First oil. Now commercial fishing in our sanctuaries!
First we saw oil and gas exploration sneaking into our sanctuaries. Now we’ve learnt commercial fishing could be next. Enough is enough. Sign the petition today telling Environment Minister Hunt to save our sanctuaries: http://saveourmarinelife.org.au/now-fishing/
Commercial fishing is being proposed in our iconic sanctuaries, including Geographe Bay, Bremer, the Kimberley, Coral Sea and Lord Howe Island – ignoring the views of local communities and the science evidence on these diverse and vulnerable hotspots. It’s almost beyond belief.
Just last week local business owners from across the south west of WA delivered the ‘South West Business Statement for Sanctuaries’ signed by 200 local businesses to their federal MP to show support for sanctuaries and how they benefit the local community and economy.
The Abbott Government suspended our national network of sanctuaries and promised a review that would be science-based, and that communities would be listened to. But in meeting with the Review last week it appears our deepest fears could come true: is the Review just a smokescreen for Government plans to expand industrial drilling and commercial fishing?
With your help earlier this year, we overwhelmed the Review with community support for sanctuaries, and we know that they’ve heard us loud and clear. But the commercial fishing industry is fighting back. They’re advancing on our sanctuaries with destructive fishing practices, and we must make sure our voice is the loudest!
Please add your name before the Review reports to the Abbott Government: http://saveourmarinelife.org.au/now-fishing/
Together we are an incredibly powerful force. We’ve got the science, the economics, local communities and the vast majority of recreational fishers with us. And we know we’re having an impact.
Commercial fishing in sanctuaries is NOT acceptable. We won’t let this happen, but we need your help to stop them. Please stand by our sanctuaries and sign the petition today – for our marine life and way of life.