Oceans
The area of the Earth's surface covered by oceans is 71%, yet only 0.5% of the world's oceans are protected.
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Marine protected areas safeguard the ocean's rich diversity of life while supporting local economies. They provide a safe haven for commercial fish stocks as well as endangered species and offer alternative sources of income for local people, such as tourism. Marine parks act as an insurance policy for the future both for marine life and local people.
In Australia, WWF is focusing on marine protected areas, sustainable fishing, tracking marine debris and marine turtle protection. We also actively campaign for the protection of the gentle giants of the ocean - whales.
We are focused on establishing a world class protected area system and improving water quality from land based pollution for the Great Barrier Reef. WWF achieved a milestone with the expansion, by 9.9 million hectares, of 'green zones' in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
For many years, we've worked to increase protection of the spectacular Ningaloo Reef which culminated in the West Australian Government increasing sanctuary zones along the Ningaloo Coast from 10 to 34 percent.
Australia's Coral Sea, near the Great Barrier Reef, is one of the last remaining tropical wilderness areas in the world. But this majestic "Serengeti of the Sea" faces an uncertain future.
WWF wants the Australian Government to declare the Coral Sea a "Marine Protected Area", to safeguard this underwater sanctuary for future generations.
But we need your help! Join WWF's campaign to Save the Coral Sea by signing the petition and donating to our Coral Sea appeal. More information.
Recent Oceans News
Conservation Priorities for Western Australia
The next Government of Western Australia has the opportunity and responsibility to secure some of Australia's most important biodiversity assets and ecosystem services. It is far cheaper to maintain our natural systems than it is to attempt to restore them. WWF has identified its priority conservation issues for Western Australia, and how these can be best addressed by the next Government.
Continue reading 'Conservation Priorities for Western Australia'
WWF-tagged turtle swims into troubled Kimberley waters
Ana, a female green turtle satellite-tagged in East Java, Indonesia less than a month ago as part of a WWF turtle tracking project, is now closing in on the undeveloped Dampier Peninsula (Kimberley) coast where a contentious gas processing facility and port may be built.
www.seaturtle.org/tracking/index.shtml?tag_id=52947
Illegal Toothfish still on the plate: WWF and TRAFFIC call for tougher measures against illegal fishing
WWF and TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, are calling for enhanced monitoring measures and for trade sanctions to be imposed against countries continuing to undermine the conservation measures for Toothfish.
Tough regulations needed to save Great Barrier Reef
WWF-Australia has called for the nation's toughest farm regulations to protect the iconic Great Barrier Reef.
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