The South Australian Government has partnered with Sea Shepherd, a global marine conservation group, to bolster protection efforts for Australian sea lion populations and the diverse wildlife inhabiting the Great Australian Bight.
This collaboration will see marine scientists and rangers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service utilizing Sea Shepherd's new vessel, Southern Defender, and its crew to support the recovery of the critically endangered Australian sea lion.
Sea Shepherd's crew will assist park staff in conducting research and monitoring the sea lion population, as well as overseeing coastal raptor populations, weed control on nearby islands, and beach clean-up operations.
The Australian sea lion population is estimated to be less than 12,000 individuals, with 85% residing in South Australian waters. The species faces numerous threats including entanglement in marine debris and fishing gear, climate change, human disturbance, disease, pollution, and overfishing, which reduces their access to prey.
The Great Australian Bight is a haven for a wide array of marine life, 85% of which is unique to the region. The Bight serves as a crucial habitat for species such as giant squid, orcas, southern right whales, long-nosed fur seals, little penguins, dolphins, and the endangered Australian sea lions.
The Great Australian Bight Marine Park is recognized as one of the world's most significant southern right whale nurseries, providing a safe breeding and calving ground.
Susan Close, a representative of the South Australian Government, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "This is a fantastic outcome that shows how government and the not-for-profit conservation sector can work together and combine efforts to maximize the benefits for native wildlife."
Jeff Hanson, Managing Director of Sea Shepherd Australia, emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges facing marine life, stating, "Sea Shepherd has a long history of working with governments, to fill voids for large scale conservation outcomes. For the reality is, the problems our planet, ocean and precious marine life face are immense, so we must work together."
The Southern Defender, Sea Shepherd's new vessel, symbolizes the collaborative spirit of this initiative and honors the decades of dedicated work by government agency marine scientists and park rangers for the protection of Australian sea lions.
With Australian sea lion populations having declined by over 60% in the past four decades, urgent action is necessary. Sea Shepherd's campaign will provide vital support through dedicated crew members and the newly equipped Southern Defender, which will play a pivotal role in recovery efforts and raise global awareness.