Senator Peter Whish-Wilson calls on the upcoming Meeting of Environment Ministers to review lethal shark mitigation measures as a priority agenda item. This comes at the end of a whale migration season that saw an unprecedented number of whales caught in shark nets and as a coalition of NGOs announces a full costing for Queensland to transition from lethal to non-lethal measures.
 

A study released today by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies reveals a decline in numbers of endemic Tasmanian species the Maugean Skate due to worsening environmental conditions linked to human activities. This raises the alarm on its listing status and lack of conservation plan.

Tasmanian Senator Whish-Wilson, Greens spokesperson for Healthy Oceans, today calls on Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley for a federally funded species recovery plan in light of this new information.

Greens Healthy Oceans spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, says damning new research into the harmful impacts of seismic testing will be raised by a Senate inquiry next week.
 
The ABC reports that research conducted by Fishwell Consulting found catch rates for whiting were down by 99.5 per cent at Lakes Entrance where French company, CGG, are conducting a seismic survey for oil and gas.
 

Greens Healthy Oceans spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, comments on data released today revealing high numbers of threatened and protected species killed in New South Wales shark nets.

The Department of Primary Industries report details the latest annual figures for the NSW Shark Meshing Program 2019-20.

Greens Healthy Oceans spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, welcomes the NSW Government’s investment in non-lethal shark mitigation measures announced today, but calls for the immediate removal of lethal shark nets. 
 
Senator Whish-Wilson said, “I’m disappointed that the NSW Government has chosen to continue its use of lethal shark nets. 
 
“There is no evidence that lethal methods make ocean-goers safe and are instead, designed to provide a false sense of security. If the NSW Government has evidence to the contrary, I would be very surprised.  
 

Senator Whish-Wilson today comments on breaking news that a whale and calf are currently caught in shark nets near the Gold Coast and calls on the Queensland Government to remove shark nets during whale migration season.
 
“Footage of the two trapped whales is sickening to watch.
 
“Just how much more distress must Australians experience as they watch from around the country and from their own beaches, until the Queensland Government puts a stop to a policy that doesn't work?

Greens Healthy Oceans spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson and Queensland Senator Larissa Waters have written to Mark Furner, Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, after media reports that a Queensland man is under investigation for releasing a whale calf entangled in a shark net at Burleigh Heads.

Senator Whish-Wilson said, "The man in question - dubbed 'Tinny Man' by locals - received a standing ovation from people watching from the shore who were frustrated and distressed at seeing nothing being done.

Greens Healthy Oceans spokesperson, Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, urges the Federal Government to end exemptions granted to state governments that allow them to conduct trials of lethal shark control measures after a humpback whale was entangled in a shark net off the Queensland coast earlier today. 
 
Senator Whish-Wilson said, "Lethal shark measures are indiscriminate killers and weapons of mass destruction to protected marine life. This morning’s whale entanglement is yet more sobering evidence of this.”
 

Tasmanian Greens Senators Peter Whish-Wilson and Nick McKim have expressed dismay at NOPSEMA's approval of oil and gas exploration in the Otway Basin.

NOPSEMA this week approved 3D Oil’s application to undertake seismic testing 18km west of King Island (Tas) and 56km south of Cape Otway (Vic).

Senator Whish-Wilson said, "This decision means we are one step closer to seeing oil rigs off Tasmania's coast.

Greens Senators Richard Di Natale, Nick McKim and Peter Whish-Wilson will today join Tasmanian surfers in calling for a ban on oil and gas exploration in the Great Australian Bight.

Senator Di Natale said, "Today we’re standing with surfers and other oceangoers in saying no to oil and gas in the Great Australian Bight.

"It's just not worth the risk to our marine environment and to our climate.

"The fossil fuel era is coming to an end. This means companies are chasing the last oil and gas into deeper and more dangerous waters than ever."