The Coral Sea vision soon to be announced! 

Thursday 3 November, 2011

Things are hotting up in Canberra

After meeting with the Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke recently, it’s very clear that all your messages of support are being heard loud and clear! Members of the Protect our Coral Sea team handed the Minister more than 52,000 signatures in support of the world’s largest marine park in our beautiful Coral Sea.

A huge thank you to every one of you!

We’re now heading into a critical time for the campaign: the draft plan for the Coral Sea is expected to be launched this month. This will be your chance to send a message to the Environment Minister and his department that you want this magnificent marine treasure to be highly protected for all time. Stay tuned for more news in the coming weeks.

Queenslanders support visionary protection for our Coral Sea

At a crucial time in the federal government’s marine planning process, a poll demonstrates strong support for a marine national park in Australia’s Coral Sea.  Read more here.

Ocean Elders support our campaign

We are thrilled to announce that Ocean Elders, an independent group of global ocean leaders, have sent a letter to our Prime Minister supporting the creation of the world’s largest, highly protected marine park in the Coral Sea.  Ocean Elders include our Patron Dr Sylvia Earle as well as Sir Richard Branson, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Ted Turner, Jackson Browne and others.  Read more here.

A Humpback whale to send a message to our politicians

During November we are taking our campaign directly to the Prime Minister by splashing our message across a giant billboard at Canberra Airport.

If you are in Canberra keep an eye out for Jurgen Freund’s stunning Humpback whale image – you can’t miss it!

Follow the campaign on Facebook

We have reached over 10,000 fans! Follow us on Facebook for the most up to date news on the campaign as well as interesting articles and links on marine issues. Why not join us now if you haven’t already! www.facebook.com/protectourcoralsea.  You can ‘like’ us too!

Upcoming Events – Get Involved!

 

5 November, Sydney
Mosman Art and Craft Markets

Come along to say hi, make a Coral Sea kite or paint a marine themed masterpiece at the Protect our Coral Sea stall at the Mosman Square & Village Green, Spit Junction – open 8am to 3pm.

15 November, Australia Zoo, Beerwah
Steve Irwin Day

To commemorate Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo will host a day of fun and festivity – all with a great conservation message! Protect our Coral Sea will be having a stall and campaigner Daisy Barham will be there to encourage the crowd to care equally about the creatures below the waves. If you’d like to help out, please contact Daisy at amcs@amcs.org.au

 

16 November, Brisbane
Steve Irwin Day

Come along and hear Coral Sea campaigner Daisy Barham speak about our campaign and mingle with other marine guardians including Paul Watson at the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's Cocktails With The Captain event on Wednesday, 16 November 2011 @ 7:30pm in Brisbane. To purchase your ticket to this great event please visit www.cocktailswiththecaptain.com

23 November, Cairns
Coral Sea History Night

A very special Coral Sea event is being planned at the Centre of Contemporary Arts in Cairns. This night will feature stories focusing on the fascinating maritime and natural history of the Coral Sea. Its shipwrecks, battles and spectacular wildlife provide the backdrop for an evening that promises both entertainment and inspiration. If you live in Cairns keep this evening free - stay tuned for further information.

26 November, Canberra
Foreshore Festival

Protect our Coral Sea will have a stall at this festival – if you are around come along and say hi.  Our spokesfish Barry Wrasse will make an appearance.

Media Moments

Check out the word on the street: http://www.protectourcoralsea.org.au/news-media

Divers: get creative and win!

Attention all divers: we are running a competition and would love you to be involved. Simply get your dive club together and take a photo incorporating the Protect Our Coral Sea logo to be in the running.  It is as simple as 1) Get some divers together, 2) Take a great photo 3) Share your photo around.

This is a great opportunity to help raise awareness of the Protect our Coral Sea campaign amongst your dive club and get publicity for helping marine conservation all while having fun!  For more info and to register to be involved, click here.

Business Support

Businesses can now also register their support for the proposed Coral Sea marine park.  Simply head to our Business Support page and fill in the online form.  It doesn't cost anything for your business to register its support and your business will then be added to our 'honour roll'.

We would love your help!

This is a call out for volunteers to help us at the Foreshore Festival to be held on 26 November in Canberra. If you're interested in a free ticket in exchange for helping us at our stall please contact Beth at beth@protectourcoralsea.org.au.

If you’d like to volunteer at other times, we’d love to hear from you:

• in Cairns contact Steve: marine@cafnec.org.au
• in Brisbane contact Daisy: amcs@amcs.org.au
• in Sydney contact Beth: beth@protectourcoralsea.org.au