Friday – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

Bigger than Texas: Huge New Marine Park Will Protect ‘Australia’s Galapagos’

Today’s Goodnews comes from the Good News Network.

Photo courtesy of Australian Parks / YouTube

Massive new marine parks will now protect and preserve the Australian oceans surrounding Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands—home to life found nowhere else on earth.

These two parks in the Indian Ocean will protect over 287,000 square miles of spectacular seascapes (744k square km), an area greater in size than Texas, and twice as large as the Great Barrier Reef.

Australian Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley called it a “globally significant contribution to marine conservation and a further demonstration of Australia’s leadership in ocean protection.”

“The region, which is often described as Australia’s Galapagos Islands, supports unique underwater reefs and rare aquatic species which act as a natural laboratory, helping us to understand more about the evolution of the oceans.”

60 Commonwealth marine parks around Australia are now protecting 45 percent of the island country’s territorial waters.

Officials wanted to ensure that island fishermen could maintain their sustainable local food source and way of life.

“The offshore parts of these parks will be placed under the highest level of protection, while the inshore areas important to island communities will continue to enable sustainable fishing to occur,” said Nola Marino, the Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories.

Gaze at the local wildlife in this beautiful video from Australian Parks

The government allocated $5.4 million to manage the marine parks—which are 99% offshore, and one percent inshore to support local fisheries.

The good news here is real action is being taken by the Australian government to protect its natural resources. Today’s JohnKu supports that activity. I hope you all have a super weekend.

Spend by John W. Howell © 2022

They always say that,

A penny saved is like earned . . .

 

80 comments

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Annette.

      Liked by 2 people

  1. Harmony Kent's avatar

    Fantastic, John. Action rather than words. Have a wonderful day 💕🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You as well, Harmony. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

  2. alexcraigie's avatar
    alexcraigie · ·

    This refreshingly good news!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is. Good for the Aussies.

      Liked by 2 people

  3. Joan Hall's avatar

    That is good news, John. Good for Australia.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Joan. Thanks. 😁

      Liked by 2 people

  4. Writer Lori's avatar

    Wonderful news, John, especially in light of the terrible damage the Great Barrier Reef has experienced in recent years. That said, $5 million seems like a paltry sum to invest in such a treasure. Happy Friday!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I thought the same but figured that it was a start. Thanks, Lori.

      Liked by 2 people

  5. Dale's avatar

    What fabulous news, John. (There is no video link?) No matter. Every little bit done to save the earth is a good bit!
    Happy Friday!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think it is there now. Thanks, Dale 🤗

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Dale's avatar

        Thank you. It was worth watching!

        Liked by 2 people

  6. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    It’s wonderful to see a government protecting nature instead of exploiting it for corporate greed.

    Liked by 2 people

  7. coldhandboyack's avatar

    This is great news. Our oceans are in some trouble these days, and this is a wonderful step.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think so too, Craig. Thanks

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Dan Antion's avatar

    Great story and poem for this special day, John.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Dan

      Liked by 1 person

  9. shoreacres's avatar

    I couldn’t find the video link, but this certainly is good news. It’s especially good that the fishing communities were considered, too.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Th link somehow dropped out. I put it back. Thanks, Linda

      Liked by 2 people

      1. shoreacres's avatar

        Oh! Lovely, indeed.

        Liked by 2 people

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          I have no idea what happened. 🙄

          Liked by 1 person

  10. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    This is wonderful news. Thanks for sharing, John!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jill. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  11. GP's avatar

    An outstanding article for good news day, John. It is so pleasant to get away from the media of today!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I couldn’t find any Ukraine good news for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Tom's avatar

      What a heart warming story.

      Liked by 2 people

  12. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.'s avatar

    Another amazing good news story John.. thank you for sharing hugsxx

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Sally.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. circadianreflections's avatar

    Great story, John! I hope the plan works very well for everyone!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I do too, Deborah. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Teri Polen's avatar

    This makes my heart so happy!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Mine too, Teri. Thank you. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    Great news, John, and I love your JohnKu. Our earth needs saving more than ever.
    Happy Friday!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Lauren

      Like

  16. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · ·

    How extraordinary! This is wonderful news, John. And your haiku says it all — invest in the Earth. Bravo! 😊

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes. Bound to get a payback. Thanks, Gwen

      Like

  17. Pit's avatar

    That’s very good news, John!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is Pit. Have a great weekend.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Pit's avatar

        You too!

        Liked by 2 people

  18. Marje @ Kyrosmagica's avatar

    Nice to hear some good news John. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes it is Marje. Thank you.

      Like

  19. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    This is most definitely good news, John! Thank you for sharing. Have a great weekend!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You as well, Jan.

      Like

  20. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Thanks, John. It’s good to see governments trying to preserve natural wonders, investing in the earth. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree Tim. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Debbie's avatar

    Perfect post for Earth Day, John — thank you for sharing this great story! Best to be proactive in taking care of our planet home, rather than rue the days we didn’t.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Debbie. I hope you have a super weekend.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    I love hearing this and that the underworld beauty is bring protected.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks, Denise.

      Like

  23. The Coastal Crone's avatar

    Great good news for Earth Day! TGIF to you, John!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jo. TGIF to you as well

      Like

  24. Resa's avatar

    Happy Earth Day, John!
    This IS a very promising happening.
    Thank you! I look forward to something fab once a week, especially these days.
    You JohnKu rocks!

    May I add – A stitch in time saves nine.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      A stitch in time is a good one. Thanks, Resa.

      Liked by 1 person

  25. noelleg44's avatar

    Fabulous!!! and Happy Earth Day – perfect for the day! Would love to visit those parks to snorkel!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I would too. Happy Earth Day, Noelle

      Like

  26. Mae Clair's avatar

    What a fantastic FriYay post and JohnKu for Earth Day. A wonderful share, John!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Mae. Earth Day is the perfect time for stories like this one. Have a super weekend.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Mae Clair's avatar

        You, too! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  27. D. Wallace Peach's avatar

    What a great accomplishment. I loved the video, John. A diver’s heaven. Thanks for sharing the good news. Yay for Australia.

    Liked by 2 people

  28. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    This is how the government is supposed to work—helping to improve the overall quality of life for its people.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Pete. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Becky Ross Michael's avatar

    Always ready to read some good news like this!

    Liked by 2 people

  30. Ilsa Rey's avatar

    That is terrific news. Good for them.

    I wish someone could figure out how to clean up all the garbage in the ocean.

    Liked by 2 people

      1. Ilsa Rey's avatar

        Excellent! Thank you, John! That makes me glad.

        Liked by 2 people

  31. dgkaye's avatar

    Great post John. Nice to see governments taking heed and doing something for mother earth. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Debby. It is nice.

      Liked by 1 person