Saturday 21 May 2011

Australians have just 74 days left to protect 'their' whales


Humpback Whale from Australian National Geographic

From the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS):

Australia's Environment Minister Tony Burke has released draft plans for this network, but they do not meet the benchmark set by the science evidence, and make far too many concessions to the oil and gas industry. Important whale and dolphin habitats have been left out of the proposal.

The proposal is now open for public comment.

We have just 75 days to change his mind. This is our once in a generation opportunity to make sure that proper sanctuaries are created for the blue, southern right, and humpback whales who make these waters their home.

Please send an email to Australia's Environment Minister Tony Burke urging him to make the right decision. We have prepared the email for you - it will only take a few moments of your time but could secure the future of whole generations of whales .

-----------

Text of the prepared email:
To:
The Hon. Tony Burke, Minister For Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population And Communities
I am writing to you about the proposed network of marine sanctuaries in Australian waters.
Recently released draft plans for this network do not meet the benchmark set by the science evidence. Important whale and dolphin habitats have been left out of the proposal, and once again the welfare of these animals, and others, has been sacrificed for the sake of the oil and gas industry.
8 out of 10 hotspots for marine life are still at risk. You have proposed new marine parks in the South West, but many are not in the right places.
Australia's South West has a greater level of unique marine life than even the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, but currently less than one per cent of it is protected.
I feel that this is a once in a generation opportunity to make sure that proper sanctuaries are created for the blue, southern right, and humpback whales who make these waters their home, and I urge you to make the right decision.

No comments: