Paddle for the bight

Paddle for the Bight on Sunday

So far tens of thousands have paddled out in multiple locations all around Australia (Sydney Harbour, Perth, Newcastle, Hobart, Torquay, Burleigh Heads, Melbourne, Adelaide) against proposed oil drilling by Norwegian mining company, Equinor, in the Great Australian Bight.

Noosa will do the same on Sunday 21 July at 9am with a peaceful Paddle out at Noosa Main Beach.

Participants are encouraged to bring surfboards, bodyboards, SUPs, kayaks, surf skis and other personal watercraft to peacefully #fightforthebight. Along with signs and banners – and enjoy the day and a strong environment for our children.

The Great Australian Bight Alliance includes, Surfrider Foundation Australia, Sea Shepherd, Patagonia, the Wilderness Society, Mirning and Kokatha elders, Oil Free Seas Kangaroo Island and Clean Bight Alliance Australia (West Coast SA).

“Given the state of the world’s oceans, the Great Australian Bight is rare and unique, an area of global significance and deserves the utmost protection,” Sea Shepherd Australia managing director Jeff Hansen said.

“The Bight is rich in beauty and biodiversity, boasting the world’s most significant southern right whale nursery as well as humpback, sperm, blue and beaked whales. It’s also Australia’s most important sea lion nursery and supports orcas, great white sharks and fish down to the small pelagic.”

Surfrider Foundation Sunshine Coast’s Brendan Frawley said the Bight was where a wild ocean hits a wild coastline producing wild waves loved by surfers worldwide.