In 48 hours, Australia could save one million square kms of ocean forever -- setting up the largest marine reserve in the world and preserving thousands of delicate species. But they will need an global outcry to beat out commercial fishing and mining companies hoping to destroy the plan.

The Australian government is holding a public consultation, hoping it will give them a mandate to take a big step towards a sustainable future for our oceans and our planet. But the reserve will cost money and without massive support right now, the short term financial interests of industry could beat out our hopes for a safe future for our seas.

We only have 48 hours until the consultation closes -- click to send a submission to the consultation now, then forward this email to everyone:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_coral_sea_4/?coKsIcb

The reports are dire: in 36 years, our oceans could be completely fished-out, in 100 years, all coral reefs might be dead. This action alone won’t be enough to turn the tide. But it will establish the largest marine reserve in the world!

Saving the world’s oceans from collapse will require bold political leadership and dedicated citizens taking action. The Australian government could be at the forefront. But industrial fishing companies want a marine highway through the area for their long line vessels.

We can save a million square kms of ocean by flooding the consultation with appeals from around the world. Let's drown out the voices of the commercial fishing companies, and protect our oceans for generations to come. Click the link below to send an urgent message, then forward this to friends and family:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_coral_sea_4/?coKsIcb

In 2010, Avaaz members helped create the world’s largest marine reserve around the Chagos islands -- let’s create an even bigger one this time and stand up for the future of our oceans!

With hope,

Stephanie, Maria Paz, Alice, Ricken, Dalia, Diego, Antonia and the rest of the Avaaz team

More information:

Protect our Coral Sea
http://www.protectourcoralsea.org.au

Valerie Taylor joins battle for the Coral Sea (The Cairns Post)
http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2012/01/23/201901_local-news.html

Does the Coral Sea marine park proposal provide enough protection? (The Conversation)
http://theconversation.edu.au/does-the-coral-sea-marine-park-proposal-provide-enough-protection-4474

Coral Sea Commonwealth marine reserve proposal (Australian Government website)
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/coralsea/consultation/index.html

Impacts of fishery activities (FAO)
http://www.fao.org/fishery/topic/12273/en

Queenslanders support coral sea protection (Pew Press Release)
http://www.pewenvironment.org/news-room/press-releases/queenslanders-support-visionary-protection-for-our-coral-sea-85899365934

Done !

I was wondering what this was about.