The CCG report found the Federal Government's plan was lacking in 33 key areas, including in its protection of the south-west of WA. In this area, the report found that of 165 biologically important areas mapped in the region, 163 failed to meet minimum scientific benchmarks for protection, including providing protection for the feeding grounds of the endangered blue whale. The report also stated that of the proposed marine sanctuaries, less than 5 per cent occurred on the shelf and upper slope, which is where scientists report the marine life as being most threatened. Critical feeding and breeding areas for the southern right whale, the Australian sea lion, white shark, and the world's largest animal the blue whale remain unprotected and vulnerable to the threats of over fishing, damage from oil and gas drilling and marine pollution such as oil spills, the report identified. The report also found the Federal Government proposes to protect only 2.5 per cent of the continental shelf and upper slope areas of the south west where marine life is most diverse and most threatened by fishing and by mining for oil and gas. The Director of the Centre for Conservation Geography Daniel Beaver said the most important feeding and breeding areas for marine life in the south west were also areas close to shore where oil and gas leases had been granted and the worst examples of overfishing were taking place.

Australian of the Year recipients Fiona Wood, Tim Flannery, Dick Smith and Ian Kiernan today sent a letter to Julia Gillard and Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke imploring them to acknowledge the enormity of the proposal, and consider the significant research being done into the marine sanctuaries plan. "The task starts with Australia's South West Marine Region where there is a dangerous imbalance between what we take and what we conserve," the letter read. "The massive area, between Kangaroo Island and Geraldton, hosts some of Australia's biggest and most mysterious seafloor features and oceanographic life-giving currents. "The scientific case for sanctuary areas has now been well and truly made. "Research from Australia and around the world provides compelling evidence of both the benefits and the urgency for action."

Federal Environment minister Tony Burke released the long-awaited draft proposal in May, opening a 90-day consultation period. Mr Kiernan, Clean Up Australia chairman said the group took the unusual step to write to the Prime Minister when they became aware that eight out of 10 critical feeding and breeding areas for marine life in the South West oceans were left out of the proposed new sanctuary areas. "This is a one in a lifetime opportunity to safeguard our incredible marine life for the future," he said. "No-one wins if our unique marine life disappears forever, but everyone benefits if we protect our ocean resources, including fish stocks." The areas listed as the most vulnerable under the proposed plan include the Perth Canyon, the Rottnest Shelf near Jurien, Abrolhos Islands, Geographe Bay and offshore from Margaret River, the Great Australian Bight and near Kangaroo Island in South Australia.

A report into the impact of the proposal, carried out by Murdoch University and the WA Department of Fisheries released last month, found that fishing activity was not having a major impact on fish stocks in the state's four marine bio-regions. When releasing the plan, Mr Burke said there was no doubt the plans would have an impact on both the commercial and recreational fishing sectors, and that any compensation for the fishing industry would be considered as part of this process. Follow WAtoday on Twitter @WAtoday