Resources
The Conversation
19 September 2013
The growing demand for shark fin as an ingredient in Chinese cuisine has caused an explosion in the number of shark fisheries in recent decades. But sharks are important members of ocean food chains, and removing them can have unintended consequences. Our new study, conducted off the coast of northwest Australia, shows that killing sharks isn’t just bad for sharks; it can also harm coral reefs.
What do sharks have to do with coral? Read more
ABC News
06 January 2014
Queensland National Parks rangers say king tides later this month could have a devastating effect on nesting turtles at Mon Repos in Bundaberg.
Ranger Shane O'Connor says last year's floods caused severe erosion of the southern Queensland beach. Read more
The Conversation
28 May 2013
In the rainforests of northern Queensland, scientists and government are getting serious about protecting wildlife, plants and ecosystems from climate change. A couple of years ago, Mount Baldy in the Herberton Range near Atherton became part of Queensland’s protected area estate, in part because the mountains will remain cool enough under global warming for many species to survive there.
The area will act as a refuge as species move from the warming lowlands. Now the Queensland government is using resilience to climate change as the primary factor in deciding what new national parks to add across the state. Read more
The Conversation
22 August 2013
The Coalition will instate a Commissioner for Threatened Species should it form government, according to shadow environment minister Greg Hunt. The minister says that, while management plans for threatened species exist, they are not being enacted thoroughly enough.
For many the announcement is the first sign of relief in a campaign, from both major parties, that has been almost devoid of positive environmental policies. Most Australians do not want more of our species to become extinct, even if it does mean some constraints on development. Read more
The Newsport Daily
13 June 2013
Passengers on board Port's Poseidon catamaran yesterday had the thrill of a lifetime yesterday, with a Dwarf Minke Whale performing belly rolls within metres of snorkellers.
The five metre whale voluntarily approached the boat at the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs. Read more
ABC News
16 January 2014
Can mines coexist with a healthy reef? That's a notion Positive Change for Marine Life is exploring in a feature length documentary focussed on the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
It is one of Australia's most significant natural drawcards. Read more
Canberra Times
26 August 2013
Evidence is mounting of turbulent times ahead for marine fisheries undergoing climate change.
Australia's best-known ocean stream, the East Australian Current, will encourage growth of temperate marine life, according to new research. But at the same time in the Antarctic, the world's key krill fishery is said to be facing a loss of habitat. Read more
The Conversation
05 August 2013
Warming oceans are affecting the breeding patterns and habitat of marine life, according to a three-year international study published today in Nature Climate Change. This is effectively re-arranging the broader marine landscape as species adjust to a changing climate.
Scientific and public attention to the impacts of climate change has generally focused on how biodiversity and people are being affected on land. Read more
Science Network Western Australia
16 August 2013
CLIMATE change will threaten the survival of marine mammals according to researchers investigating the impact of rising air and sea surface temperatures on Australia’s ocean dwelling mammals.
They warn an increase in dugong mass-strandings could be among the consequences of climate change, in addition to reduced habitats and breeding success. Read more
The Conversation
30 August 2013
Last year the current government unveiled plans for the world’s largest network of marine parks around Australia’s coast. Now the Coalition has pledged to put a pause on the plan should it form government. The Coalition will halt all plans for new protected areas, and consult further with the fishing industry.
After many years and many dollars spent planning Australia’s network of marine protected areas, how has it come to this? Read more
