Australian Marine Conservation Society Inc

Overview

The Australian Marine Conservation Society Inc (AMCS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Australia's oceans and their inhabitants. Founded in 1965 in Brisbane, Australia, it is the nation's only charity that exclusively focuses on safeguarding marine wildlife and their habitats[1][4]. The AMCS operates as an independent charity, staffed by scientists, educators, and passionate environmental advocates who work to protect Australia's coastal and marine environments[1][5].

History

Initially established as the Queensland Littoral Society, the organization later became known as the Australian Littoral Society before adopting its current name in 1995[4]. Since its inception, the AMCS has been at the forefront of critical environmental campaigns, including efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef from mining and oil exploration in the 1960s[4].

Key Achievements

• Protection of the Great Barrier Reef: The AMCS played a pivotal role in preventing limestone mining on the Great Barrier Reef and led public campaigns against oil exploration in the area[4].
• Marine Reserves Establishment: The organization has contributed to the creation and management of marine reserves across Australia, such as those at Ningaloo and the Great Barrier Reef[3][5].
• Conservation of Species: The AMCS has been instrumental in protecting threatened and endangered species, including efforts to ban whaling and protect the Australian sea lion[5].
• Campaigns Against Supertrawlers: The society successfully led movements to stop supertrawlers, which threaten ocean ecosystems[5].

Mission and Focus

The AMCS works on evidence-based solutions to address major threats to Australia's oceans, including climate change, industrial-scale fishing, and plastic pollution[1]. Their mission is rooted in scientific research and collaboration with global research centers to ensure the preservation of Australia's diverse marine life[1][4].

Notable Figures

• Tim Winton: A renowned author who serves as the patron of the Australian Marine Conservation Society[4].
• Tooni Mahto: A marine biologist who previously worked at the BBC[4].
• Imogen Zethoven AO: Recognized for her service to conservation and the environment with the Order of Australia[4].
• Felicity "Flic" Wishart: Noted for her work in protecting the Great Barrier Reef, a reef was named in her honor[4].

Structure and Activities

As an independent charity, the AMCS relies on both paid and volunteer staff who work daily to advocate for marine conservation through activism and community engagement[4][5]. The society operates across Australia, engaging in various campaigns and programs aimed at preserving the country's marine ecosystems.

[1] https://www.marineconservation.org.au/about/ [2] https://www.marineconservation.org.au [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/cd6f9ea3-39af-e811-a961-000d3ad24182/profile [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Marine_Conservation_Society [5] https://climatebase.org/company/1136970/australia-marine-conservation-society