Marine WildWatch Hotline Announced

A new hotline has been set up for Territorians and visitors to report sightings of Threatened, Endangered or Protected (TEP) marine wildlife.

The Marine WildWatch Hotline allows people to play their part in protecting our unique marine wildlife.

“This hotline will encourage the community to report marine wildlife incidents, and will help us safeguard the future of endangered marine life in Territory waters,” Ms Anderson said.

“If you see an injured or dead aquatic animal you need to report it to this hotline. Your information will help us monitor and manage incidents involving our marine animals.”

Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, and the Territory Wildlife Act, any interaction with TEP marine species must be reported.

The hotline provides a structured marine wildlife incident reporting process to effectively deal with incidents in Territory waters.

Callers are encouraged to report incidents such as pollution or rubbish that could affect marine wildlife, boating accidents involving wildlife, unlawful killing of TEP species and unintentional by-catching of marine wildlife.

A television, print and internet advertising campaign starting next week will promote the hotline.

The hotline is a free call from a land line, and can be reached on 1800 453 941. The hotline will be answered during business hours, and will have a message facility.

Keen fisherman and rugby identity Andrew Ettingshausen will be the public face of the campaign.

An image featuring Mr Ettingshausen and Ms Anderson promoting the hotline is attached. Mr Ettingshausen is available for media interviews by phone between 12.30pm and 1.30pm today. Please contact this office for details.

For more information on the hotline, go to www.nt.gov.au/marinewildwatch

Contact: Shannon McRae 0419 340 735