Reef Watch
Victoria's marine environment is incredibly diverse, with more than 85% of species living in our ocean waters found nowhere else on earth. However, this underwater world is facing mounting pressures from threats such as overfishing, pollution, climate change and invasive species. That's why our Reef Watch program is so important! Run by the Victorian National Parks Association in partnership with Museum Victoria, Reef Watch brings together volunteer divers from across the state to help survey and monitor important reef sites. |
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Equipped with underwater identification kits, their mission is to record information about 180 marine species and feed that information back to marine scientists.
By giving scientists and conservation planners access to reliable, up-to-date marine data, we are helping them make more informed decisions about protecting Victoria's marine world.
For example, our volunteer divers have been involved in efforts to identify vulnerable marine species such as the Blue Groper. They have also helped monitor damaging invasive species like the Northern Pacific Sea Star.
Reef Watch divers also take part in regular educational seminars and workshops to improve their knowledge and skills in identifying marine life.
How do I get involved?As a community-led volunteer program Reef Watch co-ordinates a number of marine conservation programs, including 'Feral or in Peril' and the Great Victorian Fish Count. Feral or in Peril helps divers, fisherfolk, and the wider community identify which of Victoria's marine species belong in our waters but are in peril, and which are invasive species - we call them ferals! It does this through easy-to-use species identification kits that include images of introduced species, potential pests, and native marine species that are of conservation concern. The Great Victorian Fish Count is held in December every year and brings together hundreds of volunteer divers to help keep track of 25 important reef fish species. |
Blue gropers, known as 'the friendliest fish in the sea', are just some of the amazing sea creatures Reef Watch volunteers help monitor. Photo: Mark Rodrigue. |
A great success, last year it was instrumental in verifying the presence of Western Blue Gropers to Port Phillip Bay!
To get involved phone Wendy Roberts on 03 8341 7446 or email info@reefwatchvic.asn.au.
Reef Watch Victoria is supported by the R.E. Ross Trust and the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation. |
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