COMMUNITY MONITORING IN WESTERN PORT’S MARINE NATIONAL PARKS
Monday 14th March 2016
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?
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• WHERE?
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
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.