Your generous gift will allow for the continuation of research into the Australian sea lion and protection of this vital species.
Becoming a Sea Lion Guardian:
Funds will be directed to priority areas of research by a steering committee, made up of a select group of Australian sea lion researchers from State marine research and conservation agencies and universities
Funds will be directed to priority areas of research by a steering committee, made up of a select group of Australian sea lion researchers from State marine research and conservation agencies and universities
Key current project aims include:
- Investigating and continue habitat restoration (on land) through revegetation and the use of pup shelters to prevent mortalities from heat stress and conspecific trauma.
- Funding for UAV / LiDAR technology and training to test body condition (as a proxy of population health) in colonies across the range, particularly those still in decline.
- Ongoing funding to support population monitoring across the range. Population monitoring informs and underpins every management action.
- Testing for the presence / absence of disease and pollutants in colonies, such as hook worm.
- Investigating population structuring and dynamics in Spencer Gulf.
MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDERS
Ocean conservation is at the heart of our film making and when we heard, from the film’s human ‘hero’ character, Marine Park Ranger, Dirk Holman, that the Australian sea lion was one of the most endangered marine mammals on the planet with fewer than 12,000 left and in rapid decline, we felt compelled to raise awareness about the catastrophic state of this relatively unknown but extraordinary species. We were compelled to make the film, to tell their story and to bring urgency to their cause. Having spent over two years making Sea Lions - Life By A Whisker, which has now shown in multiple Imax theatres around the world, we must do more to help save this species. The Australian sea lion could disappear from our oceans within our lifetime. This is a very real fact and the urgency cannot under estimated. We have told the story, however now we want that story to have a positive and long-term impact. Ultimately what we wanted was the film to not only raise awareness but to generate real and measurable impact that contributes towards saving this species in crisis. |
Dirk and his colleagues need funding for research and science to understand what is causing the rapid decline and what needs to be done to prevent this species from imminent extinction. Dirk’s work is severely restricted due to lack of funding from any Government sources. Funds tied up in charities often do not find their way to the grass roots work that is needed. We want to change that and simply raise funds that will go directly to the work that Dirk and his steering committee have outlined below. Frustrated with the often bureaucratic processes that prevent funds landing where they need to we, the film makers have created the Australian Sea Lion Recovery Foundation. Having been the CEO of an Australian listed charity, Take 3 For The Sea, for two years, Producer Sarah Beard has the skills and experience to ensure that the ASLRF remains on mission. |