Why we should save Batemans Bay Marine Park
Special thanks to BrodieWMedia for this stunning video!
Fight for the Bight
Treading Lightly has campaigned for nearly a year against Norwegian company Equinor’s plans to drill for oil in the Great Australian Bight. During this time, we have held three peaceful protests on our local South Coast beaches. Our petition of nearly 2000 signatures allowed us to deliver a formal deputation to Shoalhaven City Council to stand against Equinor’s plans to drill for oil in the Bight. These activities have resulted in Shoalhaven City Council being the first NSW council to formally (and unanimously!) oppose oil drilling in the Great Australian Bight with a commitment to engage with all levels of government to say ‘no way Equinor’.
Annual Whale Migration Counts
Every year our volunteers brave the early and late hours to conduct some all important citizen science: the annual whale migration counts. The census is organised by ORRCA and relies on volunteers to record how many whales pass through for 24 hours. This data is used to help understand more about whale populations and their migration along the NSW coast. In our area, the count is usually conducted from Ulladulla lighthouse. No skills or experience is required, and usually ORRCA and National Parks volunteers will assist with the count. Jump on the volunteer button on our home page if you want to be involved in the next count!
Beach Clean Ups
Take 3 for the sea, Seaside scavenges where you can trade rubbish for preloved clothes and books, or Clean Up Australia Day – us ocean dwellers don’t need an excuse to go for a walk and pick up rubbish as we go. In fact we do it most days. And it doesn’t have to be just the beach, our rivers, estuaries, parks, and streets can do with some love as well. If we’re not picking up, we’re advocating for (single-use) plastic-free alternatives. We regularly organise beach clean ups and we’d love it if you would join us. Usually we announce the next clean up via our Facebook and Instagram pages, so keep an eye out for the next event.
Batemans Bay Marine Park
A major threat is looming right on our doorstep with NSW Fisheries Minister Adam Marshall announcing five protected zones in the Batemans Bay Marine Park are being opened up for fishing. With Montague Island being a critical habitat for the grey nurse shark and questions being asked about the process and community consultation on this matter, TL is currently investigating how we can use our grassroots people-power to protect this sensitive marine area.