By James Gardiner Every winter, Southern Port Phillip bay is the site of one of nature’s amazing phenomenon’s where spider crabs migrate for their winter moult. The crustaceans congregate in their thousands, covering the sandy seabeds of Southern Port Phillip bay creating spectacular moving mounds. Despite the growing interest in this migration by divers and…
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“When balloons fly, seabirds die” a startling new message being delivered by Zoo’s Victoria to raise awareness about their new campaign “Bubbles not Balloons”. Scientists have discovered that more than 80% of seabird chicks on Lord Howe Island have ingested balloons and their attachments whilst fish and other marine life most probably will have ingested…
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Exotic pests in our bays and waterways can adversely affect aquatic habitats, food chains, the ecosystems, and our enjoyment of the marine environment. In addition to the Northern Pacific Sea Star, European Fan Worm, Asian date mussel, European Green shore crab, European Carp, and others we may have a new pest species among us. The…
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During the COVID pandemic, we have been delivering our educational workshops via zoom. This is a great opportunity to brush up your knowledge about our aquatic systems and work on your recreational fishing skills to prepare for when we can actively get back out fishing post-pandemic. We are delivering the following programs to schools via…
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The system of interconnected temperature rocky reefs on Australia’s southern coast is a biodiversity hot spot. Spanning more than 8,000 km and covering an area of 71,000 square kilometers marine scientists say it is the temperate equivalent of the Great Barrier Reef (ABC News, 2020). The weedy sea dragon; Victoria’s marine emblem can be found…
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Plastic pollution has become a serious global environmental concern with the United Nations estimating there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish by 2050 (UN News, 2017). In particular, it is the single-use plastic items (straws, plastic bottles and plastic bags) that remain as persistent materials in our marine environment, overtime breaking down…
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With over 600 species of marine fish swimming around Victorian waters, counting fish certainly sounds like a daunting task as a diver or snorkeller signed up to the Great Victorian Fish Count. Luckily, this program has developed a simplified, user friendly system to counting fish swimming about in their natural habitats! Since 2002 the Great…
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This week we are treated to a series of online presentations “Virtually Marine Mammals” from Dr Kate Robb and her team from a small not-for-profit charity organisation – Marine Mammal Foundation that contributes to research, education, outreach and conservation of marine mammals and their environment. Presented with the research conducted in 2011 when Dr Robb…
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Juvenile snapper have been swarming Port Phillip Bay in recent months; feeding aggressively and being found extensively. These young snapper, known as ‘pinkies’ are showing up in schools we have not experienced for many years and studies conducted by Fisheries Scientist Paul Haymer, may just reveal why! The Snapper; one of Victoria’s most sought-after and…
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Marine pests are highly invasive non-native animals and plants that can reproduce quickly and outcompete native species; damaging our unique marine environments. Victorian temperate waters are home to a variety of unique marine wildlife; infact 85% are found nowhere is in the world. Therefore, taking good care of this ecosystem is extremely important. Use the…
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