The Coral Sea is a tropical marine jewel which lies east of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It's one of the last places on Earth where large marine animals such as whales, dolphins, sea turtles and sharks can still be found in great numbers. Yet less than 1% of this Serengeti of the Seas is protected.
Right now the Australian government is considering the future of the Coral Sea within Australian waters. But we only have a short time to urge the Parliament to fully protect this vibrant marine ecosystem.
Home to spectacular coral reefs, remote islands, towering underwater mountains and deep-sea canyons, the Coral Sea is truly a special place on a global scale that deserves protection – but we only have until 5 March 2010 to convince the Australian government! Please sign our petition to help protect the Coral Sea and make it a safe haven for marine life.
Dear
[Decision Maker],
As my federal Member of Parliament, I am writing to ask you to support full protection for the Coral Sea within Australian waters. The Coral Sea lies to the east of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and extends to our maritime border with Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia. It hosts spectacular coral reefs, remote islands, towering underwater mountains and deep-sea canyons, and is home to whales, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, rays and seabirds.
In the last 50 years, 90% of the world's big ocean-going fish have disappeared due to overfishing. The Coral Sea is one of the last places on Earth where large marine animals can still be found in great numbers, making it a special place on a global scale.
The Coral Sea is of great historic significance. In May 1942, it was the arena for the Battle of the Coral Sea, and many shipwrecks can be found on its scattered and diverse reefs.
I welcome Minister Garrett's recognition of the value of the Coral Sea by declaring a Conservation Zone over the area. I believe the Coral Sea Conservation Zone should become a permanent, fully protected, marine park.
Given that less than one tenth of one percent of the world's ocean is fully protected, there could be no better ocean legacy for future generations.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this important issue and I look forward to your reply.
[Your personal note will be here.]
