“Boardriders came together from all over south-west Victoria to oppose the destruction earmarked for this sacred coastline. It’s inspiring to see the surfing and wider community stand up to protect sea Country and to know that, as a collective, we can defeat the proposed blasting of this stretch of ocean that’s so rich in biodiversity,” said Linley Hurrell, surfer, teacher and campaigner at SOPEC, the Southern Ocean Protection Embassy Collective.
"Boardriders came together from all over south-west Victoria to oppose the destruction earmarked for this sacred coastline," said Linley Hurrell. Photo Robin Sharrock
Seismic blasting is used by big multinationals to explore for polluting fossil fuels. Blasts of up to 250 decibels, louder than an atomic bomb, are released by air guns every ten seconds, 24 hours a day, often for months on end. The blasts have catastrophic impacts on marine life, from tiny zooplankton through to endangered southern right and pygmy blue whales.
Right now, two mega seismic blasting projects are proposed for a vast expanse of ocean south of the Great Ocean Road, which includes parts of the Zeehan Marine Park.
“The vast majority of Australian people have no idea what seismic blasting is, nor the devastation it causes to our marine life. It’s time to blow the lid on this awful secret. This issue truly transcends politics. We have not encountered a single person who thinks that seismic blasting is a good idea,” said OCEAN campaigner Lisa Deppeler.
Learn more and take action to stop seismic blasting.
Opening image: Robin Sharrock. Video loop: Matt Hrkac.
