MEDIA ALERT

WHAT: 

Sharks play a key role in marine ecosystems, keeping the food chain balanced and coral reefs healthy. However, despite this cultural and ecological importance, shark numbers are falling at an alarming rate, declining by around 70 percent since the 1970s. 

The Federal Government has an important role to play in protecting endangered marine life killed by lethal shark nets and drumlines deployed by the states. It also has a significant role in driving national investment in emerging shark risk mitigation measures to protect ocean goers. 

Unfortunately the Government at various levels has deliberately avoided taking any responsibility and has shown no leadership in this critical matter of public interests. 

The Greens will today be calling for a radical rethink on shark mitigation, conservation and social rhetoric and launch a fully funded national shark mitigation plan that protects both precious marine life and people, and is based on extensive evidence from a ground-breaking Senate inquiry.

WHEN: 1:30pm TODAY, Thursday 10 March

WHERE: Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026

WHO: 

• Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, Australian Greens spokesperson for healthy oceans

• Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Australian Greens spokesperson for animal welfare

• Cr Kym Chapple, Greens councillor for Randwick City Council

Media Contacts:
WHISH-WILSON - Eddie Gray; 0439 002 881
FARUQI - Mich de Waal; 0474 437 111