Media Notice
17 October, 2009
More than 3.5 million litres of oil polluting Kimberley seas as spill enters 8th
week
Two failed attempts to cap the oil spill off the Kimberley coast has resulted in
more than 3.5 million litres of oil polluting the seas and marine life, the Pew
Environment Group said today.
The spill has been pumping oil at a rate of 400 barrels a day into the sea off the
Kimberley coast for 56 days now.
John Carey from the Pew Environment Group said the most immediate priority
for the spill this weekend is for the third attempt to succeded in capping the
pollution but then attention must turn to safeguards for the marine environment
from further disasters.
"The Kimberley's marine life is unique and globally significant. This spill disaster
has opened Australia's eyes to the almost complete lack of protection in place to
safeguard our marine life.
"There is a way forward from this disaster and the environment and scientific
community want to work with industry and government to put in place a
network of large marine sanctuaries to give the Kimberley's marine life a safe
haven from pollution and other threats."
Media enquiries: John Carey, 0400 450 399
NEWS 
