Media Release For immediate release – 12 March 2012
Wanted: words to save sea lions

Wellington, New Zealand – WWF is calling on New Zealanders to put pen to paper to help stop the extinction of our sea lions, and is today launching a new ‘Speak out for Sea Lions’ film clip to inspire greater protection for the ‘nationally critical’ species.

Research from The Department of Conservation and Otago University published in 2011 has found that the number of New Zealand sea lion pups in the Auckland Islands has halved since 1998, and if their decline continues, the species could be extinct in the next 23 years[1].

WWF hopes the film’s message will inspire people to lend their voice to the cause, by writing letters to the Government calling on them to stop the extinction of our sea lions. ‘Speak out for Sea Lions’ goes live on WWF’s YouTube and Vimeo channels today, and at facebook.com/wwfnewzealand.

“Sea lions don’t have a voice, so it’s up to all of us to speak out on their behalf to stop their extinction,” said WWF-New Zealand spokesperson, Jenny Riches. “We’re very grateful to Nico, Miranda, Rhian, and all involved in the film, for producing this beautiful animation which shows what these animals are up against. We also want to thank talented illustrator Ethan Attewell for designing the graphics for our letter-writing campaign materials. We’re asking New Zealanders to speak out now, to show our Government they have a strong mandate for protecting our sea lions,” she said.

The ‘Speak out for Sea Lions’ film is the brainchild of motion graphics creative Nicolas Brun, and is the result of many creative people donating their time and talents to the cause. The film tells the story of New Zealand sea lions’ struggle for survival, is narrated by actor Miranda Harcourt. Musician Rhian Sheehan has donated one of his compositions for the cause, whilst illustrator Ethan Attewell has designed the ‘Speak out for Sea Lions’ graphics for the print campaign materials at wwf.org.nz.

Commenting on her involvement in the film, Miranda Harcourt said: "It was a pleasure to lend my voice to WWF to help the fight to save New Zealand's sea lions. I hope many, many people see this beautiful animation and recognise the struggle to save these unique creatures."

Nicolas Brun explained why he was inspired to produce the animation: “Each year species vanish for ever, species that we have had the chance to witness and enjoy. I wouldn’t be able to cope with the look in my son’s eye when he will ask me why we have let those species die, and why I have done nothing about to prevent it. This modest animation was the least I could do to help to raise awareness and hopefully stop this decline, it’s never too late.”

WWF is encouraging people to view the clip and share it through social media, with the hashtag, #SaveOurSealions

There are many threats to sea lions, and the biggest known human threat to their survival is fishing with nets. Fishing vessels drag large trawl nets through the waters around the Sub-Antarctic Auckland Islands to catch squid, at exactly the same depths the sea lions swim and hunt for food. Sea lions can become caught and drowned in the fishing nets. Instead of increasing protection for our sea lions, the Government proposes removing the limit on the number of sea lions permitted to be caught in fishing nets.

New Zealand’s sea lions are now among the rarest in the world, and WWF is calling on people across the country to send letters to Government, calling for greater protection for the ‘nationally critical’ species.

“New Zealanders can help our sea lions by asking the Government to tackle all the threats to the sea lions’ existence, including fishing with nets,” said Ms Riches. “We hope people will be inspired by the film to find out more about our sea lions, and to download our letter-writing kit at wwf.org.nz.”

Ends

Notes to editors

• The film is now online at wwf.org.nz – or you can view it on WWF’s youtube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXHMLpzodJM

• See WWF’s New Zealand Sea Lions backgrounder for more information.

About WWF-New Zealand

WWF-New Zealand is part of the WWF International Network, the world's largest and most experienced independent conservation organisation. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature. This is achieved by working on the ground with local communities, and in partnership with government and industry, using the best possible science to advocate change and effective conservation policy.

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[1] Sea lion pup numbers have declined from 3000 in 1998 to 1500 in 2011. The population decline of the New Zealand sea lion Phocarctos hookeri: a review of possible causes © 2011 The Authors. Mammal Review © 2011 Mammal Society Bruce C. ROBERTSON, Department of Zoology, University of Otago, and B. Louise CHILVERS Aquatic and Threats Unit, Department of Conservation, Wellington

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