The remote and goregous Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia has finally been given World Heritage status by the United Nations.   Read the news story.

Ningaloo in Western Australia is one of the longest fringing reefs on the planet and a diver's dream. Six of the world's seven marine turtle species, all of which are listed as vulnerable or endangered, live in the vicinity. It is home to hundreds of species of coral and fish, including sharks, dolphins, manta rays and humpback whales. Every autumn whale sharks congregate in the area to feed.

Earlier this year, Sea Turtle Restoration Project's members, activists and allied groups generated 3,000 letters opposing Shell's plans to drill near the reef. World Heritage status should help stop that destructive fossil fuel project.

Well known and loved Australian novelist and ocean conservationist Tim Winton spearheaded efforts to protect Ningaloo over the last decade. He said, "This is a great day for those many ordinary Australians who worked tirelessly over many years to ensure this natural wonder got the recognition and protection it deserves. This is one for the patriots who never lost hope. In such challenging times, it’s a reminder that positive change is still possible.”

Nevertheless, the oil and gas industry is working with all their might to close the door to new marine parks. From the northern tropical seas to the southern temperate oceans, oil companies, including those responsible for the recent oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico and our own Timor Sea, are pushing to ensure access to every corner of our oceans.

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