A group of passionate Tasmanians are calling for more protection and awareness of the state's marine environment amid National Biodiversity Month.
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Tasmanians for Marine Parks is a campaign started by the Marine Life Network, who are calling for more attention to be made towards Tasmania's threatened and endangered sea life.
They aim to ensure more is done to keep Tasmania's unique marine wilderness healthy for future generations.
Campaign co-prdinator Mike Jacques said Tasmania is a hotspot for vibrant ocean communities, with much still not known about the region's marine life.
"We know that 90 to 95 per cent of Tasmania's studied shellfish, sea snails, sea stars and sea urchins are unique to southern temperate Australia," he said.
"There are tens of thousands of unstudied species of crustaceans, sponges, anemones, sea squirts and many others."
Mr Jacques said that Tasmania's reefs are just as colourful and impressive as tropical reefs, but don't get as much attention.
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He hopes the campaign will change that.
"Most marine invertebrates are so primitive they are usually mistaken for plants," he said.
"These basic designs have been around for a long time and many haven't changed their design much for 500 million years.
"For some reason they are also a riot of colour, almost like they are showing off."
Many of these marine creatures are listed as threatened including the gunn's screw shell and the Bruny Island and Derwent River seastars.
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"Tasmania has many treasures including that it is a global hotspot for seabird activity," Mr Jacques said.
"Tasmania's seabird community is unique because of the mixing of sub-antarctic, temperate and migratory species.
"Tasmania is also the last stop on some of the world's great migration journeys.
"Eighteen million short-tailed shear-waters return to their breeding colonies around Tasmania in just six weeks from their winter feeding areas.
"It seems miraculous but they manage it.
"As with all species, it is important to understand where threatened species are living, feeding and breeding in order to deal with their survival needs. A big part of the task is to protect key habitats."
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Nikita McGuire
Born and raised in Launceston, Nikita is passionate about the stories that matter to locals. When she is not at work you can find Nikita adventuring around Tasmania or spending time with family and friends. If you have story tips or events in the Arts and Events sector, please contact Nikita at nikita.mcguire@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 031 581
Born and raised in Launceston, Nikita is passionate about the stories that matter to locals. When she is not at work you can find Nikita adventuring around Tasmania or spending time with family and friends. If you have story tips or events in the Arts and Events sector, please contact Nikita at nikita.mcguire@austcommunitymedia.com.au or on 0437 031 581
