|
Dear Justine Elliot,
As my federal Member of Parliament, I am writing to ask you to support full protection for the Coral Sea within Australian waters.
The Coral Sea lies to the east of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and extends to our maritime border with Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia. It hosts spectacular coral reefs, remote islands, towering underwater mountains and deep-sea canyons, and is home to whales, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, rays and seabirds.
In the last 50 years, 90% of the world’s big ocean-going fish have disappeared due to overfishing. The Coral Sea is one of the last places on Earth where large marine animals can still be found in great numbers, making it a special place on a global scale.
The Coral Sea is of great historic significance. In May 1942, it was the arena for the Battle of the Coral Sea, and many shipwrecks can be found on its scattered and diverse reefs.
I welcome Minister Garrett's recognition of the value of the Coral Sea by declaring a Conservation Zone over the area. I believe the Coral Sea Conservation Zone should become a permanent, fully protected, marine park.
Given that less than one tenth of one percent of the world’s ocean is fully protected, there could be no better ocean legacy for future generations.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this important issue and I look forward to your reply.
Yours sincerely,
John Cooley
| 
