The above is an excellent video by friendlyjordies.

Though I do not follow Australian politics, I do know a bad idea when I see one. Namely, the culling of innocent life, in this instance, the culling of sharks for cheap political capital with those who are easily frightened into killing things. Thankfully, the idea is so obviously bad that the pale bureaucrats so inclined to cull these great fish (and whatever else gets stuck in the nets) are having to deal with a rather ugly image problem. Because, as it turns out, supporting a program that involves needless indiscriminate killing… well, it is unbecoming of a representative of the people.

First, it is in breach of international obligations (the Guardian).

Secondly, and quite thankfully, opposition to the legislation has strong support from the people of Australia by a good margin (the Guardian).

List of vulnerable and endangered species of sharks around Australia

A pithy news video covering the protests

More involved coverage of the protests – Shark cull WA rally 002 ADELAIDE 1/2/14

Shark cull feeds into broader fear that Australia’s treasures are under assault (the Guardian)

The people of Australia standing up for more than just themselves, their own jobs, and financial interests is a good thing to see. It’s too bad we don’t see more of this in other western communities who see the world around them so unfairly tarnished, hurt, or otherwise lessened.

In similar news, industry, and not politicians (at least not directly) stands to threaten the Great Barrier Reef with a controversial coal development plan (euronews) which aims to dump dredged sediment near the reef.

Some background information on this beautiful and fragile wonder of the world.

Great Barrier Reef – Natures Miracles

Godspeed caretakers of the Earth and of those who cannot care for themselves (perhaps because in the stead of hands they have fins).

– J