Awareness campaign highlights unique features of Victoria's marine world
Monday, 20 September 2010
Media release
The Victorian National Parks Association has launched a new television ad featuring some of Victoria's unique and beautiful marine life. The ad, which began screening across Victoria yesterday, is part of a new campaign to raise awareness about the unique values of our marine environment and some of the threats facing the state's marine and coastal areas. VNPA marine and coastal project officer Simon Branigan said the ad would help open many people's eyes to the wonders of Victoria's underwater world. |
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"The seas and shores around Victoria hide many natural treasures, we hope this ad will encourage people to find out how amazing yet vulnerable these areas are," Mr Branigan said.
"In fact, over 90% of plants and animals in Australia's southern waters are found nowhere else in the world.
"The underwater world is often hard to access, so we hope this campaign sparks some curiosity in people to learn more and get involved."
The awareness campaign follows the release of a scientific review of Victoria's marine environment, commissioned by the VNPA, which demonstrated the urgent need for further research and initiatives to better protect Victoria's marine environment.
"It has been 17 years since Victoria's last and only comprehensive state-wide study of the marine environment, and eight years since Victoria's last major marine protection initiative,'' Mr Branigan said.
"Victoria needs a comprehensive, science-based inquiry on our marine habitats, values and threats to fill the many gaps in our current knowledge.
"The inquiry, which could be conducted by the independent Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) or a similar, qualified body, should also consider opportunities for new protection initiatives and consult with the community and relevant stakeholders."
Behind the scenes with Mark Campbell
More information
- For Interview please contact Simon Branigan, VNPA Marine & Coastal Project Officer, on 0409 087 278.
- For media assistance contact Michaela Farrington, VNPA Communications Advisor, on 03 9341 6510.
Victoria's coasts and seas are beautiful and unique. But they are at risk. We need to protect our marine environment now and you can help.