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Image Not Available for Operation Jeedara - Sea Shepherd Bight Defence flag
Operation Jeedara - Sea Shepherd Bight Defence flag
Image Not Available for Operation Jeedara - Sea Shepherd Bight Defence flag

Operation Jeedara - Sea Shepherd Bight Defence flag

Date2016-2018
Object number00055520
NameFlag
MediumSynthetic fabric
DimensionsOverall: 830 × 122 mm, 189 g
ClassificationsVessels and fittings
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Collection
DescriptionIn 2016, Sea Shepherd Australia conducted 'Operation Jeedara - Bight Defence', their response to a BP and Chevron request to explore for oil and gas in the Great Australian Bight which would involve deep sea drilling. With a film crew on board the STEVE IRWIN, Sea Shepherd documented the biodiversity and unique marine environment of the Great Australian Bight. On return to port they found that both BP and Chevron had pulled out from requests to explore in the Bight and claimed the operation a success.HistorySea Shepherd Australia is a non-profit conservation organisation whose mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Sea Shepherd Australia used innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. The Great Australian Bight is on the southern coast of Australia. Off shore is a highly diverse marine environment that includes one of the world's most significant Southern right whale nurseries and deep-sea canyons that produce nutrients that feed an abundance of marine life including giant squid, orcas, sperm, blue, fin and humpback whales. Surrounding islands are home to unique fauna such as black-footed rock wallabies, long-nosed fur seals and endangered Australian sea lions. The richness of this region has also attracted economic interest for decades - with whaling and fishing being the most prominent. In recent years’ oil and gas companies have looked to the area for potential drilling rights but have met with considerable opposition from conservation groups such as Sea Shepherd, Greenpeace and The Wilderness Society. By raising public awareness, through films such as 'Jeedara', and advocating the government, it is hoped that exploration rights will be denied in this highly sensitive area. Much of the resistance to this economic exploitation is the potential devastation to large areas of the southern Australian coastline and marine environments that would occur if there was an oil spill and the difficulty of containing it in such a remote area. SignificanceThis is the flag created by Sea Shepherd Australia for Operation Jeedera . The resulting 'Operation Jeedera' film was released in 2017. Operation Jeedera was an example of Sea Shepherd Australia using its platform to place emphasis on raising awareness through film and marketing opportunities.