| 16 August 2007
Art to save ancient mariner
They have roamed the oceans for centuries.
Cupped in the palm of your hand, a newborn loggerhead turtle
scarcely fills the space. Its large, boofy head (hence the
name) supports a powerful jaw that as a one-metre adult breaks
the shells of invertebrates, delivering an indispensable calcium
supply to other marine species that in turn feed on loggerhead
shells.
The loggerhead turtle’s role in marine ecosystems is
pivotal.
But in the last decade, discarded crab pots, boat strikes
and by-catch have compromised turtle populations. And in Moreton
Bay Queensland, in their chosen back yard where they retreat
to a diminutive assembly of protected mangroves and sea grasses,
they remain largely unprotected.
To restore and boost critical loggerhead turtle populations
in Moreton Bay Marine Park, peak marine protection group the
Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) will host an
inaugural Charity
Art Auction and art sale, complemented with bubbly,
canapés and marine art on Friday August 24
at the State Library of Queensland from 6pm
to 9pm.
AMCS patron and Australian author Tim Winton will deliver
an address. Michael Choy, Parliamentary Secretary
for Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr, will attend.
Winton, who has been involved with the AMCS for more than
a decade, said current levels of marine protection were inadequate.
“I was utterly gob-smacked to discover that less than
one per cent of the Bay is properly protected. No other Australian
city has anything like Moreton Bay. But one per cent protection?
Are you serious?” he said.
About 30 oils, sculptures, photographs and watercolours,
including cartoonist Michael Leunig’s
endearing ‘Dugong’ and Ralph Wilson’s ‘Freshwater
Pond, Little Sand Hills’ of Moreton Island, will be
up for auction.
Art prices will range from a few hundred dollars to $10,000.
Time: 6pm – 9pm
Cost: $25 per person
Tim Winton Address: 7pm
Ends
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