Mrs. Ruse, I was unable to come to school today, as I am not
feeling well. I have completed my Homework and thought I should
get it to you ASAP. I will hand my printed work into you on
Monday, however this is proof I have finished the work on the due
date.
Another Shark at Bondi? Never Mind
That, We’ve got Jelly Fish
Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 16th February
There have been a number of shark sightings and attacks at Bondi, Malabar
and Maroubra beaches. Swimmers have been very caution and immediately
exit the water when the shark warning bell sounds. Lifeguards then chase
sharks out to sea. However instead of sharks being the big issue, it was more
jellyfish and weather. People have been complaining that the sharks are
being more looked after than people, because of the shark fishing ban.
However the increase in sharks could be due to the fact that commercial
fishing has been banned therefore more fish are in the ocean, therefore there
are also more sharks. Commercial fishing ban is not only in place to help
protect the fish but also because the fish bait is polluting our air and waters.
Contemporary Geographical Issue
Shark attacks are very big issue to anyone living on the coast, or swimming
in beaches. A shark attack can happen to the best of swimmers.
The Spatial Perspective
Sharks are going to be swimming in our waters forever. Fishing them to
extinction is not a very good idea, because taking one factor out of the
ecosystem changes the whole thing.
The Ecological Perspective
Fishing is changing our marine ecosystems. Therefore putting a ban on it
seems to be the right thing to do. However putting a ban on fishing creates
too many fish. This is a catch 22 idea.
Action Taken
Many people are petitioning for the shark fishing ban to be lifted. Patrolling
beaches should become stricter to catch the sharks before they have to
chance to bite anyone.
Finding holes in Harbour defences
Daily Telegraph, Wednesday 18th February
Many locals and tourists swim at Manly beach everyday. However this is
becoming more dangerous by the minute. The council have done some
repairs, although there are still huge holes in the worn away net. Not only
does the net have holes it is also not tall enough, so at high tide there is a 1m
gap from the net to the top of the water. The Manly chamber of Commerce
is stating that a better barrier should be in place.
Contemporary Geographical Issue
This is a contemporary geographical issue to all residents of the coast of
NSW, but mainly Manly. This issue has been going on for some years now,
and it should be time that it was fixed.
The Spatial Perspective
It has become very dangerous for people in Manly to swim at their beach,
because of the amount of sharks. Although there is already a net to protect
the swimmers, it is unsafe and doesn’t stop any sharks from entering the
waters. There use to be a very safe net however that was ruined in a storm
during 1974.
The Ecological Perspective
Humans have had a lot of trouble with sharks in the past few years. If a net
or barrier is not put in and well taken care of, the beach would be a very
unsafe place for any person to swim.
Although putting a net up would help the swimmers it would be dangerous
to the natural underwater ecosystem. The sharks and sea life may need to be
close to the shore at times; therefore putting in a net would harm their ways
of life.
Action Taken
Mr. Springett along with the Manly Chamber of Commerce are attempting
to get a proper, safer net to be put into the Manly beach. The Manly council
have been doing repairs on the net, however these repairs are still not
enough to keep any sharks or dangerous sea life out of the harbour. More
action needs to be taken. The boardwalk that was in place 35years ago,
should again be installed.
Homes Flooded as Gales Batter State
Daily Telegraph, Monday 16th February
There have been torrential rain, hail, gale and dangerous surf, flooding and
damaging homes in New South Wales. This has caused much damage
including fallen trees, leaky roofs and various areas of flooding. The town of
Bourke has been drought stricken for some time, and the residents are now
having to pump out water from their homes. The rain is predicted to
continue throughout the week. Many residents haven’t seen the water rise so
much in 6 years. Many of the drainage systems couldn’t cope with the
amount of water
Contemporary Geographical Issue
This is a major issue for all residents in the Hunter region and the Mid North
Coast, and NSW. Flash flooding can occur at any time in many different
regions.
The Spatial Perspective
The houses and surrounding areas could be built so that it is equip to handle
a flash flood. The floods may have occurred due to climate change and
global warming. Although they have always occurred, flash flooding has
become a larger problem since global warming.
The Ecological Perspective
There isn’t much that people can do to contain the water. However they can
move their possessions to higher grounds. Humans have built drainage
systems, which affects the natural path the water uses to move around the
area. By putting in drainage systems this could make the flooding worse than
it could have been.
Action Taken
The bureau of meteorology had issued flood warnings before the flood hit, to
allow residents to secure their homes. Better drainage systems should be put
in around the affected areas.
Man-eating tiger trapped
Daily Telegraph, Tuesday 3rd March
A man-eating tiger has killed at least 3 people in the past week, on the island
of Sumatra. The tiger is on the verge of extinction. The animal capturers
have to work quickly, because the angry locals are attempting to poison or
shoot him. The capturers used a steel cage and a live goat and heat cameras
to capture the tiger. The tiger was caught, and is going through health checks
and getting a GPS tracker put on it.
Contemporary Geographical Issue
This tiger will affect many people on the island of Sumatra. It should also
open up the minds of many people around the world. It is an endangered
species although it is a murderer it still should be protected.
The Spatial Perspective
The tiger is becoming extinct because of hunting. It is now an endangered
species and should be protected. If this tiger is killed, then many more are
possibly going to be killed afterwards. Therefore the tiger will become
extinct, changing a major ecosystem for Sumatra.
The Ecological Perspective
Humans have been invading the tiger’s territory. People have also been
hunting other animals in the area, therefore taking away some of the tigers
food sources.
Action Taken
Capturing the tiger and carrying out health checks, and also fitting them with
GPS’s is about the only thing you can really do without disrupting their
natural lifestyle. Signs and warnings should as be put up to warn people
before entering the tigers territory.
Water Supply Shrinks
Illawarra Mercury, Friday 6th February
The article is about the decline in water supply over 12 months, in the
Sydney region. Warmer, dryer weather is spreading across the state of NSW.
Our dam levels are dramatically decreasing.
Contemporary Geographical Issue
At the moment it is a local issue affecting residents of NSW, mainly the
Sydney region. However many countries are also facing the devestation of
drought.
The Spatial Perspective
Climate change affects our water supply in a major way. Water is a vital part
of nature. Droughts can cause a lot of damage to our crops and vegetation.
Our ponds and rivers may dry up, and then causing our animals that lived
there to die out, which will create a very messy ecosystem.
The Ecological Perspective
Many people use a large amount of water, much of this water is wasted and
useless. Water has rarely been preserved in the past, and has been over used.
Now when we are in a drought we realise how useful water actually is.
Action Taken
Sydney water has applied a mandatory level three restrictions. However the
restriction will not be tightened soon. People should be doing simple things
such as taking shorter showers, turning tapes off while cleaning teeth, or
even larger things like putting in a water tank. Every little bit helps.