COMMUNITY MONITORING IN WESTERN PORT’S MARINE NATIONAL PARKS

COMMUNITY MONITORING IN WESTERN PORT’S MARINE NATIONAL PARKS

Parks Victoria and Pelican Expeditions are delighted to invite you to join us aboard the SV Pelican 1 to participate in a variety of community monitoring activities within Western Port’s Marine National Parks.

The day is focussed on encouraging greater community participation in Western Ports outstanding marine protected areas and to encourage the establishment of groups that can play a role in the ongoing monitoring for these parks.

Seagrass monitoring activities will be based on methods developed for the Sea Search community monitoring program with information collected being used to inform management as well as provide meaningful opportunities for community involvement.

We will also undertake a survey for marine pest on islands within the park and where located undertake a control activity.

WHEN? Monday 14th March 2016 (Labour Day holiday). Meet at 9:00am at Hastings Jetty

WHO? The program is open to all those with an interest in Western Port’s marine protected areas and marine monitoring. Community volunteers, representatives from key partner organisations, and Parks Victoria staff will be involved in the day.

WHAT?

• Travel from Hastings to French Island Marine National Park

• Learn about key values and threats to Western Port’s Marine National Parks

• Actively participate in monitoring activities focussed on Seagrass surveys – snorkelling activity

Marine pests – intertidal survey for Pacific Oysters Shorebirds and seabirds

• Discuss establishment of new marine focussed community monitoring groups for Western Port Marine National Parks

WHERE? The focus for the program aims to be French Island Marine National Park on the northern side of French Island. If weather conditions are unsuitable we will focus instead on Yaringa Marine National Park in Western Port’s north west corner.

WHAT TO BRING?

• Appropriate clothing for a day on a boat and in the bay. Bring a change of clothes / shoes for the trip back.

• Hot weather – loose, long sleeved top, light pants/shorts, wind jacket, hat and sunscreen (remember it will be cooler on the boat than on land).

• Cool weather – warm top and pants, warm jacket, wet weather gear, hat.

For seagrass and marine pest surveys you will need to bring: o Snorkelling gear including mask, snorkel, and wetsuit o Old shoes / wetsuit boots / reef sandals that can get wet

Please note: Bare feet will not be permitted due to the high risk of injuries.

BYO lunch, water bottle, sunscreen, repellent and snacks. Tea/Coffee/Water provided.

COST? There is no cost for participating in this sponsored community event.

TO REGISTER OR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Please send an email to Seasearch@parks.vic.gov.au providing your name, contact details including a mobile phone number and email address, if you are a member of a community group, and a brief indication of your interests in participating.

For more information on Victoria’s Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries visit www.parks.vic.gov.au

For more information on the Sea Search community monitoring programs visit http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/get-involved/volunteer/sea-search

WHAT IS TWO BAYS 2016?

Two Bays 2016 is an integrated program focussed on Victoria’s two most significant embayments, Port Phillip and Western Port.

The Two Bays project utilises Pelican 1, a 62 foot catamaran, to conduct marine research, community engagement activities, and provide opportunities for dialogue and information sharing on key marine environmental themes.

For more information on Two Bays 2016 visit https://pelican-expeditions.squarespace.com/