Campaign Overview
When the Reef thrives, so do we – The Great Barrier Reef is a wonderland of activity. Home to thousands of corals and animals, a playground for fishers, a tourism hotspot and a place of cultural importance. But increasing pressure on the Reef, including commercial gill net fishing, threatens all of this. A vibrant, healthy Reef is one free from commercial gill nets.
The Net Free Reef campaign set out to safeguard the Great Barrier Reef from the harmful effects of commercial gill net fishing. Calling on supporters to sign a petition, this 7 year long campaign aimed to build public momentum for a Reef free from this destructive practice.
Outcomes & Results
Following the successful campaigning for a Net Free Reef by WWF-Australia over 7 years, in 2023, the Australian Federal and Queensland governments committed over $160 million to phase out gill net fishing in the Reef by mid-2027 and transition to more sustainable fishing practices. This includes buying out licenses, creating a Net Free North, mandating the use of independent data validation on vessels, and banning commercial take of all hammerhead sharks.
Prior to that, WWF-Australia also took an unusual step for a conservation organization and purchased a commercial gill net license in order to shelve it. This made headlines around the world and helped highlight that gill nets kill indiscriminately, catching target fish species but also drowning dugongs, dolphins, turtles, sawfish, hammerheads and other threatened shark species.
For more information on the reach and engagement please reach out to the team.
Asset Types
- Social media posts
- Social media videos
- Website landing page
- Website article
- Other video asset
- Digital ads
- Merchandising
- Press release
Conditions of Reuse
The campaign concept and creative assets may be reused “as is” by other WWF offices with minimal modifications (url, logo, local copy). However, there are IP, copyright, or other legal considerations to discuss before using this campaign. Please get in touch before using the campaign.
Get In Touch
For more information, reach out to WWF-Australia at media@wwf.org.au