Published Thursday, 31 January, 2008 at 02:23 PM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
Rare whale shark drops in to Moreton Bay
Moreton Bay hosted a rare guest this Australia Day long-weekend, a young whale shark was sighted and photographed by divers in Moreton Bay.
The Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said whale sharks are rare visitors to the bay, and are a reminder of our duty to protect the habitat of these magnificent creatures.
“The opportunity to see these gentle giants in their natural environment is a rare honour, one that we should not squander,” said Mr McNamara.
“Providing a safe place for the whale shark, as well as other irreplaceable marine species to exist, is the purpose of the Moreton Bay Marine Park.
“We have a responsibility to care for this unique habitat and the extraordinary creatures that call it home.
“We are today’s stewards of the park and we have a duty to ensure that present and future generations can continue to experience the simple joy of seeing dolphins, humpbacks, dugongs, fish, turtles and, of course, whale sharks in the waters of Moreton Bay.
“It’s a simple environmental rule I learned from my parents; try to leave a place in better condition than you found it.
“We must take steps today so that these simple joys are available tomorrow.
“The Australia Day whale shark, this exceptional Aussie, is a reminder of our duty to the Australia that is yet to come.”
Mr McNamara said the intricate patterning of lines and spots on the body of whale sharks can act as a fingerprint, or specific identity mark, for that individual.
This important sighting information and photos will be submitted to the ECOCEAN Whale Shark Photo-ID Library.
“By passing on this information to others, we increase the level of public awareness about whale sharks and their importance,” Mr McNamara said.
Mr McNamara said that the draft Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan is out for consultation, and urged people to have their say on the future of the bay.
The closing date for providing submissions is 5.00pm, 7 March 2008.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004
Editor’s Note: photos of whale shark are available on request.
The Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said whale sharks are rare visitors to the bay, and are a reminder of our duty to protect the habitat of these magnificent creatures.
“The opportunity to see these gentle giants in their natural environment is a rare honour, one that we should not squander,” said Mr McNamara.
“Providing a safe place for the whale shark, as well as other irreplaceable marine species to exist, is the purpose of the Moreton Bay Marine Park.
“We have a responsibility to care for this unique habitat and the extraordinary creatures that call it home.
“We are today’s stewards of the park and we have a duty to ensure that present and future generations can continue to experience the simple joy of seeing dolphins, humpbacks, dugongs, fish, turtles and, of course, whale sharks in the waters of Moreton Bay.
“It’s a simple environmental rule I learned from my parents; try to leave a place in better condition than you found it.
“We must take steps today so that these simple joys are available tomorrow.
“The Australia Day whale shark, this exceptional Aussie, is a reminder of our duty to the Australia that is yet to come.”
Mr McNamara said the intricate patterning of lines and spots on the body of whale sharks can act as a fingerprint, or specific identity mark, for that individual.
This important sighting information and photos will be submitted to the ECOCEAN Whale Shark Photo-ID Library.
“By passing on this information to others, we increase the level of public awareness about whale sharks and their importance,” Mr McNamara said.
Mr McNamara said that the draft Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan is out for consultation, and urged people to have their say on the future of the bay.
The closing date for providing submissions is 5.00pm, 7 March 2008.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004
Editor’s Note: photos of whale shark are available on request.