Time to act

THE OCEANS ARE a hot topic right now. And that’s not just because the Aussie summer holidays are around the corner. Some experts are predicting an environmental catastrophe the likes of which we have never seen before as climate change increases ocean acidification and temperatures, plastic infiltrates every link in food chains under and above the water, and unscrupulous fishing practices drive marine species to the brink of extinction.

It’s a grim picture that’s hard to reconcile with the stunning coastal vistas we take for granted as we head to the coast during the next few months. In this year’s Australian Geographic Society awards, we recognise the contributions of a number of ordinary Australians doing extraordinary things to highlight the plight of our oceans. They range from scientists dedicated to furthering our knowledge of the biggest denizens of our seas, the whales, to a young woman who’s vowed to change perceptions of – and save – our most feared ocean predators, the sharks, to courageous adventurers who have used their epic achievements to draw attention to the state of the waters through which they journeyed.

Each of us who cares about the kind of planet we’ll leave to our descendants is also called upon to act. It’s not always easy to know where to begin, but you could start by checking out the brilliant Aussie documentary Blue, screening in cinemas now. For locations where you can view this important film, go to bluethefilm.org/screenings