‘Opening our eyes underwater’

REBECCA HUBBARD, Ocean Planet: Ocean Planet website and posters launched: oceanplanet.org.au opens our eyes underwater MR Aug 21
Ocean Planet is today launching their new website that will educate and excite Tasmanians about the Tasmanian marine environment. The site aims to help Tasmanians learn more about our unique and valuable marine environment, and the need for securing ocean health for the future.
The site was launched today by Olympian Shane Gould and third generation Tasmanian fisherman, Bob Drysdale. Ocean Planet promotes the need for ocean protection from a variety of users’ perspectives and is proud to list as supporters international oceanographer Philippe Cousteau Jnr, Dunalley Slip owner Paccy Stronach, crayfisherman Dave Wyatt, Tasmanian musician Cameron Tapp, and champion yachtswoman Adrienne Cahalan.

‘This site is an important tool for education about the protection of Tasmania’s much loved marine environment. The Australian and Tasmanian governments have committed to protecting oceans and the public needs to help them reach that goal,’ said Ocean Planet Coordinator Rebecca Hubbard.

‘Over the decades I’ve watched natural refuges for fish disappear, so now we need to create them. Marine protection is imperative if our grandkids are going to enjoy the bounty of the oceans that we have,’ said third generation fisherman Bob Drysdale.

‘I’ve spent more hours swimming in the ocean than I ever did training in the pool, so it’s great to support the Ocean Planet project that promotes this wondrous environment to our community,’ said Olympian Shane Gould.

‘This site is great to look at, highly informative and a gateway for getting involved, so it will be a really useful tool for everyone ranging from students, to local community groups and scientists,’ Ms Hubbard concluded.

The site is funded by the Australian government through the ‘Caring for Our Country’ initiative and is hosted by Ocean Planet, a non-government ocean advocacy group. The Ocean Planet website and initiative are partnered by Environment Tasmania, Australian Marine Conservation Society, Tasmanian Conservation Trust and the Tasmanian Wilderness Society.