BYRON BAY
HOPE SPOT
THE BYRON BAY HOPE SPOT
The Northern Rivers is home to a rich and unique diversity of marine and coastal species. It provides habitat for over 1000 marine species and supports critical habitats for numerous threatened species including grey nurse sharks, loggerhead turtles and black rock cod. The unique biodiversity, critical habitats and value of the region saw the establishment of the Cape Byron Marine Park in 2002. More recently, the unique values of the region have been recognised as a global Hope Spot by the Mission Blue Foundation. The Byron Bay Hope Spot is coordinated by Dolphin Research Australia.
WHAT'S A HOPE SPOT?
Hope Spots are special places that are scientifically identified as critical to the health of the ocean. While about 12 percent of the land around the world is now under some form of protection (as national parks etc.), just 8.2 % of the ocean is protected according to WDPA/Protected Planet, and 2.9% of the ocean is fully or highly protected from fishing impacts.
A message from Dr. Sylvia Earle
WHERE'S OUR HOPE SPOT?
Our Hope Spot runs from the Richmond River to Brunswick River, including Julian Rocks Nguthungulli Nature Reserve as well as the broader Cape Byron Marine Park and related waterways. Here in Northern NSW we have a unique marine park on one of the most diverse stretches of coastline in the world, protecting high levels of biodiversity, a culturally significant site to local aboriginal communities and the basis of our tourist economy. But this important coastal region is threatened and requires many actions locally to ensure its long term protection.
THREATS
The combined threats of habitat degradation, runoff, pollution, coastal development, increased visitation and unsustainable wildlife interactions, along with climate change, add to the uncertainty and increase the vulnerability of marine life and habitats. These are all complex problems with a range of contributing factors and also a range of solutions. There are so many things we can all do to tackle these threats and be better custodians for our coast and sea country.
SUPPORT US!
Our mission is to conserve and protect our beloved salty backyard by working together with local organisations, empowering our community to take grass-roots action and directly address key threats to marine life and ecosystems in the Byron Bay Hope Spot. You can help us achieve this by making a Tax Deductible Donation to Dolphin Research Australia.
Thank You Ocean Warriors!
We would like to thank Craig Parry, Jakob De Zwart, Franck Gazzola and Angel Grimaldi that have donated all the footage and images that have made this website possible.
Join our Mailing List
We send out seasonal newsletters (four a year) plus occasional events or updates.
ALLIANCE
The Byron Bay Hope Spot is coordinated by Dolphin Research Australia. The Hope Spot Alliance is made up of local not-for-profit organisations who have a focus on environmental conservation and regeneration. They engage the community, advocate for the ocean, create citizen science opportunities or are involved in hands-on grassroots action to protect our coastal waters.
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Byron Bay Hope Spot is a project of Dolphin Research Australia & Ocean Education & Conservation, Patagonia and 1% for the Planet. All donations will go to ACNC registered charity Dolphin Research Australia Incorporated.
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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Bundjalung Nation on which we live, play and work, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Elders past, present and emerging.
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