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Save our NSW Marine Sanctuaries for Marine Life and Divers!
Richard N.
started this petition to
Gabrielle Upton MP - Minister for Sport and Recreation; George Souris - M
As divers we share a special connection with the marine environment.
We all know there’s nothing like coming face to face with a big old Blue Groper, spotting a Weedy Seadragon, or the excitement of diving with Grey Nurse Sharks.
Unfortunately our marine life is coming face-to-face with something much more sinister. The O’Farrell Government is due to decide within weeks whether to permanently remove highly ‘no-take’ marine sanctuaries, overthrowing decades of science and leaving our marine life unprotected.
According to science, marine sanctuary zones play a vital role in maintaining the health along our coast. They protect special feeding and breeding areas and allow marine life to recover and rebuild. They also protect some of our state’s best dive sites.
With sanctuaries protecting just 7% of our state waters, we can’t afford to lose these special places. Not for scuba diving, nor for our magnificent marine life that keeps drawing us back. Protecting our marine sanctuaries is about balancing activities such as fishing, conservation and diving so that everyone can access areas that cater for their needs.
The ocean is a big, beautiful place, but it’s one we must share. So far there’s been nothing but silence from the O’Farrell Government when it comes to consultation with the 400 000 divers that live in NSW – no discussions, no letters, just a looming decision to weaken protection.
The Government is waivering on this issue and there’s a real chance we can turn them around. Hearing from you as a keen diver will make a real difference.
As divers we get so much from our experiences underwater, now it’s time to give something back. Please help us protect the sanctuaries that protect the marine life we love.
Thanks for taking time to stand up for the marine life that makes scuba diving like nothing else on earth.
We all know there’s nothing like coming face to face with a big old Blue Groper, spotting a Weedy Seadragon, or the excitement of diving with Grey Nurse Sharks.
Unfortunately our marine life is coming face-to-face with something much more sinister. The O’Farrell Government is due to decide within weeks whether to permanently remove highly ‘no-take’ marine sanctuaries, overthrowing decades of science and leaving our marine life unprotected.
According to science, marine sanctuary zones play a vital role in maintaining the health along our coast. They protect special feeding and breeding areas and allow marine life to recover and rebuild. They also protect some of our state’s best dive sites.
With sanctuaries protecting just 7% of our state waters, we can’t afford to lose these special places. Not for scuba diving, nor for our magnificent marine life that keeps drawing us back. Protecting our marine sanctuaries is about balancing activities such as fishing, conservation and diving so that everyone can access areas that cater for their needs.
The ocean is a big, beautiful place, but it’s one we must share. So far there’s been nothing but silence from the O’Farrell Government when it comes to consultation with the 400 000 divers that live in NSW – no discussions, no letters, just a looming decision to weaken protection.
The Government is waivering on this issue and there’s a real chance we can turn them around. Hearing from you as a keen diver will make a real difference.
As divers we get so much from our experiences underwater, now it’s time to give something back. Please help us protect the sanctuaries that protect the marine life we love.
Thanks for taking time to stand up for the marine life that makes scuba diving like nothing else on earth.
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