jack johnson Sydney’s beautiful harbour conceals an amazing array of underwater sea life, even busier than Sydney itself at rush hour! Apart from fish – and there are over 580 species in the harbour – there are amazing seahorses, turtles, dolphins and penguins. An of course, the odd whale often drops in for a day or two as they make their way past on their annual migration journeys.

With a growing population of over 4 million residents in Sydney, the pressure on our marine ecosystem is extreme. Yet the Sydney lifestyle revolves around the harbour and its amazing beaches. Sydneysiders enjoy swimming, surfing, boating, fishing, snorkelling and diving – to name just a few of our favourite activities. The harbour is also a huge drawcard for national and international tourists! Ask anyone what they are doing to celebrate New Year’s Eve and the answer invariably is: heading to the harbour to watch the fireworks – it just wouldn’t be the same without those beautiful reflections!

What about the future?

So how do we ensure the future of this iconic, yet living entity at the heart of Sydney? The Nature Conservation Council (NCC) of NSW and the National Park Association (NPA) of NSW are calling for greater protection of the unique marine life of Sydney’s harbour and oceans through the creation of a Sydney Marine Park. Once established, this would be the world’s only marine park based around a major city!

“In the heart of Australia’s largest city lies a remarkable underwater world,” Nature Conservation Council of NSW Chief Executive Officer Pepe Clarke said.

“The diversity of marine life beneath Sydney Harbour is just as iconic as the Opera House and Bridge above it. There are more varieties of fish in Sydney Harbour alone than off the coast of Europe or in New Zealand’s waters.”

“A recent survey found 89 per cent of Sydney residents support the protection of the marine environment. It’s clear the Sydney community recognises the importance of better management for healthy oceans. Now it’s time for our political leaders to follow through with the protection of our much-loved aquatic habitats and marine life with the creation of Sydney Marine Park.”

To the Sea – Jack Johnson

And now it seems that the NCC has landed its own big fish – Jack Johnson! Internationally renowned surfer, singer and laconic songwriter Jack Johnson has come out in support of the importance of marine parks for the conservation of Australia's oceans and the creatures that call them home.

Taking time out from his extremely eco conscious “To The Sea” tour on Thursday 9 December 2010, Jack Johnson joined Sydney radio station Nova FM's Ryan, Monty and Wippa at Bondi RSL to play some acoustic tunes down at Bondi. There he urged people of Sydney to visit the NCC website and sign the petition in support of creating a Sydney Marine Park.

“The beauty and vitality of our oceans is a constant source of inspiration for my music and life," Jack said.

“The largest variety of marine life anywhere in the world lives off Australia’s coast, with many of your special marine creatures found nowhere else on the planet. It is our responsibility to make sure healthy oceans and abundant marine life can be enjoyed by everyone now and in the future.”

“Join me in helping to ensure Australia’s unique ocean life and habitats are protected by supporting marine parks.”

It’s Up to YOU

The current political situation in NSW, with an upcoming state election in March 2011, provides a great opportunity to influence the politicians to act on our behalf. This topic is also top of the list at federal level at the moment with Tony Burke soon to make a decision about which parts of Australia's Southwest Marine Region will receive protection from fishing and oil and gas exploration.

Now is the time to show your support – you can:

Right now, we have a unique opportunity to establish a large marine park to protect the diverse and beautiful marine life of Sydney’s harbour and beaches. But we can’t do it without you.


Written by Suze Chalmers

Image Credit: Suze Chalmers