The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment used World Oceans Day last week (8 June) to remind the community of the importance of oceans for our environment.
Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley said the Department’s new Oceans Leadership Package signalled an exciting new phase of its commitment to ocean health by advancing blue carbon initiatives and marine biodiversity.
“Consultation has begun on the establishment of a Marine Protected Area larger than the size of France in Australia’s Indian Ocean Territories which could see formal protection across up to 45 per cent of the nation’s oceans,” Ms Ley said.
“Australia already has one of the largest networks of marine parks in the world, protecting over 3.3 million sq km of our marine jurisdiction and this expansion will further support the health of our oceans,” she said.
“Healthy oceans not only provide a raft of food, recreation and trade services, but also produce 50 per cent of our oxygen, absorb 93 per cent of heat caused by human activity and up to 30 per cent of carbon dioxide emissions.”
Ms Ley said the Department was working with farmers, traditional owners and local communities to protect coastal environments and water run-off hazards; working to get plastic out of Australia’s oceans; and tackling the scourge of ghost nets.
“We can all play a role, firstly by recycling our own waste and keeping pollution out of our oceans and also by being part of clean-up campaigns,” she said.
“From working with the fishing industry to reduce by-catch and ensure sustainability, to the reconstruction of native shellfish reefs and the everyday things we can all do to keep waste out of our waterways and oceans, today is a chance for everyone to think about the difference they can make.”
