South-West marine wildlife guide launched

• Marine wildlife of southern WA guide launched
• Helps people identify wildlife and report incidents

People enjoying Western Australia's marine areas will be able to identify and report threatened and unusual marine wildlife with the help of an informative new guide.

The durable, waterproof publication is designed for boaters to use when at sea and a paper version has been produced for schools and public education programs.

Environment Minister Bill Marmion today released the Marine wildlife of southern WA guide today at Shoalwater Islands Marine Park in Rockingham.  It provides information on key marine animals, including seals, whales, dolphins, turtles, penguins and some fish and waterbirds of conservation significance.

The guide was produced by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and covers the waters from Shark Bay Marine Park to the South Australian border, including the newly-created Ngari Capes Marine Park, between Busselton and Augusta.

"The State Government has created two new marine parks this year, at Ngari Capes and Camden Sound in the Kimberley, and these add to the protection of Western Australia's coastal waters and wildlife," Mr Marmion said.

"Providing information to raise awareness of the region's marine values and wildlife, and on appropriate behaviour by boaters and fishers, is one of the most effective ways to encourage sustainable activities by people using WA's marine areas.

"As well as identifying key marine species, the booklet also contains information on how to report marine animals in distress, and general information about marine parks and conservation issues.

The Minister also congratulated Rockingham Regional Environment Centre (Naragebup) for receiving $1,600 for a tank to rehabilitate threatened green and loggerhead turtle hatchlings under the State Government's Environmental Community Grants program.

"DEC is developing a close partnership with Naragebup, to the extent that the department's Shoalwater Islands Marine Park rangers and their boat will be based at the environment centre," he said.

      Fact File

• Copies of guide available from DEC offices in Denham, Jurien Bay, Hillarys, Rockingham, Busselton and Walpole
• Guides can be downloaded at http://www.marineparks.wa.gov.au
• Marine wildlife of southern WA guide complements the NW guide, launched last year
• Guide sponsored by ExxonMobil Australia

Minister's office - 6552 6800