicians AMCS Staff seem prepared to do what it takes as fast as it will take to curtail our Director: Darren Kindleysides contribution to global climate change. Great Barrier Campaigners: Imogen As has been said a lot over the past year, the abnormal is becoming the Zethoven, AO (Director), Cherry Muddle, new normal. And so it seems to be the case with our climate, with our Dr Lissa Schindler, Shannon Hurley, Sandra environment. Climate change is driving hotter, longer and more frequent Williams, Tony Fontes, David Cazzulino. Fisheries Campaign Manager: Tooni Mahto heatwaves above and below the waves. Fisheries Campaigner: Josh Coates Last year’s unprecedented mass bleaching of the was Marine Campaign Manager: Adele Pedder jaw dropping. But this year, once again, our Reef is in the grip of a bleaching Marine Campaigners: James Cordwell, event. Back to back years of mass coral bleaching was something scientists Adrian Meder, Fiona McCuaig predicted wouldn’t happen for at least 30 years. It was something we hoped 6 10 14 Communications Manager: Ingrid Neilson 8 would never happen. We can’t let this become the new normal. Digital Communications: Shane Cucow Fundraising Officer: Jacinta McLennan We know what is needed to save our Reef. A twin track approach where Introducing our new PRESIDENT, Nick Heath Relationships Specialist: Emma Morgan we urgently cut emissions to limit warming of the Reef’s waters and reduce Operations Manager: Kellie Ireland the on the Reef like poor water quality that limits its resilience to Hello wonderful people. Every It’s a big ask, but we are so much better, And yet on the back of our Holden station Operations Coordinator: Loretta Ranieri warmer waters. And we’re working on it. person who has arrived at this so much stronger, together. wagon in 1974 was the sticker ‘SAVE THE Supporter Services: Renee Weidenhofer page has something shared. BARRIER REEF’. & Julie Lazbin We also know what isn’t needed. Establishing one of the world’s largest I’m new here. This is my first column Finance Officer: Tina Dalby coal mines inland of the Reef would dramatically accelerate global warming I believe it’s a passion for salt water, as President after being on the edges We need to do that now, more than ever. and for the treasures living around it and of AMCS for two decades, as a Sea and the death of yet more corals. At a time when many nations are rapidly Devastating reef bleaching and mangrove TTT Coordinator below. A concern that without our collective Guardian, an advocacy partner inside transitioning away from fossil fuels towards renewables, at a time when dieback, continued risk to fish stocks and Ingrid Neilson advocacy, our marine environment will be and outside of government, a friend of the the Reef is in the midst of another bleaching crisis, state and federal impaired coastal productivity represents diminished. A belief that we can and must founders and of past and staff. I’ve Cover Photograph governments continue to live as if on another planet, aggressively supporting greater cumulative marine than make a difference to ensure this doesn’t known for a long time how good AMCS Green Turtle by Justin Bruhn the project. The proposed Carmichael coal mine must be the line in the sand. ever before. While all these problems have happen on our watch. is. How important it is. And so, it is an www.pureunderwaterimaging.com - viable, affordable and compelling I was asked recently what the greatest threat to our oceans is. It isn’t climate And yes, you deserve a shared feeling of incredible honour to be part of this. Graphic Designer solutions - the political environment is so change. Nor is it plastic pollution or overfishing for that matter. The greatest hard-won pride about the difference AMCS Jackie Stone, Jacstar Design I want to acknowledge my predecessor, currently distorted by post-truth agendas threat is inaction. has already made – the gifts we have Craig McGovern, whose Presidency these that it is too feeble to make these solutions Paper collectively given to Australia. The debate around Australia’s energy future has become a stuck record. past seven years has steered the ship a reality without our voices. Printed on Recycled paper, FSC Mixed magnificently, growing the organisation’s But words aren’t action and circular arguments aren’t progress. Until our Thank you for standing up for our oceans. Which is why we need you and AMCS, Sources Certified capacity in all facets. Thank you Craig. politicians change tack our weather will keep on breaking records. And that’s Somehow, we must find ways to keep standing up again, sharing your passion Printer What a gift you have given. no good for the Reef or you and I. standing up, coming together, renewing and ideas online, in letters to our leaders, Enviroprint Australia our passion, enriching our shared I grew up on the Great Barrier Reef. in your vote and with your communities The views and opinions expressed in this publication are Public concern is the antidote to political inaction and that is why I have hope. insights about brokering change and then My dad was a fisher, and then a dive of influence. not necessarily those of the Australian Marine Conservation Over my eight years with AMCS I’ve seen the power of people, the power of advocating compelling solutions to our boat captain. A survivor of the Great Society Inc. All written material contained in ‘Turning the Thank you, ’ may be reprinted. Reprinted material must include the you – whose love of our oceans and natural world will change the track our communities, our media, our industries and Depression, hard-core National Party voter, name of author (s) and be credited to the AMCS ‘Turning the Tide’ publication. decision makers are on. Thank you for all that you do. ultimately, our political leaders. and despite his many gifts, not a ‘greenie’. Nick Australian Marine Conservation Society 3 out of the BLUE NEWS from around our shores

Check us out on twitter for live OUT OF THE BLUE updates & news: @AustMarConsSoc News from around our shores Oceans of and Imogen Zethoven during 2015 Shark PLASTIC Weekend in the Caribbean. Plastic pollution - it’s the silent killer lurking in our oceans. You’d be hard pressed to find a beach, bay or ocean anywhere around the country that has Australians want solar NOT COAL escaped it. AMCS supporters are championing the National Poll shows turning of the tide for plastic pollution, Australians want Adani to including thousands of Queensland invest in solar, not coal. supporters recently contacting In the middle of the second year the Queensland Government with of severe bleaching on our Great submissions to ensure a strong ban Barrier Reef, the Queensland on plastic bags and the introduction of Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Vale a cash for containers scheme. Public eight regional mayors travelled to pressure continues to rise for all state India to petition the Adani leadership Shark Defender STOP ADANI: and territory governments still yet to to press go on the Reef-wrecking ROB STEWART A history changing movement begins follow the positive, pollution reducing Carmichael mine. steps being taken around the country. During their trip, AMCS “This is the environmental issue of our times. commissioned some national polling In April 2015, I had the great privilege of spending a few days on the The Adani corporation’s dirty coal mine is an Massive thanks to all of our supporters Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean with Rob Stewart. At the impending disaster with effects which will reach on Australians’ views on investment 10 (72.1%) people polled wanted that made a submission, and who time, I was the director of a global shark conservation campaign at far beyond Australia,” said Bob Brown recently. in solar versus coal. The results are to see the Premier and regional continue to make the commitment to a The Pew Charitable Trusts, we were working in T&C, it was Shark not that surprising. Mayors pursue investment in Weekend on the islands and there was no one better to invite than The biggest movement in Australia’s future free from plastic pollution. solar, compared to just 14.6% who Rob Stewart. Rob’s passion for sharks ran deep and he had a gift for environmental history has begun, with the official Nearly two thirds (63%) of preferred coal. being able to express his love for sharks. It touched all who met him. launch of Stop Adani. Multi-platform and multi- Australians polled agree organisational, Stop Adani aims to end the Reef- Plastic has a long legacy once in the That’s nearly three Seeing his film ‘Sharkwater’ several years earlier had deeply ocean, entangling sea life and breaking or strongly agree that the affected me. Here was a fearless warrior for the ocean who exposed wrecking Carmichael Coal Mine Project for good. down into smaller and smaller pieces quarters of people polled that are mistaken as food and eaten by best thing for Australia a story that we all needed to hear. In his own words: “You’re From the brains behind Canada’s Tar Sands sea birds, fish and other wildlife. (72.1%) who want to see underwater, and you see the thing that you’ve been taught your campaign and Australia’s finest campaigners, © James Cordwell would be for Adani to the Premier and regional whole life to fear, and it doesn’t want to hurt you, and it’s the most Stop Adani is creating a hyper-engaged, invest in large-scale solar, Mayors pursue investment beautiful thing you’ve ever seen, and your whole world changes”. nationwide force – with a digital-first blend of rather than a new coal in solar, compared to just Rob was a beautiful person, humble and spiritual. He thought a lot content, community building, lobbying and mine, compared to just about how to communicate his passion for sharks and the perils grassroots activism. 14.6% who prefer coal. 16.1% who disagree or they faced and he did it brilliantly. He reached a wide audience In March the Stop Adani Alliance went public – a through film and thousands of public talks. He would speak to strongly disagree with that Time and again studies show that collective of 13 organisations (and counting) his audience in a unique way that could help them connect to statement. the public wants our oceans and reef the majesty of the animals he loved so much. Our time on Turks including AMCS – with a high profile Canberra protected, and our climate safe. Why and Caicos, with local shark lovers such as Tina Randall, a youth launch fronted by former Greens leader, Brown. That’s nearly four times more people then, are the majority of our politicians ambassador for Shark Defenders, led to the government of the The Stop Adani Roadshow, led by 350.org, then who think the best thing for Australia so invested in industries that will Turks and Caicos introducing a shark export ban to prevent the took our message around Australia, with sold out is solar investment compared to deliver us a dangerous dirty future? startup of an export industry in these magnificent animals. This one those who want a new coal mine. was of the many legacies that Rob has left the world. stops at Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane The results come from polling and Townsville. To keep the momentum going, We also asked Australians Shark have lost their best advocate. But Rob has gifted us his commissioned through ReachTEL in screenings of new documentary Guarding the about whether they wanted the legacy in films and videos that will keep inspiring new generations. March 2017. Galilee, will take place from April. Thank you Rob. I’m so glad I had the chance to meet you. Queensland Premier and regional mayors seeking investment in clean Imogen Zethoven Join us, follow #StopAdani and find out energy or coal. More than 7 out of more at www.stopadani.com Australian Marine Australian Marine 4 Conservation Society Conservation Society 5 Fighting for our REEF Fighting for our REEF

Local villagers told us how fish habitats have been destroyed and fish stocks decimated from Adani’s projects in India. STOP ADANI for the Reef In March I went to India, to the heart of Adani country in the state of Gujarat. A week or two Tour to India by earlier, I’d heard that the Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was flying to India to Imogen Zethoven, AO, Great Barrier Reef petition Mr Gautam Adani, chair of the Adani Group, to build Australia’s largest coal mine – Campaign Director the Carmichael coal mine.

At the time, the Great Barrier Reef The coastline had been re-engineered: landed at a small airport near Adani’s We came home with an even was suffering yet another severe mass mangroves destroyed, fish habitat massive Special Economic Zone at greater determination to bleaching event. Professor Terry Hughes destroyed, creeks blocked, sand dunes Mundra. The Adani SEZ contains the stop this mine, rail and port who heads up the ARC Centre of levelled, coal dust everywhere, water second largest coal fired power station extension ever going ahead. Excellence for Studies was resources polluted and fish stocks in India and a massive port. We arrived We cannot trust Adani with undertaking another aerial survey over decimated due to habitat destruction. at the airport unannounced and told her our Great Barrier Reef. the entire Reef system. And here was that the Adani coal mine puts the Reef The Chief of the village at risk. Her response? “There is no Queensland’s Premier taking off to India To read the open letter to the to make matters far, far worse for the looked inconsolable and held greater supporter of the Great Barrier Imogen Zethoven and Geoff Chair of the Adani group, and Cousins leaving Adani HQ after Reef. I was outraged. his grandson who was young Reef than me and my government.” delivering the Open Letter. enough to be unaware of Our response: “Absolute rubbish”. learn more visit our website When history books are written, this what was in store for him – at www.fightforourreef.org.au could stand out as the trip that spelled The following day we toured two more the death of our Reef. But we’re not a future that involved more villages and heard the same stories going to let that happen. fighting with Adani over a about Adani. We heard these over port extension and the of the and over again, from local villagers to I rang a colleague and said: lawyers, from politicians to civil society last remaining large tract of I have a crazy idea. I think I groups. In New Delhi, we met with the mangroves in the area. should go to India. Within a few former Indian Environment Minister, Jairam Ramesh who told us: “Mr Adani days, a small group emerged: We then visited Ahmedabad, the who has not complied with regulations Geoff Cousins, the former corporate headquarters of Adani. We hand delivered a letter from 90 in his own country cannot be expected CEO of Optus and currently prominent Australians, including former to comply with regulations in another President of the Australian cricket captains, Ian and Greg Chappell country.” Conservation Foundation; and AMCS Patron and author Tim AMCS took this billboard to the streets of Queensland. Winton. Significantly, the letter was also Lindsay Simpson, a marine Our Reef life is in peril © park tourism operator from signed by former Chair of the Australian from climate change Coal Association, Ian Dunlop. caused by burning the Whitsundays, and Bruce fossil fuels. Currie, a grazier from central At first we were told no one was there. Queensland whose water But we waited and waited. Eventually a senior executive emerged and took the would be affected by the mine. letter from us. An Adani spokesperson About two weeks later, the four of us flew responded soon after in the media with to India. the usual PR. But we got our message across to the India media who were First up was a visit to meet local villagers waiting in a large throng outside the whose lives have been upended by building: Australians don’t want this Adani’s Hazira Port in Gujarat. We sat coal mine. Coal kills coral. We want our with dozens of villagers who told us they Great Barrier Reef to survive and thrive. had been fighting Adani for years, that the company had undertaken works We then decided to see the Premier. without approvals, and failed to comply Early the next morning she, along with with conditions set by the government. eight Mayors from the Reef coastline, Imogen, Queensland grazier Bruce Currie and Whitsundays Tourism Operator Lindsay Simpson.Australian Bruce’s Marine groundwater and Lindsay’s sailing business are Australian Marine 6both at risk if Adani’sConservation rail line Societyopens the floodgates to the Galilee Basin. Conservation Society 7 Marine SANCTUARIES Marine SANCTUARIES Saving Australia’s SANCTUARIES

The first three months of the year have flown by in the marine parks space! It’s been a whirlwind of a time with so much happening all around the country, and we’re so close to restoring our suspended By James Cordwell, National Network of Marine Sanctuaries (the world’s largest!). Marine Campaigner

Ocean legend Val Taylor AM addresses the crowd in Kooyong.

Protecting Our Last Sea Treasure

Following ten packed-out screenings around Australia, we just held the Melbourne premiere of The Last Sea Treasure, starring ocean legend Valerie Taylor, AM, in Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg’s local neighbourhood.

All around Australia people are taking action to save our sanctuaries and keep North Kimberley Coast Buchaneer Our Coral Sea – the cradle to our Great Barrier Pew Environment Trust’s Director of Oceans, Michelle Grady, our climate safe. Images from top; Sanctuaries defenders in Manly, Sydney; safe © Daisy Barham climate supporters at #ClimateFizza rally in Malcom Turnbull’s electorate; Fiona Reef and one of the last wild places on Earth where meeting with Jason Falinski MP at Parliament House McCuaig and Sydney Marine Park supporters at Manly Ocean Paddler. ocean giants still thrive – is the most at risk from the Abbott-era review of our suspended National Prime Minister Tony Abbott suspended Great Kimberley Marine Park work on protecting the Kimberley as Network of Sanctuaries. our sanctuaries – including a whopping one of their proudest achievements Late last year, your support led to the The Coral Sea also holds great historical 50,000 submissions towards the in Government. And the incoming creation of three new marine parks significance for Australia – an ocean monument end of last year – and the Turnbull Labor Government has committed to along the iconic Kimberley coast in to those who fought to protect Australia’s borders Government has committed to get the extending the Great Kimberley Marine north-west Australia: the extraordinary and the region. This year 2017 marks the 75th network in place by July 2017! Park into the Buccaneer Archipelago Horizontal Falls (described by Sir David anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea – one of and reviewing the Roebuck Bay Marine But right now, Environment Attenborough as ‘one of the greatest the most critical naval battles that reversed the tide Park plan which still contains no Minister Josh Frydenberg is natural wonders of the world’), the of World War II in the Pacific. marine sanctuary. making big decisions about North Kimberley Marine Park – the Support for Sanctuaries whether to accept or reject biggest in WA, and Roebuck Bay You have so much to be is Snowballing Abbott-era plans that have – home to our charismatic snubfin proud of. Thank you to been released proposing dolphin (known as ‘snubbies’). everyone who has helped Meanwhile, around the country, communities That’s more than 500km of pristine to make this happen. It’s continue to take a stand for our national network of massive cutbacks to marine coastline protected – one of the been an incredible show of sanctuaries – thousands of you have been writing sanctuaries in crucial most significant achievements in continued community support to, emailing and visiting local MPs, and coming up hotspots around Australia. conservation in Australia. for our marine sanctuaries. with creative ways to keep the pressure on. In order to get him to make a good decision, we need as Now, thanks to the thousands who You helped to make these We’ve just returned from Parliament House, many federal MPs to tell him emailed, phoned, attended events achievements a reality. meeting with MPs and decision makers to make this is what Australian voters and met with their MPs ahead of We hope we can count on sure your voice is heard... AND WE’VE GOT GOOD – that’s you – want. the Western Australian election, your continued support in NEWS - IT’S WORKING! In back to back meetings, asking candidates to finish the job of the months ahead, helping MPs have told us they’ve been hearing the level of We will not stop until our sanctuaries protecting our Kimberley coast, we saw us build this unstoppable concern among their constituents, and finding out – in the Coral Sea, Lord Howe, Perth Kimberley election commitments from momentum to Save Our how they can help restore our suspended National Canyon, Bremer Bay, the Great all sides of politics. Sanctuaries. Network of Sanctuaries. Australian Bight, the Kimberley and The outgoing Premier and The timing could not be better! Thanks to your more – are saved. Thank you for all Environment Minister described their support, we’ve built huge momentum since former that you do! Australian Marine Australian Marine 8 Conservation Society Conservation Society 9 Climate CHANGE Climate CHANGE

Tropical species like this clown triggerfish are moving south as sea rise. CLIMATE CHANGE in our oceans (Final of our three part series)

Our weather is intensifying, just as scientists have predicted.

We must strive to understand marine ecosystems and by John Turnbull, their interactions marine science educator marineexplorer.org quickly.

In previous articles, I have In this article, I will look at what adaptation strategies, we leave our We already use a range of conservation Science has a critical role to play here, discussed the impacts of humans can do to tackle this evolving marine life to fend for itself. With tools to reduce human impacts – in helping us to understand marine climate change on marine tragedy of our own making. At a adaptation, we do what we can to regulation of extractive activities such ecosystems in order to devise the life, and the natural high level, we have three strategic help marine life cope with severe as mining and fishing, Marine Protected most effective strategies. We have much to learn about the interactions responses which marine responses: climate events. We build resilience Areas (MPAs), and species-specific in the system, aiming to improve plans such as protection of nesting between marine organisms and organisms have to cope Mitigation: limit the damage by survival rates. sites. These tools are often developed their environment, and so ongoing with warming, acidifying, reducing greenhouse gases by different government departments, investment in monitoring, experiments Nature has adapted to and piloting solutions is essential if we rising oceans. We’re Adaptation: lessen the impacts of with varying objectives, and may are to act in time. already seeing in both climate change, and change successfully since eventually prove to be ineffective in tropical and temperate life began. But nature is no Monitoring: observe and learn in adapting to climate change if they are Proactive conservation longer able to cope with waters around Australia order to respond more effectively. poorly designed or coordinated. efforts, such as re-growing that many marine the rate of change that Oxygen bubbles, coralline algae For example, if we place MPAs in corals and re-planting kelp and molluscs © John Turnbull organisms simply can’t Much has been written and said humans have foisted upon about mitigation – and rightly so. areas that minimise disruption to forests are in their early cope with the changes it - oceans are warming Sea lettuce © John Turnbull Ultimately, we must break our human and commercial activities, we stages and results to date that are taking place. and acidifying at a rate far dependence on unsustainable human may fail to build the resilience we seek. have been mixed. We need greater than today’s marine activities, particularly the consumption MPAs should be large and connected to invest in developing the life has ever experienced. of fossil fuels, to avoid runaway in order to cover the distribution of knowledge and skills to adapt Given Australia’s high rate global temperatures. Mitigation key species and encompass important to climate change as quickly of endemism – the majority locations such as spawning grounds. is, however, beyond the scope of and effectively as possible. this article – instead, I will address of species in southern Some reefs may be more naturally adaptation and monitoring. Australian waters live resilient to climate impacts, providing a Given the wide-ranging impacts of no-where else in the world source of replenishment to surrounding warming and acidifying oceans, we Adaptation is about coping and – the loss of a local species areas after a severe event. If we’re must take a broad, brave, ecosystem- resilience. We know climate change serious about building resilience to scale approach. We no longer have the often means a loss of global is happening – so what can we do to climate change, such sites should be luxury of half measures. MPAs which biodiversity. help our marine life survive? Without protected as a priority. are compromised by ongoing extractive

Australian Marine Australian Marine 10 Conservation Society Conservation Society 11 Climate CHANGE Sustainable FISHERIES

Leafy seadragons are only found in southern Australia. If we lose them here they are gone from the world forever. activities or poor design and management are of limited value – we know that the most effective Dolphins and seals in danger from protected areas are no-take, large, well-enforced and in place for a long time. Restoring kelp or corals PAIR TRAWLING may prove to be fruitless if the processes which In our last edition we celebrated the departure of the affect their survival, such super trawler ‘Geelong Star’ from Australian waters. as herbivory, predation by Josh Coates, But there’s a new threat on the horizon. and competition, are not Fisheries Campaigner understood or managed. Protecting nesting sites, spawning or calving areas A new type of mass fish trawling is coming, may do little if the target REPORT FROM THE OCEAN and it looks set to repeat the dolphin-killing animals have little to eat or Dr Cat Dorey, an Australian Marine Conservation Society Sea disasters that super trawlers recently inflicted are unsustainably fished in Crayweed, phyllospora comosa Guardian (and Science Advisor for Greenpeace International) on Australian waters. This destructive fishing another part of their range. © John Turnbull witnessed the horrors of pair trawling personally in January practice involves towing colossal nets 2004, as part of an investigation team in UK waters. This is what between two boats, at higher speeds than We must strive to understand she has to say about this fishing method. possible with one boat – which makes it even marine ecosystems and their “For the first few weeks the experience was magical. It was my harder for marine mammals like dolphins and interactions quickly, yet we cannot seals to escape. It can lead to over-fishing allow our lack of full knowledge first time at sea and I never tired of seeing pods of common dolphins, often with their young, appear from nowhere and swim of target species, affecting the food chain, to paralyse us. The principles recreational fishing and tourism. This form of of Ecologically Sustainable towards us, racing alongside the ship and leaping in the bow waves, but that magic soon turned to horror. fishing has been banned in the UK. Allowing Development (ESD) can help here, this form of fishing to take hold in Australian in particular the precautionary The team found the main fishing ground – and with it dead waters would set a damaging precedent and principle, inter-generational equity dolphins floating belly up, still warm, and with horrific injuries. be a step backwards for Australian fisheries and conservation of ecological Torn and bloody beaks and fins, hundreds of scratches from management. integrity. Under the precautionary nets and spikey seabass fins were the awful evidence of a principle, lack of full scientific painful death by in pair-trawl nets. AMCS has not let the application for pair certainty should not be used as an trawling in the Small Pelagic Fishery (SPF) It was horrific, and the public were outraged - these much-love excuse to do nothing. go unnoticed. Public comment opened on the dolphins were supposed to be protected. I never want to see 22nd of December last year, but they couldn’t We should act conservatively pair-trawlers in Aussie waters, not when I’ve seen first-hand what hide behind the holidays. Your response was to prevent damage to the they can do to dolphins, or any other sea life that gets in the way. amazing; over 8000 of you heard our call and environment, while continuing to We cannot afford the increased risk to our marine life that pair made formal submissions to the Australian build knowledge. trawling represents.” Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA). It is incumbent The AFMA commission is due to meet in April on the present generation Dr Cat Dorey and colleague to decide on whether to allow pair trawling. examing dead dolphins to at least maintain, © Greenpeace Whether AFMA approves the trial of pair and preferably enhance, trawling or not we will remain vigilant as your the condition of the independent voice, eyes and ears. We will environment for future fight to stop any destructive practice that puts generations. our oceans at risk. Thank you for your support.

The conservation of biological This type of fishing is diversity and the integrity of not welcome in Australia © Greenpeace ecosystems is our ultimate objective. We are, after all, talking about our home planet – and at least for the foreseeable future we have no alternative.

Australian Marine Australian Marine 12 Conservation Society Conservation Society 13 Creature FEATURE save our SEAS

FAST FACTS Taxonomy: Belongs to the family Labridae (wrasses) among AMCS AND YOU the Perciform fishes. Common names include giant humphead wrasse, Maori humphead wrasse, Napoleon humphead wrasse, Protecting our oceans blue-tooth groper, and giant Maori wrasse. Average size: Approximately 229cm. The maximum published is 191 kg. Lifespan: The maximum reported age is 32 years. Food: Primarily feed on mollusks, fishes, sea urchins, crustaceans, and other invertebrates. They are one of the few predators of toxic animals such as sea hares, boxfishes, and crown-of-thorns starfish. MAORI Habitat: Inhabits steep outer reef slopes, channel slopes, and lagoon reefs throughout the Indo- HUMPHEAD Pacific. Found at depths ranging from 1 to 100m. Adults roam the reef by day and rest in reef caves and under coral ledges at night. WRASSE Juveniles are found in coral-rich “Seventy per cent of the earth’s surface is ocean. areas of lagoon reefs, particularly What better way to leave a legacy than through in regions rich in staghorn A GENTLE GIANT Acropora corals, as well as algae ensuring clean, healthy seas for future generations.” reefs or seagrasses. On the steep outer slopes of our coral reefs roams a gentle giant. Over two Darren Kindleysides, Director meters long, with a large hump on its head, and big fleshy lips that rival Predators: With the exception of Angelina Jolie, the Maori humphead wrasse is easily recognised. Adults roam some large sharks, there are few the reef by day and rest in reef caves and under coral ledges at night, feeding Australia’s oceans are some of the richest and most diverse on our blue planet. Over 80% of predators that would take on such on toxic animals such as sea hares, boxfishes, and crown-of-thorns starfish. species found in our southern oceans occur nowhere else on Earth. This means that if we lose a large meal, so adult humphead Divers get a thrill when they encounter this curious creature, which will often them from our own backyard, they are lost from our world forever. wrasses have few predators. rub its head against an outstretched hand or even giving a gentle nudge, Humans are the greatest threat like a puppy begging to be petted. Their willingness to interact with people Australians love our whales, sea lions and turtles, but much A bequest to Australia’s oceans is a gift you write into your to this species. Most vulnerable is partly a reflection of the individual personality of each fish, and in part a of our unique marine wildlife is threatened with extinction. Will after your loved ones have been provided for. Bequests On a daily basis, our ocean wildlife combats fishing pressure, are a way for everyday Australians to plan for a major gift to a to predation in larval and juvenile result of previous contact with humans. Sadly, these fish have been prized pollution and impacts from a warming planet. But the good charity. Your gift enables you to leave a legacy that contributes for their flesh rather than their personality, earning them a place on the IUCN stages. news is that AMCS is working each day in their defence. to the type of world in which you want your children and endangered list. Growth: Reach sexual maturity grandchildren to live. This is the largest species of the wrasse family and it is found throughout the AMCS is the only Australian charity dedicated solely to at 5-7 years of age. marine conservation. We strive to turn the tide through AMCS supporter, Eva, who lives on the Central Coast of New Indo-Pacific region, including around reefs in the Coral Sea. It’s scientific name, Life history: Pairs spawn science based research, advocacy and education. We South Wales has left a legacy to our oceans and said, “Why Cheilinus undulates, is derived from the Latin word undulatus meaning ‘waved’, are a group of passionate professionals who work every wouldn’t I want this for my children and their children? If each together and planktonic eggs are referring to the wavy lines on the body and the two lines behind both eyes. day to protect our threatened species, make our fisheries Australian bequeathed just a small amount to AMCS what a released into the water. When the These are magnificent, long lived, endangered creatures that deserve better sustainable and create marine national parks where our large difference that would make to the oceans for our children,”. larvae hatch they settle onto the protection. As Australians we have the opportunity to create safe places for ocean wildlife is safe from harm. substrate. Females can turn into them to come back from the brink of extinction. We have the public will but males, but the triggers for this do we have the political leadership to establish large marine reserves around IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN LEAVING A BEQUEST TO OUR OCEANS, CONTACT AMCS ON 1800 066 299 OR change are poorly understood. Australia and reclaim our place on the international stage? [email protected] TO LEARN MORE. ALL INQUIRIES WILL BE TREATED WITH THE STRICTEST OF CONFIDENCE.

Australian Marine Australian Marine 14 Conservation Society Conservation Society 15 Our seas are fragile. So please help us protect them while there’s still time, before all our treasures are just memories.

TIM WINTON, Author, Patron of the Australian Marine Conservation Society

Love our oceans? Join us today seaguardians.org.au

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