by Xanthe Rivett

Australia’s territorial waters cover an area twice the size of our land.  Under international convention we have both the rights and responsibilities to these waters.

Recently, Threatened Species Day marked an opportune time to acknowledge and celebrate some of the marine species and rich diversity that we have responsibility for in our waters.
 
In Australia’s Coral Sea 341 bird and animal species are included on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and over half (51%) of these species show declining population trends.  

Five Red List species are taken commercially within the Coral Sea: the Humphead or Maori Wrasse (endangered), Bigeye Tuna (vulnerable) and Yellowfin Tuna, Albacore Tuna and Striped Marlin (near threatened).  

Other species on the IUCN Red List that are found in the CSCZ include 46 species of sharks and rays, 24 seabird species and 26 species of whale and dolphin, including endangered blue, sei and fin whales.

The endangered scalloped hammerhead shark is found in the Coral Sea as well as the largest fish in the world—the whale shark—which is listed as Vulnerable.

Right now the federal government is considering the future of the Coral Sea within Australian waters.

The federal government has recognised the value of the Coral Sea by declaring a Conservation Zone over the entire area, but this does not change existing uses, and it’s a temporary measure.

We need the government to go further and create the world’s largest permanent marine park.  By protecting the Coral Sea we can make this area a safe haven for the 341 IUCN red-listed species which live there and safeguard its biodiversity for the future.

Prominent Australians have added their support to the creation of a Coral Sea Marine Park. Protect our Coral Sea Ambassadors; John Williamson, Jesse Martin, Pat Rafter, Tim Winton, Kristy Hinze, Akira Isogawa and Isabel Lucas have all added their voice in a new video being released to coincide with Threatened Species Day, urging Australians to help protect our Coral Sea.

“Under the ocean there are hundreds of threatened species, so I am 100% behind a huge marine park in the Coral Sea." said musician John Williamson.  

Tim Winton said, “The Coral Sea is one of the world's last great refuges for marine species and right now we have a historic opportunity to turn it into one of the world's greatest marine parks, but we need your help.  Please, sign up, and help us protect the Coral Sea.”

For more information on how you can help protect our Coral Sea go to www.protectourcoralsea.org.au.

Xanthe Rivett is the Cairns & Regional Outreach Manager for the Protect Our Coral Sea Campaign.