EARTH ALERT
Help Australia while you still can!
Welcome to Earth Alert! Each month I will publish a new section to help you become more aware of you surroundings and ways to help our world become a better place!
Seals are in trouble all over the world, in Canada the government has allowed the slaughter of up to 250 000 seals. The reason? So they can sell more Canadian fish - which the seals live on. Many are brutally clubbed to death in order to make a buck from their meat or fur. Often their mangled bodies are left to rot on the beaches, staining the sea water red. In Australia seals are being savagely mutilated by swimming into fishing lines or nets. Once they are entangled in these, there is little hope for escape. If they manage too break free or are saved, they are so traumatised many have to be put down. The lucky few are saved by places like Sydney's Taronga Park Zoo. You don't have to be stashed with cash to sponsor a seal. Sponsorship starts at $50 and goes towards vet costs and food expenses. Groups or individuals can pledge money and you'll get newsletters, free entry, stickers, certificates, and information updates. To do your bit and help save the seals, phone, (02) 9978 4602 fax (02) 9697 515 or write to PO Box 20, Mosman, NSW 2088. ( Australia )
ADOPT A TREE!
The Wilderness Society
A living gift that's not a dead give-away! "Adopt A Tree" in Barrington Tops and help preserve a wilderness area under threat. Your sponsorship kit contains photo, certificate, information, discount at the Wilderness Shop and more, for $40. Call 1800 67 67 33 for the free brochure.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the most protected coral reef in the world, but it's still at it's crisis point. These are just some of the destructive forces from which the reef needs protection:
ALGAE:- The reef needs clear, shallow water to thrive, but agricultural deposits, such as nitrate and phosphate fertilisers, can lead to changes in the ecosystems and can upset underwater creatures.
TOURISM - The main problem caused by tourism is excess sewage. Also, thousands of years of coral formation can be quickly devastated by one nosy diver or stray anchor. The Whitsunday Islands have been particularly hard hit. So when visiting, be careful of our natural wonders.
CROWN OF THORNS STARFISH - The Crown of Thorns Starfish (COTS) cause major problems because the starfishes favourite food is coral. In recent years there have been two main outbreaks of COTS, and spots of localised damage, but scientists are still trying to understand exactly why these outbreaks occur.
AND THE FUTURE? - The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority was created to look after World Heritage site. The Authority is currently establishing a zoning plan to keep certain areas of the Reef set aside for activities, such as snorkelling, diving, fishing, boating, and collecting. Other zones are National Park zones where fishing and collecting of sea objects, such as coral, won't be allowed. Currently, oil drilling and mining are prohibited on the Reef and anyone who harms the Great Barrier Reef is slapped with a big fine.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? - * Educate others on the sensitivity of the Great Barrier Reef. * Make sure you don't break any of the Marine Park Authority guidelines - they are to protect the Reef. * Don't collect shells, coral or take anything from the reef because each organism plays a part in the Reef's life cycle.* When you do go to the Reef you can be an information gatherer for COTSWATCH. While you are snorkelling or diving keep an eye out for COTS locations. Individual sightings are vital because they help catch outbreaks in the early stages. Phone (077) 500 700 for more info.
TURTLE POWER
Marine turtles have lived for over 100 million years and six out seven species of marine turtles in the world live in Australian waters. They are all experiencing sever threats to their survival due to pollution, fishing lines, poachers and feral animals. The Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, Leatherback, Green Hawksbill and Flatback Turtles are all on endangered or vulnerable lists. If you care about turtles, the Australian Conservation Agency came up with these turtle tips:
* Go turtle watching at Mon Repos Conservation Park, QLD, or other organised venues.* Do not throw rubbish into the sea. * Keep dogs on a leash near nesting beaches. * Avoid campfires, torches or boat lights near nesting beaches. * Record any sightings of dead turtles you see and identify possible cause of death. Send these details to your local conservation department. For more info contact The Endangered Species Unit, GPO Box 636, Canberra, ACT, 2601. Tel (06) 2500 200
All of the above articles were taken from various Girlfriend Magazine Articles over many years. If there are any problems please contact me.
