Sea Shepherd in the Galapagos
Since 2000, Sea Shepherd has maintained a strong, positive presence in the Galapagos Islands. From patroling the Marine Reserve stopping illegal fishing activities, to busting shark finners, to educating the local youth, Sea Shepherd carries out its mission of promoting ocean conservation using a wide range of methods and actions.The Galapagos is our line in the sand. If humanity cannot protect such a unique and diverse ecosystem, we will not be able to protect any ecosystem. The Galapagos is a challenge and battlefield for the effort to halt human greed and destruction. These Enchanted Isles are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and this means all of us have a responsibility to help protect them from illegal exploitation.
| New laws to protect dugongs off Facing Island |
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| Tuesday, 14 July 2009 17:20 | |||
 New laws for commercial net fishermen will now afford greater protection for the local dugong population around Facing Island off the coast of Gladstone. Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the rules came in on 1 July 2009 and followed extensive community consultation.
"Concerns were raised by the community about net fishing, as the nets can inadvertently trap unwanted fish and animals by mistake. Over the past few years several dead dugong have washed up on the beaches of Facing Island and we want to avoid the unnatural deaths of all dugongs. "The new rules require fishers to be within 200 metres of the net at all times. In the past fishers have set their nets during the day and gone home, leaving the nets set overnight. Unfortunately this means they are not able to release trapped animals before they drown. "Fishers who abandon their nets could receive a $1000 on the spot fine or risk having their nets seized," he said. "The other option is court prosecution with a maximum penalty of $10,000. Should anyone see a net in the water unattended, they can report it to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116. (From bymnews.com, Facing Island, Queensland) 
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