Blooming Jellyfish CREATURE FEATURE - Australian Marine Conservation Society
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Spring 2022
Supporter Newsletter
CREATURE FEATURE
Blooming
Jellyfish
Page 2
Plastic Bags
Banned!
Page 10
Sea Lion
Success
Page 14
Species
Hotspots
Page 15
With Thanks to YOU
Humphead wrasse, Great Barrier Reef © Tanya Puntti
Jellyfish Bloom, Ningaloo Reef Exmouth Western Australia © Jess Hadden www.jesshaddenphoto.com. On the cover: Red Bell Jellyfish, Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth Western Australia © Jess Hadden jesshaddenphoto.com
Creature Feature Celebrating amazing sea life thanks to you... Breaking News You are Guardians for marine life…
Time to
turn the tide
on ocean
health
Facts & Figures
COMMON NAME: Jellyfish
Blooming Jellyfish SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cnidaria State of Environment
BODY SIZE: 2cm to 2m
WEIGHT: Up to 2kg
Jellyfish have no brain, blood, lungs or heart The new State of the Environment report oceans are suffering from overheating, over
and consist of 98% water. LIFESPAN (IN WILD): One year use and under-protection.
paints a deeply concerning picture of the
TOP SPEED: 8km/h health of our oceans and lands. It is a call to arms, a challenge that when
With more than 2,000 different species, jellyfish
are found in every ocean in the world. Scientists DIET: Microscopic plankton, fish, shrimp, Released in July 2022, 7 months after it was it comes to protecting our environment
believe there could be as many as 300,000 crabs, seaweed, algae and even other completed due to delays by the previous ambition is the only option.
different undiscovered species.Jellyfish are species of jellyfish government, the landmark Report issued The new government has the opportunity
believed to be the oldest multi-organ animal PREDATORS: Turtles, large fish and humans every 5 years shows we must urgently turn and mandate to ensure the state of our
species in the world dating back at least 500 the tide to protect Australia’s priceless marine oceans improves across the next five years.
Collectively known as cnidarians, including
million years. environments and wildlife. We are asking that they:
over 10,000 known species of jellyfish,
The devastating new assessment has found • take urgent action to address climate change
5 Amazing Aussie Jellyfish anemones, corals and hydroids.
much of Australia’s environment is in a poor • strengthen our national environment laws
Here are five of our quirky Aussie locals: condition and the health of our coasts and • form an independent Environment
1 Found in the tropical coastal waters of capable of ‘ageing backwards’ by reverting to oceans is deteriorating. Protection Agency
northern Australia, the Australian box jellyfish their earlier polyp stage, then regrowing into
It highlights a number of threats to marine • fund the recovery of Australia’s threatened
is considered the most venomous marine an adult over and over again.
health that must be addressed, including wildlife
animal globally. 4 The largest of all jellyfishes is the lion’s mane
global warming, industrialisation, plastic and • increase protections in our oceans by
2 Bluebottle ‘jellyfish’ are common in Australia. jellyfish. Its disc-shaped bell can be over 1m water pollution. expanding marine sanctuaries
They’re not single jellyfish but siphonophores, or across and its trailing tentacles can reach
It flags that more species are listed as • introduce policies that will build our
colonial jellyfish, made up of four kinds of polyps, more than 10m in length.
threatened than five years ago, including oceans’ resilience by reducing stress from
Coral bleaching, John Brewer Reef, Great Barrier Reef @ Harriet Spark
all dependent on one another for survival. 5 At only 1-2cm yet extremely venomous, the
marine wildlife, highlighting that Australia’s industrialisation, poor fisheries management
3 Some species of jellyfish, such as the moon Irukandji is found in deeper offshore waters of weak environment laws are failing to protect and water and plastic pollution.
jelly, can regenerate lost body parts. They are northern Australia.
and recover our unique flora and fauna. We look forward to working with the Albanese
The report’s conclusions are inescapable - our government to improve ocean health.
Blooming Beautiful But Out Of Balance
Jellyfish blooms are a natural phenomenon. A temporary and short-lived explosion in local jellyfish
numbers that occurs when the conditions are right for reproduction and as a result of ocean and Summer Bleaching Update
wind patterns. Yet, scientists are concerned that blooms are on the increase worldwide. Fuelled by climate change, record-breaking marine heatwaves are causing
Human disruption exacerbates the extent and frequency of blooms. Climate change, rising heat stress and coral bleaching. The Great Barrier Reef endured its fourth
ocean temperatures and nutrient shifts are favourable for jellyfish. Overfishing and habitat mass bleaching event in seven years. The first time in a La Nina summer. A
destruction can also remove competition and predators for jellyfish. worrying event as La Nina normally brings cool weather to the east coast.
Blooms can be bad news for the ocean. Too many jellyfish may reduce fish populations, Alarmingly, coral bleaching was simultaneously detected on Ningaloo Reef
competing for food and eating the fish eggs, larvae and juveniles. and on other reefs in Western Australia on the other side of the country.
2 Turning The Tide With Thanks to YOU 3
Climate Action for Our Oceans Increasing the resilience of our oceans with your support…
Aerial View of Beach along Great Ocean Road, Victoria © Judah Grubb
Great Sandy Straits and Fraser Island © Brent Randall Photography
The 2022 floods have significantly impacted many
Australians want Australians across Queensland and New South Wales.
These events continue to devastate communities and people
more ambitious - our thoughts and wishes are with the communities
climate action impacted by climate change fuelled disasters.
and better
protection for
nature
Australians Deliver a Mandate Floods Coastal Impact
Australians want and expect our new government to do more to protect our oceans and wildlife. Following devastating back-to-back floods. There is almost no seagrass remaining across
The May federal election result has sent a clear signal. Australians want more ambitious climate Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Strait.
action and better protection for nature. At a point where our oceans and wildlife face more threats Iconic species like dugongs and green turtles are reliant on seagrass. The loss is likely to lead to an
than ever there is critical and urgent work to be done by the Australian Government. increase in sick or dead animals stranding in the coming months. The seagrass decline means the
We look forward to working with the new government and politicians from across the political Queensland Government must urgently increase fully protected areas in the Great Sandy Marine
spectrum to tackle the threats to Australia’s oceans. Park in the region. Learn more about two of the marine species impacted by 2022’s flooding events:
INSET: Posidonia australis seagrass meadow in Shark Bay, Western Australia. © Rachel Austin/UWA
Dugong © Laura
Our oceans face greater threats than ever • Strengthen the marine parks network to fill Super Seagrasses Adorable
before from the climate, extinction and pollution critical gaps. This provides our best option Seagrass meadows help Dugongs
crises. Unsustainable fishing and industrial for ensuring good management of our protect our coasts from The Great Sandy
development threaten wildlife and habitats. oceans and long-term ecosystem protection. storm damage. Store Marine Park is home
We’ve written to the new Prime Minister and • Improve commercial fisheries’ large amounts of carbon to the largest dugong
the Ministers for Climate Change and the sustainability by reducing the accidental and provide habitat for a population in the
Environment urging them to: catch of marine wildlife. Unsustainable great diversity of wildlife. region. These shy
1. Address the impacts of global warming on fishing is the most immediate risk to many A vital part of the marine marine mammals live
our oceans. threatened marine species. ecosystem. Seagrasses provide food, habitat in warm tropical coastal waters.
• Our coasts and oceans are feeling the 3. End the threat of industrialisation in and nursery areas for many vertebrate and These enormous vegetarians are often
heat. From coral bleaching at Ningaloo Exmouth Gulf, Ningaloo. invertebrate species. fondly called ‘sea cows’, as they graze on
in the west to the Great Barrier Reef in 4. Protect the Great Barrier Reef. Over 30 species can be found within the seagrass.
the east and the loss of the Tasmanian Australian waters. Loss of seagrass habitats They play an important ecological role in our
• Improve the resilience of the Reef. Take
kelp forests in the south and mangrove means a marine ecosystem breakdown. As coastal marine ecosystems. Their constant
action on climate change, water pollution well as the extinction of species that depend
forests in the north global warming is grazing encourages regrowth which
and species protection. on seagrass for survival.
the single greatest threat to the health maintains vital habitats.
of our oceans. We must reduce fossil fuel • Reject the Central Queensland Coal mine,
Worldwide, the dugong is listed as being
emissions and shift to clean energy to which is 10km from the Great Barrier Reef New Discovery vulnerable to extinction. Australia is the
help cool the oceans. World Heritage Area.
largest, and most important refuge for
2. Creating enduring protections for our oceans 5. Tackle plastic pollution. World’s Largest Plant: Scientists have dugongs on our blue planet.
• Whilst Australians are making progress, discovered a 4,500-year-old seagrass in
• Create strong laws for nature. The
voluntary national plastic reduction Western Australia’s Shark Bay. Genetic
government must set up an independent testing has determined it has spread Dugongs Under Threat
Environmental Protection Agency to targets and action plans have failed.
over a stretch of 180 km of the seafloor –
ensure environmental decisions are This government can reduce waste by Dugongs are under threat from gillnet
about 20,000 football fields. Making it the
accountable and independent. transitioning to mandatory targets. largest known plant on Earth. fishing see page 15 for more information.
4 Turning The Tide With Thanks to YOU 5
Australian sea lions, Baird Bay, South Australia © Sarah Munro
School of fish in Kelp Forest © beusbeus
World Oceans Day Celebrating our precious oceans and wildlife…
Celebrating a
community of ocean
lovers across the
nation working for
healthy seas.
World Oceans Giving Day Wavemakers
On World Oceans Day, 8 June 2022, we celebrated our life-giving oceans by holding a Giving Day. Our philanthropic Wavemakers pledged a gift to inspire fellow ocean-lovers to give knowing
You, our inspiring ocean-loving supporters, have blown us away with your donations and their donation and impact will be doubled. This year our Wavemakers included: Letcombe
heartfelt words of encouragement! Foundation, Alanah Jeffries, Tony Turner, Pottery for the Planet, Charles Warman Foundation, Let’s
Go Surfing, Jervis Bay Brewing Co, Sarah & Sebastian, Climate Challenge Events, James Kirby
More than 2,000 of you wonderful, generous people gave to protect our oceans. Your donations Foundation, Stand Desk, Two Monkeys Foundation, Sunnyside Foundation, Auguste the Label,
were doubled by our incredible matching donors. As a result, we eclipsed our initial target to raise Richard Tapscott, Earthyard, Living Edge Furniture, David Leckenbey, Graeme Wood Foundation.
over $750,000!
On behalf of everyone at AMCS, and especially from our oceans and incredible marine wildlife,
Thank you! We are grateful for your support on World Oceans Day. Watch amcs.org.au/WOD-TY Sarah & Sebastian Jervis Bay Brewing Co.
Sarah & Sebastian independent jewellery Jervis Bay Brewing Co. craft beers bring
Ocean Messages You’re Protecting Our Oceans artisans have a passion for marine life. people and communities closer together.
Wonderful ocean-lovers like you left us Each generous gift we received on World Designer, Sarah Munro, one half of Sarah Surrounded by some of Australia’s most
and Sebastian, is an avid diver. It’s why Sarah majestic national parks, and the many
heartfelt messages of support on World Oceans Day is growing our impact for our
& Sebastian have, together with their clients, beaches on glorious Jervis Bay. Oisín
Oceans Day. oceans and marine life.
donated over $115,000 supporting AMCS.
“Happy World Oceans Day! By saving World Oceans Day 2022 gifts have ensured we Sweeney, one of the brewery’s four founding
Sarah with filmmaker Alice Wesley-Smith directors, is passionate about the place, and
the ocean, we can save the world” can enact plans to protect our oceans including:
recently swam with the Baird Bay, SA, sea says. ‘...helping keep this place beautiful is a
AMANDA • Gillnet Buy Backs. Target the removal of the lion colony to film a short documentary huge part of what we do…’.
“Our oceans give us so much, we must most lethal gillnets harming our precious series, “Now You See Me”. She said:
do everything to protect them” JOHN threatened marine life. We are inspired not only by the crew, but
“Australian sea lions are one of our rarest
• Sawfish Missions. Support Indigenous marine animals. Their playfulness, curiosity the whole community who raised money
“Thank you to all who stand up for our in support of JBB’s role as one of our
oceans and our planet” SUSAN rangers to carry out further sawfish missions and sociable nature is wholly relatable to
across northern Australia. Pull these humankind. Their protection is paramount.” Wavemakers on World Oceans Giving Day.
“Our oceans sustain us. Let’s sustain remarkable creatures back from the brink. Thank you Sarah & Sebastian, you are Thank you Jervis Bay Brewing Co. for being
them” CYNTHIA incredible Wavemakers protecting our oceans. such an incredible team of ocean protectors!
• GoodFish. Grow our GoodFish program
“Great to have AMCS to save our and sustainability guide. Increase demand
precious oceans, ecosystems and for sustainable seafood options.
marine life!” MARGARET • Marine Sanctuary Awareness. Use science-
Thank you to our kind supporters who filled based education to counter misinformation
our hearts with inspiration. It’s because affecting Marine Sanctuary proposals.
of our shared vision for our beautiful blue • Plastic Pollution. Launch a campaign to
oceans that we all connect together on recruit supermarkets to become part of the
World Oceans Day. plastics solution, not the problem.
6 Turning The Tide With Thanks to YOU 7
Jason & Eli, Green Island
Charlotte (7 years old) and Annabel (5 years old)
World Oceans Day Celebrating our precious oceans and wildlife…
Keep Our Oceans Cool © Auguste the Label
Ethan (9 years old) and Imogen (7 years old)
Swell Support Ethan & Imogen Charlotte & Annabel
World Oceans Day is a chance to celebrate Australia’s unique marine life.
Since 2018, Ethan (9 years) and Imogen Charlotte (7 years) and Annabel (5 years)
And celebrate we did. Ethan and Imogen donated their pocket money. Charlotte and Annabel (7 years) have been donating their pocket celebrated World Oceans Day by tidying up
cleaned their local beach. Jason created a fundraising team to encourage friends and family to money to support marine conservation. their local beach.
donate. Auguste The Label donated proceeds of a limited edition t-shirt.
The pair donated their $35 pocket money The sisters do regular beach clean-ups. They
Our ocean-loving community rallied together to make this World Oceans Day a celebration on World Oceans Giving Day, doubling it, to managed to rope in some like-minded school
for our big blue backyard. have a $70 impact for our oceans. They said: friends to join them in the spirit of World
“We love donating our pocket money to Oceans Day!
AMCS as they are working hard to help Their mother, Hazel, said, “the girls were really
Fish Fund Auguste The Label protect our oceans. enthusiastic about doing our own beach
Jason Fischman is a keen scuba diver and Byron Bay based clothes company Auguste The future of our oceans is so important clean up for World Oceans Day.”
citizen scientist marine biologist. The Label celebrated World Oceans Day and want to make sure the marine life is “I just wanted to say thanks for creating such
As someone who’s spent virtually every with a limited edition “Keep Our Oceans looked after”. an accessible avenue for young people to
summer over the last 45 years by the sea. Cool” charity t-shirt supporting AMCS. learn and be more involved.”
Ethan and Imogen’s ongoing support warms
Jason said he has a deep connection to Their passionate influencers, ambassadors our hearts. They remind us of the important The girls said, “Any day can be Oceans Day!”
Ocean. “Its ways of enchanting, capturing and customers shared the message across vision to not only protect our oceans and Charlotte and Annabel are our next
our imagination and intriguing us with social media. Taking our marine conservation marine life today, but to ensure our future generation and why we are protecting our
mysteries of the unexplored.” work to new audiences. Conservationists, generations have healthy oceans to call oceans - their passion and commitment are
His love for our marine life and concern for families, and influential individuals threw their their own tomorrow. an inspiration to us!
the future of the Ocean inspired Jason to support behind AMCS on this special day.
set up a World Oceans Day Team, which he Ebony Eagles, founder of Auguste, said
called the Fish Fund. her business would “strive to operate in a
way that was both harmonious with the
Let’s Go Surfing
Jason reached out to family and friends and
environment and an inspiration to others to The team at Let’s Go Surfing have been a long-time
raised an incredible $7,764 on World Oceans
do the same”. supporter of AMCS campaigns, and fantastic advocates
Day to protect our oceans.
for the ocean, both in and out of the water.
Amazing supporters like Jason are an Auguste has donated hundreds of thousands
of dollars to humanitarian and conservation They are Ecotourism Certified, and practice what they
inspiration. Thank you, Jason and the Fish
organisations. preach; using eco-friendly wetsuit washing products, recycling
Fund Team!
wetsuits, avoiding plastic use wherever possible, and enforcing
Thank you to the Auguste The Label crew
strict water saving protocols across their entire operation.
© Doug Anderson
for their sustained support of the planet and
oceans we love. Just like last year, the team at Let’s Go Surfing decided
that World Oceans Day would be the perfect day on
Visit augustethelabel.com
which to reaffirm their support. Thank you!
8 Turning The Tide With Thanks to YOU 9
Loggerhead Turtle eating plastic
Ghost Net © Tane Sinclair-Taylor
Red Hermit Crab (Coenobita perlata), Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Indian Ocean, Australia © Gary Bell / OceanwideImages.com
Exmouth Gulf corals and sponges © Blue Media Exmouth
Clean, thriving oceans You’re tackling plastic pollution to protect our oceans... Defending ocean habitats You’re protecting marine areas…
We Banned The Bag! Ghost Gear Collab Christmas & Cocos Win Exmouth Gulf
Our historic win in NSW means that AMCS has joined the Global Ghost Gear Two huge new marine parks around Where the desert meets the sea, the
single-use plastic bags are finally Initiative (GGGI). Australia’s Christmas Island and the Cocos turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef are
banned across ALL of Australia! Ghost nets and other fishing gear are one (Keeling) Islands declared! known the world over.
Thanks to historic laws won by AMCS of the most lethal types of marine debris in These were co-designed by the local island The World Heritage Listed Ningaloo Coast
Supporters, on 1 June 2022 NSW joined the our oceans. communities that rely on healthy oceans for contains a high diversity of habitats.
rest of the country in banning lightweight Gillnets, trawl nets and crab pots are their culture, lifestyles and livelihoods. Including fringing coral reefs, lagoons, sandy
plastic shopping bags. designed to catch and kill fish. So it is no Incredibly, 99% of the parks are highly beaches, estuaries and mangroves.
Plastic bags are one of the most lethal surprise that when they are lost at sea, protected sanctuary areas. Together they Exmouth Gulf, Ningaloo’s nursery, is a
plastic killers of ocean animals. They they continue doing exactly what they form one of the largest marine sanctuary mega-diverse environment. It’s a critical
escape and float easily in air and water, were designed for. Catching and killing areas in the world – 739,000 square km. resting and nursing area for one of the
travelling long distances to reach the unsuspecting animals. They provide an important safe haven for world’s largest humpback whale populations
ocean. They last for generations, taking up We must tackle the threat of lost fishing marine life that is under increasing pressure and a place of global importance.
to 1,000 years to fully break down. gear in our oceans. from industrial fishing, climate change and However, Exmouth Gulf is under ongoing
Turtles mistake them for their favourite food, AMCS has joined forces in a collaboration pollution. threat from industrialisation. A newly
jellyfish. Once eaten, these soft plastics between conservationists, governments These Indian Ocean Territories are uniquely announced Exmouth Gulf Taskforce confirms
block their stomachs and they starve. and industry bodies. The initiative seeks to Australian and globally significant. the urgent need for environmental protection.
This is an incredible victory for wildlife. scale up solutions, drive fisheries reform • Christmas Island’s famous annual red The announcement comes as a response
We couldn’t have done it without you! Our and change policies. Together we will work crab migration was described as one to the Environmental Protection Authority
oceans are a little safer thanks to all the to ensure lost or damaged fishing gear of the 10 natural wonders of the world report on Exmouth Gulf in 2021. This
ocean lovers and organisations who fought is recovered and brought back to shore, by Sir David Attenborough. Its thriving confirmed the Gulf is of global importance.
with us to ban the bag. before it can hurt wildlife. rainforests, deserted beaches and fringing It’s fragile, under pressure and needs
reef provide a haven for unique and rare conservation attention. New protected areas
Take Action: Ban thick plastic bags Read: Learn More About Ghost Nets seabirds, land crabs and marine life. are a high priority.
• Cocos (Keeling) Islands’ azure waters are These first steps to create reserves, a Taskforce
Some retailers have been handing out Ghost nets are a deadly trap for ocean home to an incredible array of marine and a marine park in Exmouth Gulf are most
thick plastic bags as if they were single- animals, including endangered turtles and life including tropical fishes, corals, turtles, welcome. But there is a long way to go.
use, circumventing bans on lightweight sea lions. Abandoned, lost or discarded
plastic bags. fishing gear is a lethal entanglement risk, manta rays and dolphins.
Just like other soft plastics, heavyweight floating in the ocean for many decades These new marine parks are a major Learn More
plastic bags are lethal for wildlife. without breaking down. contribution to international efforts to
But how much of a problem is ghost gear, conserve our oceans with a network of Sign up to get updates from the Protect
Add your name to the petition for a ban
and what can we do about it? highly protected areas. Ningaloo campaign at
on thick plastic bags at
www.protectningaloo.org.au
www.amcs.org.au/heavyweight Visit amcs.org.au/ghostgear
10 Turning The Tide With Thanks to YOU 11
Reef © Nat Barnes
‘Trouble in Paradise’ community arts project, Fat Frog Studio © Natasha Tomlin
Defending ocean habitats and species You’re protecting our Great Barrier Reef...
Monitoring Mission Reef Tourism Community Trouble in Paradise Clive Palmer Mine Update
‘Trouble in Paradise’ © Natasha Tomlin
The past few months have seen our Reef Our Reef Volunteer, Natasha Thanks to you, the proposed Central
under the international spotlight for campaigners Tomlin, created an Queensland Coal (CQC) mine was knocked
many reasons. visited the amazing community back by the Queensland government.
In March, the UNESCO and IUCN Reactive Whitsundays in art project in Cairns. Deemed an unacceptable environmental
Monitoring Mission visited the Reef to assess June to reconnect Titled ‘Trouble in impact. It was the first time the Qld
firsthand the Australian governments’ with our Reef Paradise’. The art government has ever rejected a coal mine.
management of the Reef for the World community. installation shines a The proposal has since sat on the previous
Heritage Committee. Reef tourism operators are vital to building spotlight on plastic Federal environment minister’s desk for
Thanks to your support, AMCS and WWF support for protecting the Reef. pollution. 12 months. The final decision on the mine
briefed the Mission officials on climate Our team was so inspired and uplifted by Natasha (pictured) is now with the new federal environment
change, fisheries, threatened species how adaptive and resilient the tourism collaborated with talented artists from Fat minister, Tanya Plibersek. Following the
and water quality. We provided them industry is. Despite enduring a global Frog Studios and local community groups. consultation period, we hope Minister
with recommendations and solutions for Plibersek rejects this mine once and for all.
pandemic and bleaching - tourism is Together they created a plastic reef
addressing these threats to the Reef. Thank you for your actions and support to
powering along and operators are keen sculpture made from debris collected on Far
The World Heritage Committee Meeting to advocate for protecting the Reef. North Queensland’s shorelines. ensure it never sees the light of day.
and the Reef ‘In Danger’ decision has
A highlight of the trip was spotting over 30
been postponed indefinitely. We will
turtles whilst exploring Pioneer Bay with
continue to grow our movement and build
support for protecting the Reef, tosecure Whisper Cruises - the only electric boat in Reef Bleaching Update
a strong decision from the World Heritage Airlie Beach. Our Reef is in hot water. Sadly, our Great Barrier Reef
Committee at the next meeting. ghead VIC
Austra lia
endured its fourth mass bleaching event in seven years.
Jordan Rou
This summer, following the hottest December sea
temperatures on record. bleaching impacted 91% of all
Our Reef Photo Project Reefs surveyed.
It’s been inspirational to see the wide array of photos and Corals can recover from these marine heatwaves. But they
messages submitted to the Our Reef photo album. This d QLD Aust
ralia need time and the right conditions. As the water starts to
Maddy Dod
photo album is collecting pictures and stories from all over the cool, corals may regain colour and health. The full extent of
globe. To remind decision-makers how incredible our Reef the bleaching impact will not be known for months.
is and why it is still worth fighting for.
This is the first time the Reef has suffered a mass
We’ll present this visual petition to the new Australian Coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef. © Harriet Spark
bleaching event in a La Nina summer. A worrying event
government and World Heritage Committee in the
as La Nina normally brings cool weather due to increased cloud cover, wind and rain. This
coming months. Urging them to protect our beloved Reef.
summer should have brought a cool reprieve. And a chance for Reef recovery. But record-
Please share your photo and story, it’s easy! ourreef.org.au breaking marine heatwaves are causing heat stress and coral bleaching.
lia
VIC Austra
Paul Evans
12 Turning The Tide With Thanks to YOU 13
Baby Australian Sea Lion, South Australia © JSpannhoff
Green Sea Turtle, Lady Elliot Island, Great Barrier Reef © Michael Smith
Defending ocean habitats and species You’re protecting threatened species…
2021 Sawfish Rescue Mission with Malak Malak Rangers and Peter Kyne. © CDU
Australian Snubfin Dolphin © Daniele Cagnazzi
Sea Lion Success Sawfish Rescue Launch Species Hotspots
Thanks to you, 98% fewer Australian sea Thanks to you we’ve funded the Malak Thanks to your support, we’ve created a first-of-its-kind map. The map shows protected
lions are being killed in SA fishery nets. Malak rangers’ rescue mission with species hotspots subject to high levels of commercial gillnet fishing.
Australian sea lions are unique to our shores. scientists from Charles Darwin University Our new map has identified important regions for endangered and protected marine wildlife
These beautiful animals are only found to help critically endangered sawfish. in our Great Barrier Reef. It shows how dangerous gillnet fishing overlaps with these areas.
along the coastline of South Australia and With overwhelming support from ocean lovers Gillnet fishing is a big threat to iconic marine wildlife like dugongs, sawfish and turtles.
Western Australia. Their numbers have fallen like you. We have funded a unique, globally They can become entangled and drown in the large, almost invisible nets.
by over 60% in four decades, and they are significant rescue mission. This project will For example, the map shows the Bowen-Whitsunday region is important for dugongs, four
now endangered. save young sawfish from a horrific fate. species of turtle, two types of dolphin and three species of sawfish. Yet has some of the
With an estimated 6,500 adults left, they are Largetooth sawfish pups are born at river highest gillnet fishing effort on the Great Barrier Reef. www.amcs.org.au/SpeciesHotspots
facing an extinction crisis. mouths. They spend their first few years of
10 years ago, we helped a Commonwealth life in freshwater floodplains, then head out
fishery off SA put in place a strategy to into our big blue ocean.
protect Australian sea lions. This has resulted Australian Snubfin Dolphin Green Turtle
Because of global warming, seasonal
in an estimated 98% reduction in fatalities. floodplain waters will recede too fast - Australian snubfin dolphins are found only in The Great Barrier Reef is home to the world’s
Meaning we have saved the lives of over leaving sawfish literally out to dry. Australia and southern Papua New Guinea. largest green turtle nesting event. Up to
2,000 endangered Australian sea lions in the They live in small isolated populations along 100,000 turtles return to Raine Island to lay
Young sawfish become trapped in isolated the top of Australia’s coastline, from the their eggs!
past decade.
billabongs. Blistering heat and reduced Kimberley WA to Gladstone QLD.
This success is thanks to the support of water flow causes their underwater homes Sadly, this population of green turtles is in
passionate people like you. to dry up and vanish. Numbers are so low that the species is decline. Global warming is causing 99% of all
considered vulnerable to extinction. The hatchlings to be born as females. Each year,
Without rescue, they won’t survive to see the loss of just one adult can have devastating
Expand Our Strategy To WA
ocean. returning turtles run the gauntlet of gillnets
impacts on populations. One of their main through their main feeding grounds. While also
Because of you, the Sawfish Rescue Mission is threats is incidental capture in gillnets set to suffering the consequences of plastic pollution
With the success demonstrated in South ready to launch in spring. We’re on a mission
Australia, we are now turning our attention catch fish such as barramundi in QLD. and nest predation by feral pigs.
to Australian sea lion populations in Western to find sawfish trapped in drying billabongs
Australia, where much less is known about and release them into the Daly River.
sea lion populations and we suspect sea lions What is a gillnet? Take Action
continue to be killed in the gillnet fishery. Our Reef should be a refuge for these species.
Colonies are smaller and at even more risk Gillnets are long, virtually invisible We need to be providing protection against a cruel
from bycatch death. This is made worse nets used in commercial fishing. death in gillnets in these hotspots.
by the fact that appropriate regulation But these nets are indiscriminate
and monitoring in Western Australia is killers. They catch, trap and These areas identified in our map, should be prioritised
dangerously lacking. drown threatened species like for a network of Net-Free Zones. Help threatened species
amcs.org.au/rescue-plan dugongs, dolphins and turtles. populations, sign petition at amcs.org.au/action-hotspots
14 Turning The Tide With Thanks to YOU 15
Reef Line fisher, Chris Bolton
Clean, thriving oceans You’re supporting sustainable management of our oceans…
Seafood Assessed Meet: Reef Fisher, Chris Bolton Art For GoodFish
Every three years we update our GoodFish Local handline Reef Line Renowned Bondi Meet Easty
Guide assessments. fisher, Chris Bolton shares artist, Easty Beasty
We recently assessed 38 Queensland and his incredible journey to Beasty paints
Ella Thrupp is
29 New South Wales wild caught seafood sustainability. new mural for
renowned Bondi
options. “When my daughter was sustainable
artist Easty Beasty
Much of Queensland’s iconic seafood born, that really got me seafood.
She said: “Art’s
remains unsustainable. Many have been thinking about the future. We recently
always had a place
red listed in our GoodFish sustainable I was catching a lot of fish back then. I sat back worked with local
in driving change
seafood guide. and looked at it and I thought if I keep catching Sydney artist Easty
for good.
New South Wales has seen a dramatic drop this sort of volume of fish - basically it is not Beasty to produce
sustainable. I really thought about the next an artwork on I’m proud to be able to take part in an
in green-listed seafood options from 11 in
generation, and the one after that and the world renowned Bondi Beach. This is part important cause with my art. Especially when
2018 to just three.
one after that.” of a broader plan to bring the GoodFish it’s something I wholeheartedly believe in.
NSW waters are heating at some of the
The Reef Line fishery has done the hard work. campaign into public spaces around Conscious seafood choices are paramount
fastest rates in the world, at up to 4x the
Fishers work within a world class marine park Australia. to helping our oceans stay healthy. I hope
global average. Having up to 80% of a fish
stock taken out of the water is not a safe or that uses satellite tracking under a harvest The mural includes sustainable fish species the mural can prompt people to make those
sustainable way to manage a fish stock in a strategy ensuring fish stocks are kept at healthy painted in blue facing healthy oceans good choices.”
global ocean heating hotspot. and resilient. juxtaposed with unsustainable species
“I catch one at a time and take really good painted in red. GoodFish
Our latest update recommends popular
seafood items in Queensland should be care of every single fish. The sustainable seafood inspired mural
avoided. Due to either overfished stocks, My grandfather fished exactly the same way titled ‘Make a Swap for the Sea’ is painted
GoodFish is a sustainability initiative
dangers to marine wildlife posed by the fishing - hand lines. All by hand. One line, one hook, one on the seawall at iconic Bondi Beach. The designed to help Australians to know more
methods or a history of under-reporting. sinker and catch the fish one by one. If fisheries mural seeks to encourage people to use our about their seafood choices.
aren’t sustainable, we have no future.” GoodFish sustainable seafood guide. The complexity of ocean ecosystems
Large number of amber listings mean NSW
sustainable seafood lovers are recommended means knowing what’s best to buy can be
confusing. GoodFish does the hard work
to eat less of some NSW seafood options. Watch by providing an independent guide to truly
There are, however, some success stories. sustainable seafood.
Our GoodFish assessors green listing most of Spend some time with local Reef Line fisher, We are bringing together all seafood
the QLD Reef Line Fishery’s target catch. The Chris Bolton. As he shares his incredible lovers, chefs, fishers, food businesses and
Guide also adds several new sustainable journey to sustainability. And highlights the public, to protect this precious resource
seafood options caught from Great Barrier the power he has as a fisher in creating into the future
a healthy ocean for future generations.
Reef waters to the green list. Visit goodfish.org.au
Watch amcs.org.au/ReefLineFisher
16 Turning The Tide With Thanks to YOU 17
Lighthouse Cliff Landscape, Robe, SA © Amie Hindson. INSET: Dr Kay Adelaide Perkins
Tom Cannon, Protect What You Love
Ocean Community Celebrating our ocean loving community…
Jessica Stafford-Ewing © Giulia Scolari
What You Love Charity Yacht Race Jessica’s Decennial Remembering Kate
AMCS Crew at Renewable Energy Charity Yacht Club Race and inset Hamish Wall from Climate Challenge Events
Protect What You Love recently held Renewable Energy Charity Yacht Club Race Jessica Stafford-Ewing recently Dr Kay Adelaide (Kate) Perkins was an
“Bill’s Talks” in Coral Bay, WA, featuring a raised an incredible $50,000 for ocean celebrated 10 years as a Sea Guardian. amazing woman, vivacious, enthusiastic
number of incredible marine scientists. conservation. “I can’t believe I am celebrating ten years and always ready to help.
From technological approaches, to tiger sharks AMCS crew were invited as guests and as a Sea Guardian!” She had an affinity with the natural
and the Great Southern Reef, it was a night beneficiaries to take part in the Renewable She spends a lot of time on and in the world. Kate championed being respectful
filled with plenty of fun, and facts! Energy Cup. Sailing Sydney Harbour, with water, Jessica says: and supportive of the environment,
On the night, over $1,000 was raised towards corporate challengers competing in the conservation and animal welfare.
charity race. “I was fascinated by the deep blue as a
marine conservation. We are so grateful to child. After moving from Melbourne to Kate fostered positive change in all those
see such a wonderful community of like- Organiser Hamish Wall from Climate around her. She was tenacious. Kate
The Whitsundays as an adult, I naturally
minded ocean lovers! Challenge Events, says, ‘We’re delighted achieved a high standing in her chosen
became even more drawn to the ocean
with the response - so much so that we career. A specialist obstetrician and
Protect What You Love founder, Tom and its wildlife.
are challenging corporations who hold gynaecologist, no mean feat, particularly
Cannon, said “it was a really great evening sustainability as core pillars to join us in support Living at the gateway to the Great Barrier
and everyone involved was really generous Reef for six years, I felt both blessed and for a woman.
of AMCS, at the next event in March 2023.”
with their efforts and time for us!”. disheartened by my own ‘backyard’. Such She had a bright and curious mind that
Visit www.renewcup.org and find out more!
a magnificent beauty but rapidly becoming investigated a broad range of subjects in
more damaged and polluted, threatening depth. She believed in Good Health and
Happy Birthday to our community! ocean wildlife and their homes.” Wellbeing, Gender Equality, Life Below
Jessica says she is proud to support since Water, and Life on Land.
James celebrated his 11th Stacey recently celebrated
birthday, and instead of her 60th birthday with her 2012: “AMCS is the voice for Australia’s ocean Kate left a heartfelt Ocean Legacy to
gifts asked his friends and fabulous friends. wildlife. An independent charity, they depend protect our blue oceans to continue her
family to donate to AMCS. on donations & support from the public.” legacy of championing the natural world.
As she is a self-described
Happy Birthday James! Thanks to the support of our amazing Sea It brings us joy to ensure her legacy gift
thalassophile, she said “this
Guardians like Jessica, we can continue to accelerates the positive changes being
“I chose AMCS because was a no gift event and
defend our iconic reefs, beautiful oceans and made to support her strong vision for a
right now the sea is under threat from climate instead, it was a fundraiser
the precious marine life that depend on them. better world.
change and pollution. Much of the marine for AMCS, my favourite charity”.
life is affected by this and are under threat of Stacey and her fabulous friends raised over
extinction. $8,800 for marine conservation. Become a Sea Guardian today! Leave An Ocean Legacy
“Thank you to all my friends who donated to Happy diamond jubilee Stacey!
help raise money for the sea and marine life.” You too can become an advocate and By giving a gift in your Will, you will hand
guardian for our oceans as an AMCS Sea on a wilder, more diverse and beautiful
Guardian with an affordable monthly gift. ocean planet to future generations.
Community Fundraisers: Thank you to our ocean-loving community. If you would like to raise funds Visit amcs.org.au/SeaGuardians Visit amcs.org.au/OceanLegacy
to protect our oceans visit amcs.org.au/fundraising-ideas or email supporter@amcs.org.au
18 Turning The Tide With Thanks to YOU 19Jellyfish Bloom, Ningaloo Reef Exmouth Western Australia © Jess Hadden www.jesshaddenphoto.com
Thank you
for your
support
The Australian Marine Conservation
Society is the voice for Australia’s
ocean wildlife. We have defended
Australia’s oceans for over 50 years.
Thank you for your help to ensure
Australia’s coasts and oceans
remain healthy and free for
future generations.
Stay in touch @australianmarine @AustMarConsSoc @marineconservation.au
Contact Us 07 3846 6777 marineconservation.org.au
amcs@amcs.org.au PO Box 5815 West End QLD 4101
The Australian Marine Conservation Society acknowledges the Traditional Custodians
of this land and sea country, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
We acknowledge that this land and sea was and always will be Aboriginal land and sea.
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