DIVERS from throughout the world joined Cape Paterson and Inverloch residents for the Great Victorian Fish Count at Shack Bay.
Hundreds of divers and snorkelers donned their togs, rashies and wetsuits all along the Victorian coastline for the state’s largest-ever marine citizen science event.
The Great Victorian Fish Count has been uniting citizen scientists for 22 years with the aim of building a long-term picture of marine life across the Victorian coastline and advancing our understanding of the vibrant marine ecosystems in Bass Strait.
Fish count coordinator for Shack Bay, Mike Tesch says fish populations are increasing in marine parks such as the Bunurong Marine Park part of the coastal park which stretches from San Remo to Inverloch.
“Pressure from fishing has eased in the marine parks,” said Mr Tesch.
“Global warming is also changing the currents east of Wilson’s Promontory.”
The East Australian Current (EAC) now extends to Tasmania.
Divers have also noticed significantly less kelp in our relatively warmer waters.
“The kelp forests are dying,” said Mike Tesch.
Ninety per cent of our kelp forests are claimed to be in Tasmania but some fish are now returning to local waters including the very striking Boarfish.
“We still have soft corals known as the Great Southern Reef.”
Fish counting is done in groups with the group leader holding a slate to record fish sightings as single fish or fish in small or large groups.
ReefWatch Coordinator for the Victorian National Parks Association Kade Mills described the event as both a celebration and a critical contribution to marine conservation.
“The Great Victorian Fish Count is not just an incredible adventure for participants, it’s also a cornerstone of citizen science in Victoria.”
“Over the years, participants have rediscovered fish like the Western Blue Groper and documented rarely seen fish, like the Spotted Grubfish, Silver Dory, and Short-nosed Boarfish.”
The event also shines a light on the importance of protected marine areas.
Snapper are back in large numbers according to the fish counters.
“Snapper breed in Port Phillip Bay and rarely travel further than Western Port or Wilson’s Promontory,” said Kade.
Port Phillip Bay and the Bass Coast are critical to the breeding cycle of snapper.
“Every five years we see snapper in large numbers.”
According to Kade Mills marine parks are excellent places for researchers and citizen scientists alike to discover and document wildlife in incredible underwater habitats.
“Through the collective efforts of divers and snorkelers, we’ve built a deeper understanding of the unique fish that call Victorian waters home.
“This work by researchers also underscores the need for more marine national parks to make sure these habitats are protected for future generations.”
The annual fish count has confirmed the importance of Victoria’s marine national parks and sanctuaries as a vital refuge for marine life.
For more information about the Great Victorian Fish Count go to vnpa.org.au/gvfc.
