Australia

Events

The 1998 International Year of the Ocean is going to be launched by the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race through the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia. The race is "a national event that captures the attention of the nation" said Craig Bohm, IYO Liaison Officer for the Marine and Coastal Community Network. It highlights the affinity Australians have for our coasts and seas"

Several arrangements are planned to carry out the IYO race theme. The Morning Tide race vessel has changed its name to "Year of the Ocean - Morning Tide" and will carry the IYO banner/sail. The Winning Vessel Tasmanian IYO Coordinating Committee has organized for the winning vessel to fly the IYO flag in the Hobart Harbor. Numerous other activities are also being coordinated for the event.

The media will give the event high profile by means of radio and television programs, as well as newspaper and magazine articles. In addition, Australia's 'Ocean Ambassadors', will be spreading the message for ocean conservation and care throughout the year and during the race. The Ocean Ambassadors are people who represent the public faces of our ocean. These include round the world sailor and race competitor David Adams on Brindabella, underwater film makers Ron and Valerie Taylor and shark researcher Rodney Fox and whale watch tourism operator Mimi MacPherson.

The Cleanwater Classic Tournament took place from 16-19 April.   The tournament is the highest rated Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifiying Series event in the world as well as the only stand-alone women's championship. This year's Classic had increased participation,community status as well as greater profile both locally and overseas.  As part of the IYO, the event also stressed the need to protect and nurture the world's oceans.

An "Australian Ocean Writers Prize" competition will also be launched during the 1998 Tall ship's Race in February. The competition in association with the MCCN and supported by environment Australia is an invitation to all Australians to write a short story (fiction or non-fiction) or poem highlighting the natural values of our seas and expressing Australia's identity as an oceanic nation.

Other Proposed Activities:

• Media conjunction for the Tall Ships Race in January-February;
• The Festival of the Oceans;
• State and national marine at exhibitions;
• State seminars and guest speakers;
• The Unique South - a series of marine habitat posters and information materials on Southern Temperate Marine Habitats (kelp forests, sea grass meadows, sandy bottoms and deep sea mounts) being produced by the Network with sponsorship form Environment Australia.