The South Australian Government has teamed up with global marine conservation group, Sea Shepherd, to bolster protection efforts for Australian sea lion populations and the diverse wildlife of the Great Australian Bight.
Under this agreement, marine scientists and rangers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service will utilize Sea Shepherd's new vessel, Southern Defender, and its crew to support the recovery of the critically endangered Australian sea lion. The Sea Shepherd crew will assist park staff in conducting research and monitoring of the sea lion population, as well as monitoring coastal raptors, controlling weeds on nearby islands, and cleaning up remote beaches.
The entire Australian sea lion population is estimated to be less than 12,000, with 85% residing in South Australia's waters. The species faces significant threats, including entanglement in marine debris and fishing gear, climate change, human disturbance, disease, pollution, and overfishing, which reduces access to prey.
The Great Australian Bight is a haven for a vast array of marine life, 85% of which is unique to the region. The Bight provides essential habitat for species including 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 important southern right whale nurseries, offering a safe breeding and calving area.
Susan Close, a government official, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that it exemplifies how government and non-profit conservation organizations can work together to maximize benefits for native wildlife. She thanked Sea Shepherd for the opportunity for government rangers, scientists, and ecologists to work alongside their dedicated team in the field.
Sea Shepherd Australia Managing Director, Jeff Hanson, highlighted the organization's long history of collaborating with governments to address large-scale conservation challenges. He emphasized the immense scale of the problems facing the planet, ocean, and marine life, underscoring the necessity of collective action. He expressed pride in working with the South Australian Government to protect Australian sea lions in the Great Australian Bight.
Sea Shepherd's new boat, the Southern Defender, represents a symbol of collaboration and honors the decades of tireless work by government agency marine scientists and park rangers from the National Park and Wildlife Service for Australian sea lions. The Southern Defender also serves as a beacon of hope for these charismatic animals, reflecting Sea Shepherd's belief that action is essential for hope.
With Australian sea lion populations having declined by over 60% in the past four decades, urgent intervention is crucial. Sea Shepherd's campaign will provide vital support through dedicated crew members and the newly equipped vessel, Southern Defender, which will play a central role in recovery efforts and raise awareness globally.