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The voice for Australia’s oceans
01/12/2021

This quarter we are supporting Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) and donating 10% of our profits for the months of December, January, February and March. The work they are doing for our ocean is extremely important which is why we asked AMCS to share a little bit more about their history, goals and what we can be doing to help save the future of Australia’s oceans.

Loess: How long has Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) been operating, and what was the driving force for starting the organisation?
AMCS: Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) was formed over 55 years ago by a community of scientists and ocean conservationists, who came together to take action to protect our marine life.
Our first major campaign commenced in the mid 1960s, when we legally contested and successfully defeated an application to mine coral on the Great Barrier Reef. This victory was followed by Australia’s largest sea-based campaign which culminated in the formation of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park World Heritage Area – an international tourist destination and one of the natural wonders of the world.
Since this great endeavour, AMCS has continued to secure the protection of habitats and species throughout Australia’s oceans.
Together we advocate for real, evidence-based solutions based on the best available science. We work closely with research centres across the globe, and employ conservation experts to drive our work safeguarding the future of Australia’s amazing oceans.

 

L: What is the AMCS vision?
AMCS: AMCS is the voice for Australia’s oceans, with a vision for thriving oceans for a healthy planet. We are the guardians for marine life, and we connect people, science, and action to protect Australia’s extraordinary oceans.

“OUR OCEANS FACE MORE CHALLENGES TODAY THAN EVER BEFORE.”

L: Are there any challenges AMCS currently faces trying to achieve the organisations vision?
AMCS: Our oceans face more challenges today than ever before. As Australia’s leading marine conservation organisation, AMCS, has its work cut out in the face of the climate and extinction crises and unsustainable fishing practices. It is a constant struggle to protect our already weak environment laws, which are being undermined for short-term profit and politics. Our leaders’ lack of climate action is of huge concern for the future of our seas, as is overcoming the apathy, despondency or lack of awareness among the general public of just how critical the next ten years are.
And as with most charity organisations, lack of funding to address these issues is a perennial challenge, but we are fortunate to have a strong crew of supporters behind us. The majority of our funding comes from individual donors who know that every cent contributes to protecting our oceans and its wildlife. It’s their belief in our methods and our shared values that drive us further to succeed. We have a strong track record of achieving positive results for our oceans with very limited budgets, but there is always so much more we could achieve, if we had the funds.

 

L: To date, what are some of the biggest successes AMCS has accomplished?
AMCS: Together with our supporters, we have:

  • Protected critical ocean ecosystems with marine reserves around the nation, including Ningaloo and the Great Barrier Reef
  • Led the movement to ban whaling
  • Stopped supertrawlers
  • Protected threatened and endangered species like the Australian sea lion
  • Driven the bans on single use plastics around the country
  • Provided the tools to help people make informed seafood choices.

We still have a lot of work to do, but our immense love and pride for our oceans drives us every day to act.

L: Are you able to provide any insight around what a single donation is able to achieve?
AMCS: $20 Will fund 5 resource kits for businesses, councils and communities to eliminate lethal plastics which are washed out to sea.
$65 Can help continue our work to champion for better protection of our special marine places and ecosystems.
$200 Can help to fund a shark public relations campaign to demystify these apex species in the media

 

L: Besides monetary donations, what other ways can people help to make a difference with AMCS?
AMCS: There are many ways you can support our important work without donating money. You can support AMCS by joining our mailing list, following our Facebook page or checking out our website for actions you can take, like signing a petition or writing a letter to a politician.

L: Is there any other information you’d like to share with our readers?
AMCS: Our ability to undertake key projects to raise awareness of marine conservation issues and advocate for the marine environment is dependent on the financial and in-kind support of the business community, partners and individuals who want to make a difference for our oceans. It is because of our supporters that we are able to continue protecting our precious marine life, so thank you!

 

If you would like to learn more about AMCS or donate directly to their organisation, you can visit their website here.

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