In 2009 the Great Sandy Region was awarded Biosphere Reserve status by UNESCO, the global organisation that also awards World Heritage Listings. The decision gives worldwide recognition to the Fraser Coast region, neighbouring Gympie area and the Bundaberg coastline, and puts us in the same class as the Galapagos Islands, the Central Amazon, the Everglades and Uluru. The concept of the UNESCO’s Biospheres program is to protect natural resources while using them at the same time –balancing conservation and sustainable development. • Fringing coral reefs and more marine diversity than the entire Great Barrier Reef • World’s tallest and most complex rainforests growing in sand • Almost half of Australia’s bird species • Critical habitat for rare and endangered species –7558 recorded species of flora and fauna • RAMSAR wetlands –internationally declared feeding and resting area for migratory birds • Whale sanctuary and major transitory point for humpback whales on their annual migration –Now being considered as a “Whale Heritage Site “ -BUT gill-netting still allowed ! • Major feeding, mating and breeding site for endangered marine turtles –BUT gill-netting still allowed ! • Declared a “dugong sanctuary” with Queensland's Largest urban dugong population –BUT Gill-netting still allowed ! The Great Sandy Marine Park is THE ONLY Marine Park that allows commercial netting in what “should be” TRUE YELLOW CONSERVATION ZONE AREAS! Ending damaging commercial netting in the Great Sandy Marine Park – which has already been tentatively listed as a World Heritage Area, will bring a much needed boost to an environment deserving of proper marine protection. Sign & SHARE this petition NOW and together we will "correct" our Great Sandy Marine Park under the current 10 year - full term review ...