The Southern Ocean Protection Embassy Collective (SOPEC) is fighting to protect sacred Sea Country and they are calling for help from allies across the country to stand up support their fight.

Last year, we joined the Gunditjmara-led Southern Ocean Protection Embassy Collective (SOPEC) in Warrnambool to Protect Whale Songlines on World Environment Day. Since that event we had a wonderful whale season, with Koontapool (Southern Right Whale) returning once again to birth their babies.

But unfortunately with whale season just around the corner, their habitat is once again under threat.

Later in 2022 we learnt that in addition to plans to expand gas drilling along the coast from the likes of Beach Energy, Cooper Energy and others, that a vast stretch of Southern Ocean Sea Country between Victoria and Tasmania has been slated for the worlds biggest seismic blasting plans, to explore for even more oil and gas.

Sign the Citizens Protection Declaration to stand in solidarity with First Nations communities asserting their care for Sea Country.

Stand in Solidarity with SOPEC and sign the Citizens Protection Declaration to:

• Grant immediate protection and declare a critical habitat for Koontapool/Southern Right
  
• Support First Nations people who hold the solutions for caring for Country;
  
• Refuse any further fossil fuel projects and demand to engage in negotiations for protection of Gunditjmara sea country.
  

Oil and gas exploration, seismic blasting and existing gas infrastructure along the south west coastline is already impacting Sea Country, and contributing to climate change.

Get Involved in the Campaign:

APOLLO BAY - Gadubanud Country
The Otway Climate Emergency Action Network (OCEAN) is holding a stall at the Apollo Bay Seafood Festival this weekend 18/19 February and participating at Conversations 'On the Edge' to report on the proposed seismic testing in the Otway Basin.

NARRM - Wurundjeri Country
Yaraan Couzens-Bundle will be speaking alongside a panel of ocean protectors from Surfrider Foundation and Sea Shepherd at an exclusive screening of Coextinction, as part of the National Sustainable Living Festival on Tuesday 28th February at Cinema Nova.

T-shirts!
Support the campaign to Save Southern Sea Country by picking up a beautiful t-shirt produced by Surfers for Climate. 

Thank you calling for an end to these destructive industries which disregard culture, climate and community. 

Together we can Save Southern Sea Country!