Drilling for fossil fuel in the Bight puts our fragile endangered species at Risk.

The Australian Sea Lion.

Only found in SA and WA, these beautiful, gentle and curious creatures are a unique species; that is the only endemic pinniped in Australia.

Historically hunted for their fur, Australian Sea Lion numbers are at such low levels that the species is listed as ‘vulnerable’ under Australian law.

With a small population estimated at between 9000 - 14000 animals, the Wildlife Conservation Act of Western Australia (1950) has listed them as “in need of special protection”. Their Conservation status is listed as endangered.

Their population is already declining.

Drilling in the Bight threatens their survival. The Australian Sea Lion needs this unique habitat to be able to feed themselves, breed pups and live in their colonies.

Quick Facts about Australian Sea Lions:

• Sea lions typically live for 8 to 9 years
• Breeding cycles happen only once every 18 months and female will only breed at the site where they were born
• Breeding colonies are located only on remote areas of the coastline or islands and only 66 breeding colonies are known
• Population numbers are not growing and Australia sea lions are not expanding their range of colonies
• Typically fewer than 25 sea lion pups are produced annually and this number continues to decline
• Each sea lion colony is genetically distinct from neighbouring colonies and other populations
• The death of even a single female can have a negative impact on a colony’s survival, especially if the colony has a very low population

Please sign and share this petition to oppose Equinor's plan to drill in the Great Australian Bight! These endangered animals need our protection.

Facts from: https://www.marineconservation.org.au/australian-sea-lions/

Thanks to Mermaid Mizuko - Take 2 Photography and Calypso Star Charters for the photograph.

https://www.facebook.com/mizukomermaid/photos/a.365228610178680/2415163555185165/?type=3&theater