Sea Shepherd partnership adds teeth to Great Australian Bight conservation
A unique partnership has been reached between the State Government and global marine conservation group, Sea Shepherd, to better protect vast wildlife habitat throughout the Great Australian Bight.
Under the agreement announced today, marine scientists and park rangers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service will have access to a dedicated Sea Shepherd boat and crew established to support recovery efforts for the highly endangered Australian sea lion.
The Sea Shepherd crew will assist national parks staff in undertaking research and monitoring of the sea lion population, as well as other important conservation work including monitoring of coastal raptors, weed control on nearby islands and clean-up of remote beaches.
The vessel will anchor Sea Shepherd’s Australian Sea Lion Defence Campaign.
The entire Australian sea lion population is estimated to be less than 12,000, with 85% living in South Australia’s waters.
Some of the biggest threats to the species include the risk of entanglement in marine debris and fishing gear, climate change, human disturbance, disease, pollution and overfishing which reduces access to prey.
The Great Australia Bight is home to an array of marine life, 85% of which is globally unique. The Bight provides important habitat for species including giant squid, orcas, southern right whales, long nosed fur seals, little penguins, dolphins and the endangered Australian sea lions.
The Great Australian Bight Marine Park is considered one of the world’s most significant southern right whale nurseries, providing a safe breeding and calving area.
Sea Shepherd Australia Managing Director, Jeff Hanson said Sea Shepherd has a long history of working with governments, to fill voids for large scale conservation outcomes.
"For the reality is, the problems our planet, ocean and precious marine life face are immense, so we must work together," Mr Hanson said.
"I’m so appreciative, thrilled and proud to be working with the South Australian Government for the protection of Australian sea lions in this grand marine wilderness area of the Great Australian Bight.
"Sea Shepherd’s new boat, the Southern Defender represents collaboration and honours the decades of tireless work done by government agency marine scientists and park rangers from the National Park and Wildlife Service for Australian sea lions.
"The Southern Defender also represents a beacon of hope for these charismatic Aussie battlers, where at Sea Shepherd we pride ourselves on the notion that there is no hope, without action."
