Western Australia’s marine life - unique, unprotected and under threat

Imagine delving into a watery world of colorful coral gardens, where majestic blue whales swim by darting schools of fish and where up to 90% of the marine plants and animals found here are found no where else on earth - this is Western Australia’s Big Blue Backyard, one of the biggest and best marine environments in the world.
And yet, of this remarkable marine region, less than one percent is protected.

We all enjoy a healthy marine environment and the amazing recreational and economic opportunities it brings - but with our marine life under pressure in a way that’s never been seen before, our marine life and lifestyle is now at risk. Pollution, mining and rapid declines in popular fish means urgent action is needed now.

Also Save Our Marine Life, of which WWF is a member - an unprecedented collaboration of Australian and international conservation organizations working to protect and secure Australia’s unique marine life.

The Save Our Marine Life Collaboration is urging the Australian Government to create a network of large marine sanctuaries in key areas around Australia, starting with the waters off Australia’s South West.

The Federal Government is currently making plans for the use of our marine waters. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to:

• protect the breeding and feeding areas of our threatened and unique marine life
• allow fish stocks suffering from over-fishing to rebuild
• protect whale migratory routes
• assist marine life to adapt to climate change through sanctuaries
• do our bit to help maintain the world’s marine wildlife and habitats

You can join WWF- Australia and Save Our Marine Life in calling for a network of large marine sanctuaries in the South West by sending a letter to your local Federal MP go to  saveourmarinelife.org.au