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Marine life is being devastated by industrial fishing in the Tasman Sea. That's why the Rainbow Warrior, Greenpeace's iconic ship, is heading there now, to expose the damage.

Industrial fishing vessels from around the world are laying silent traps that stretch over 100 km — each line bristling with thousands of deadly hooks. These lines are set to catch fish - but they also catch and kill sharks, turtles, seabirds and other animals.

We need to stop this destruction.

An ocean sanctuary in the Tasman Sea could put it off limits to destructive industries and give marine life a safe haven to recover and thrive.

You can help Greenpeace demand urgent action from Australia's government.

Blue-Shark-GP02PYO-1000-2

Blue Shark

STATUS: Near-threatened

Blue sharks are the most heavily fished species in the world. Known for their intelligent and inquisitive nature, these champion long-distance swimmers can travel over 9,000 km across the global ocean during their annual migrations.

In the Tasman Sea, blue sharks are the most commonly caught shark. Most are caught as bycatch, hanging from longlines in their thousands and hauled on deck only to be unhooked and discarded – some maimed, dead, or dying.

Leatherback-Turtle-GP0STTHWJ

Leatherback turtle

STATUS: Vulnerable

Longline fisheries hook thousands of sea turtles each year. Many turtles swallow baited hooks or become entangled in lines, leading to injury, drowning, or deaths after being released.

Leatherback turtles are one of the most frequently caught species in the Tasman Sea. In the Pacific, leatherback turtles have declined more than 95% in the last 25 years.

Antipodean Albatross

Antipodean Albatross

STATUS: Endangered

Endangered mostly due to high bycatch rates from longline fishing, particularly in the South Pacific and Tasman Sea, where they are frequently hooked and drowned while scavenging baited fishing lines.

Bottlenose Dolphin

Bottlenose Dolphin

Dolphins can become entangled in longlines or ghost gear while feeding. These lines, stretching up to 100 kilometres, can wrap around their fins, tails, or mouths, causing injuries, infections, or even starvation if they can’t swim or feed properly.

They can also target the baited hooks for food, risking injury or infection from accidentally swallowing them which can lead to swallowing hooks or getting their mouths injured, leading to infections or internal damage.

Humpback Whale

Humpback Whale

Humpback whales migrate through the Tasman Sea. The presence of longline fishing vessels in critical habitats can disrupt whale migration routes and may alter their natural behaviours, avoiding key feeding or breeding areas due to high fishing activity.

Whales can become entangled in longlines or ghost gear while foraging for food. They often get deep cuts or infections and can starve if they are unable to swim or feed properly.