Apr 30 2013
Roebuck Bay’s shorebirds reach China
To learn about Roebuck Bay’s remarkable shorebird’s perilous flight to the Arctic, read the book, Invisible Connections. The photos by Jan van der Kam are incredible. © Jan van der Kam
Roebuck Bay Working Group’s shorebird experts, Chris Hassell and Adrian Boyle are on the shores of Bohai in China along with Matt Slaymaker and Ginny Chan. As in previous years, the primary aim of their trip is to scan the shorebirds that are passing through on their migration to their northern breeding grounds. To read about their fascinating adventures, the challenges the birds and scientists face on mudflats that are being industrialised, and their sightings, read their regular reports »
Apr 15 2013
Our seas are changing
Leading marine biologist, Professor Callum Roberts, provided an address in April on ABC 24 coverings many issues relevant for management and protection of places like Roebuck Bay and the Kimberley coast. It is a fascinating address, as he covers noise pollution, global warming, coral reefs, predatory crabs moving into the Antarctic, dead zones and vampire squids from hell! What is helpful is the practical advice on what can be done to look after our coastal waters…
Key to Roberts’ strategies for protection of oceans is the establishment of a network of protected marine zones. He suggests closing 30% of the oceans to control overfishing. The world wouldn’t go hungry and fish stocks would be replenished.
Have a listen, after all we are all evolved from the oceans!
Apr 12 2013
Gardening and biodiversity join
In the coastal town of Broome this year, the award winning Roebuck Bay Working Group is using a novel approach to marry up marine biodiversity with gardening. With Broome on a peninsula brimming with marine life, a gardening approach aimed at reducing pollution entering the surrounding waters has to be the right approach.
Collaborators in the gardening project are the Society for Kimberley Plants and Animals (SKIPAS). SKIPAS, a renowned landcare group in Broome specialising in the propagation of indigenous plants, will provide Gardening the Roebuck Bay Friendly Way presentations at the North West Expo on May 4-5, the Broome Shire will give away native plants, and SKIPAS will give away free books on establishing a native garden in Broome.
Apr 8 2013
Mantas a ray of sunshine
Manta rays are being seen barrel rolling and feeding off Broome’s coast. © Kandy Curran
Filter feeding manta rays provided astounding performances off Broome’s coast over Easter.