[Greens-Media] Australia must act to save Coral Sea

[Twomey, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

Monday 17th September 2007

Australia must act to save Coral Sea

With corals newly added to the IUCN Red List of threatened and
endangered species, The Australian Greens are backing the call by the
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to declare the Coral Sea a marine protected
area.

"The Government needs to implement effective management and protection
of this globally significant region. This region is virtually
unprotected, and is facing immediate pressures from legal and illegal
fishing, as well as long term impacts from climate change. " said
Senator Rachel Siewert today.

"In the most recent IUCN Red List, coral has been listed as critically
endangered for the first time. Now, more than ever, we need to take
immediate action to protect this living wonder, as our coral is fast
disappearing."

"This could be our last chance to protect important coral habitats for
Australia's future generations."

"We urge the Australian Government to declare the entire Coral Sea
region as a marine protected area, which includes a comprehensive
network of marine sanctuaries" said Senator Siewert.

For more information or comment call 
Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025

Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au
http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au

RESCUE THE SENATE

Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens Spokesperson for Marine Conservation