4 August 2009
Yesterday in Townsville world renowned oceanographer and deep ocean explorer, Dr Sylvia Earle, supported calls for a fully protected Coral Sea Heritage Park and called for the protection of the Coral Sea in order to give hope to the future of our oceans.
Dr Earle has over fifty years of Oceongraphic experience, is the former Chief Scientist of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration and is currently Explorer in Residence at the National Geographic Society. Speaking at the Marine Talks Program of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville yesterday, Dr Earle described the Coral Sea as a “Hope Spot”, one area in a network of potential marine protected areas that if achieved, will be large enough to save and restore the ocean, the blue heart of the planet.
"If we could embrace them (Hope Spots) it really does buy us more time in the face of the dire global threats we are facing, like climate change...We can move forward with a sense of confidence if we put in place these Hope Spots", said Dr Earle.
"Here in Australia, the establishment of a conservation zone (in the Coral Sea) by Peter Garrett is evidence of a brilliant move in the right direction, it really gives up hope.
Going forward, with these Hope Spots... we can stabilise the oceans, there is still 10% of big ocean fish left. (If we don't do anything) Our kids will say to us why didn't you do something". This is the most exciting time now to get things right.”
Steve Ryan, Marine Campaigner for CAFNEC said "This week's Pacific Island Forum will discuss the many threats faced by peoples, land and seas of our region. Ocean health is central to this discussion and is linked to the very real and immediate challenges brought to the region through climate change.
"This call is a timely reminder that the challenges facing the oceans of our region are reflected in the global crisis facing the health of our oceans and the communities that rely on them. By permanently protecting the Coral Sea, Australia can provide global leadership and make a significant contribution in turning this process of degradation around," concluded Mr Ryan.
For comment: Steve Ryan
For
more information on Dr Sylvia Earle : http://www.ted.com/speakers/sylvia_earle.html