Today, members of the Southern Ocean Protection Embassy Collective (SOPEC) have been made aware of proposals to conduct (3D) multi-client marine seismic blasting the in the Otway Basin, in waters offshore from Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. SOPEC are against any new seismic blasting or gas well development in the Southern Ocean across Gunditjmara Sea Country, we do not consent to the approvals which would allow this to become the largest seismic blasting site in the world.
This is our home, and we have a responsibility to Care For Country, not take from it! First Nations people have many solutions for Country and we must be listened to, for the health of the oceans, that sustains life on earth.
Yaraan Couzens-Bundle, Whale Dreaming Custodian said “We are now living in the time of mass extinction. When I look out at the magic of the Southern Ocean, I don’t want to see gas mines lighting up the horizon. I want to see rainbows from whale breaths. Resource extractions of this volume will push the already rare Southern Right Whale and other significant cetaceans and sea life species to extinction, ceasing their Song In Gunditjmara Sea Country, effectively killing off diverse and unique marine ecosystems directly attached to the whole foundation of the ocean, the food chains, or what we Gunditjmara know as Kinship Ways. Leave the Southern Ocean be.” SOPEC are opposed to a consultation process which has excluded our input and objections demand an immediate stop to any further approvals, at a time when governments of the day are engaged in Treaty discussions First Nations people, we expect much more.
SOPEC has today written to TGS and Schlumberger with the expectation that they will engage and meet with First Nations Whale Dreaming custodians, as well as other ocean protection groups along the coastline of Gunditjmara Sea Country.
“It is in the Government’s best interest to respectfully engage and negotiate solutions for country, not breaking their own government’s climate targets to appease high level financial political support from oil and gas mining executives.” Ms Couzens-Bundle said.
In response to growing concerns about the risks of seismic blasting, gas explorations and the ongoing industrialisation of marine landscapes, SOPEC gathered with conservation groups and local community to launch a Citizens Protection Declaration which is open for all people to sign in protection of Gunditjmara Sea Country.
We reiterate the calls of the Citizens Protection Declaration which:
- Grants immediate protection of Koontapool / Southern Right Whale
- Declares of a critical habitat for Southern Right Whales
- Supports the leadership of all first nations people who hold the solutions for caring for country
- Refuses any further fossil fuel projects or exploration on our land and in our waters
- Demands to engage in negotiations for protection and sanctuary status granted to the entire south west iconic coastline and coastal waters, a large part of which make up Gunditjmara sea country.
Eastern Maar citizen and highly respected Senior Keerray Woorroong Elder Dr Vicki Couzens, condemned todays announcement, saying “This decision shows a complete lack of foresight, care and respect for the ‘living entity’ of our Mother Ocean, our shared Sea Country. The ocean is our birth waters the whales are our Ancestors, all of us. This is our First Nations Law. Our Law holds a place of belonging for all living beings.” Our community and families are connected to and stand side by side with The Gkunnai and Yuin Nations of Victoria following the coastline of Whale Song. Further, we support and stand in solidarity with the Ngarenjerri and Buanditj Nations of the Coorroong and South Australia and with the Great Southern Warriors of Lutruwita/Tasmania.
We firmly say NO to all seismic blasting and gas explorations! We call on state and federal governments to relinquish all approvals in the Southern Ocean and give our warning of a much bigger fight to come.
