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PROTECTING BLUEBACK’S BACKYARD

A marine reserve for the community of Longboat Bay was Dora’s legacy. 

1. Why would this have been important to Dora, Abby, the community and the marine biodiversity of the area?

2. There are different types of marine protected areas, e.g., Marine reserve, Sanctuary zone, Australian marine park. They are often managed by different groups and often have different levels of protection. Find local examples of some of the different types of protected areas and identify some of the things that you can and cannot do in the area. Present this information in a table and consider examples of icons that can represent the rules/regulations for the area.

3.What roles can communities play in establishing marine protected areas? 

4. How much of the world’s oceans are currently protected?

5. How do we decide what should be protected and where?

According to the Marine Conservation Institute, ‘Today, less than 3% of the global ocean is protected in marine protected areas that have strong enough regulations to safeguard biodiversity’. Scientists recommend that 30% of the ocean is protected in sanctuary zones to protect biodiversity and build resilience into ocean ecosystems, particularly as the oceans change as a result of global warming. Investigate the 30x30 Initiative, which aims to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. 

6. Why is this an important target? Do you think it is achievable? What steps need to be taken to meet this goal?

The following websites are a useful resource for exploring the status of our world’s oceans:

The Marine Protection Atlas, https://mpatlas.org/

Protected Planet, https://www.protectedplanet.net/en/thematic-areas/marine-protected-areas

Blue Nature Alliance,https://www.bluenaturealliance.org/

This investigation could take the form of a mapping activity, with students working in pairs to identify the areas of protected oceans on a world map template.

Give students time to explore the website of the Australian Marine Conservation Society – Tim Winton is a patron for the Australian Marine Conservation Society https://www.marineconservation.org.au/

Tim Winton also supports the Environment Defenders Office and their work to create a safe climate for nature and peoples in the Australia Pacific. https://www.edo.org.au/

Also see Worldwide Fund (WWF) for Nature https://ocean.panda.org/

Research task: 

Dive into the groper’s world

Working in pairs, students research the western blue groper (Achoerodus gouldii), looking at its habits, habitat, life cycle, population and threats. They may present their findings to the class, providing an opportunity for speaking and listening assessment. Suggested research starting points are listed below. Discuss with students the text type features of an information report as required.

https://www.fish.wa.gov.au/Documents/recreational_fishing/fact_sheets/fact_sheet_western_blue_groper.pdf

https://australian.museum/learn/animals/fishes/eastern-blue-groper-achoerodus-viridis/

https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/fish-species/species-list/blue-groper

Fish in Focus: Western Blue Groper, Western AustralianMuseum,

https://museum.wa.gov.au/explore/blogs/glenn-moore/fish-focus-western-blue-groper

Draw his dimensions

Blueback is huge!

 After students have researched the size of the blue groper, have them work in pairs to create an outline which they can then cut out and decorate.

Once there were whales 

Discuss the significance of the town’s whaling history.

Discuss the scene in which Abby and Briggs explore the skeletal remains of the blue whale calf. Abby says sadly that she’s never seen a whale, just maybe spouts off in the distance. Briggs says there used to be so many, legend says you could walk across their backs, the ocean was so crowded with them.

This gestures towards our terrible history of environmental devastation, our ignominious record

of rendering rare and precious flora and fauna extinct or endangered.

The book and the film approach Abby’s (and her family’s) connection to whales differently. Why do you think this is the case?

Under the sea

The film’s underwater sequences are beautifully shot and contribute an enchanted, other-worldly

dimension to the story. Select one underwater sequence and screen it again for students, having

them respond by sketching what they feel/see, and jotting down words to describe the mood.

1. What challenges might the filmmakers have faced in shooting the underwater sequences? Students may want to look at David Attenborough 2015 series on the Great Barrier Reef for an insight into the logistical difficulties of underwater filming. Each episode ends with a ten minute behind the scenes sequence.

Sustainable fishing practices

1.  Investigate the rules around fishing and harvesting abalone in their state. 

2. Search for fishing rules and regulations in your state. 

3. Why is overfishing an issue? 

4. What sorts of penalties do people face if they do not abide by the laws? 

5. How are the laws enforced?

6. How often are people prosecuted?

7. What does Dora tell young Abby the rule is for taking abalone?

8. How does the film contrast sustainable fishing practices with fishing that causes damage and destruction?

Consider using SWAT (Symbolic, Written, Audio, Technical) Codes and Conventions to explore this.

9. Discuss the differences between recreational and commercial fishing. Create an outline of the key principles for sustainable fishing and a statement explaining its importance.

 Find out more through the Australian Marine Conservation Society website, https://www.marineconservation.org.au/fisheries/

Blueback shows us the wonder and beauty of the oceans. But even were we to bracket the poetry and focus on economic rationalism, it is imperative these fragile ecosystems are protected, given they are so significant in terms of income, employment and food security. According to Our Ocean  ‘The livelihoods of 10-12 percent of the world’s population – that’s over 870 million people – depend on fisheries and aquaculture’. See http://ourocean2016.org/sustainable fisheries#:~:text=The%20 livelihoods%20of%2010%2D12,depend%20on%20 fisheries%20and%20aquacultur

Indigenous custodians 

In what ways do Dora and Abby’s relationship with the environment draw on Indigenous practices? How does this ancient way of being on country provide a template for future sustainability?