Inner Westies, an important conversation is taking place right in our backyard—one that could shape the future of a cherished swimming and snorkelling spot. A petition is calling for the extension of the Jawbone Marine Sanctuary to include the nearby waters now commonly called ‘the Crystals’.
Why does this matter? The Crystals is a special place. Beneath its sparkling surface lies a world teeming with life: colourful fish, unique sea creatures, and vital seaweed beds that support the entire marine ecosystem. It’s not just a home for marine life; it’s a place of beauty, learning, and connection for locals and visitors alike. We need to protect it so we can all enjoy its beauty while swimming and snorkelling.
However, The Crystals faces threats from human activity. Fishing, pollution, and unchecked development are taking a toll on this delicate ecosystem. Without action, the marine life we love—and the clean, thriving coast we enjoy—will become less vibrant and may even disappear.
That’s where the petition comes in. By extending the boundaries of the Jawbone Marine Sanctuary to include ‘The Crystals’, stricter protections would be put in place to preserve this marine treasure. Activities like fishing would be controlled, and efforts to keep the waters clean and healthy would be stepped up.
Why should you care?
Even if you’ve never visited ‘The Crystals’, protecting it affects us all. Healthy marine environments help keep our beaches clean, improve water quality, and support the fish and seafood many of us rely on.
Also, ‘The Crystals’ is part of our identity. It’s a place where kids explore nature, families enjoy a day out, and divers discover an underwater paradise. Losing this would mean losing a piece of what makes our community special. See for example the beautiful videos by the Snorkel Sisters and others posting regularly about what they see.
A future worth protecting
Imagine walking along the Williamstown coastline in years to come, knowing that the waters you see are protected, thriving, and full of life. Imagine your children and grandchildren having the chance to experience the magic of The Crystals. Let’s work together to protect and cherish this wonderful part of our community.
Petition link
change.org/p/protect-the-crystals-extend-jawbone-marine-sanctuary
Yes. We need to protect and conserve these pockets of habitats. Especially in the west