The Coral Sea is a beacon of hope in the world's oceans, yet the Australian Government's recently released draft plan for the Coral Sea will not give it the protection its marine life needs, according to Valerie Taylor AM, renowned underwater photographer and conservationist.

To highlight her concerns, Ms Taylor has narrated a short film showcasing the beauty of the Coral Sea and urging Australians to take this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to conserve it. The film can be viewed at the bottom of this article.

"As Australians, we are privileged to have such a healthy area of ocean under our responsibility, yet I am concerned that the government's proposal fails to adequately safeguard the Coral Sea for future generations", Ms Taylor said.

"I've seen the changes that have occurred in our oceans over many years. Establishing a very large, highly protected marine national park in the Coral Sea would safeguard this special area just like national parks do on land", she continued.

"The government's proposed Coral Sea Marine Reserve falls short of protecting the area's fragile coral reefs, vital breeding sites, and spectacular marine life, including big fish like sharks, tuna, and marlin", Ms Taylor added.

"Only the eastern half of this ocean treasure has been set aside as a safe haven for marine life. But it is the western Coral Sea where most of the species-rich coral reefs and critical spawning sites for black marlin and threatened tuna are found. Just two of 25 reefs are proposed for high-level protection in the draft", said Daisy Barham of the Australian Marine Conservation Society.

"Although oil and gas development, and mining would be banned from the proposed Coral Sea Marine Reserve, the spectacular marine life of the coral reefs, canyons, and seamounts remain threatened by various types of fishing", she continued.

"The Coral Sea may be the world's last great tropical ocean ecosystem where a highly protected marine national park on a very large scale could be established and effectively managed. The government should seize the opportunity to safeguard the coral reefs and leave a legacy that Australians-and the world-can be proud of", said Imogen Zethoven of the Pew Environment Group.

Valerie's Video Urging protection of the Coral Sea

Underwater legend Valerie Taylor urges protection of the Coral Sea from Protect Our Coral Sea on Vimeo.