NEWS DESK
Bays users warned of ‘marine pests’
Plan to improve, keep peninsula’s biodiversity
BOAT owners using Port Phillip and Western Port are being asked to make sure they are not spreading marine pests that can “cause significant harm to the health of marine ecosystems”. Parks Victoria’s Chief conservation scientist Dr Mark Norman said it was vital to protect the state’s marine waters which supported more than 12,000 species of plants and animals, “90 per cent of which are found nowhere else in the world”. “Marine pests are highly invasive animals and plants, usually from other parts of the world that have become established in Victoria and cause significant harm to the health of marine ecosystems.” Included on the list of marine pests are the invasive northern-Pacific seastar and Japanese kelp (wakame), which damage marine ecosystems through predation or competition with native species. “They reproduce quickly and once established are virtually impossible to eradicate, such as has occurred in some parts of Port Phillip,” Dr Norman said. Parks Victoria says boats should be checked for pests, cleaned with fresh water and dried before being launched. A survey of recreational marine users has found 70 per cent knew little or nothing about marine pests and that they can be spread by all kinds of vessels (including kayaks) and equipment such as wetsuits, diving gear, and toys. Around-the-world sailor Jessica Watson and fishing expert Paul Worsteling are appearing in an online video campaign to warn of the dangers of marine pests. “We all know how important it is to clean your boat from a maintenance perspective but it’s also really important to clean it properly to avoid the transportation of marine pests, even if you’re moving to a different location on the same day,” Mr Worsteling said. “Port Phillip is actually a nursery and a nesting place for a lot of fish that have been here for their entire history. It’s sad to see that things that have been here forever are now facing these enemies.” Details about marine pests and how their spread can be prevented is on Parks Victoria’s website or call 136 186 to report any sightings of marine pests.
MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is seeking public feedback on a new plan to help manage, protect and enhance biodiversity on the peninsula. The draft Biodiversity Conservation Plan outlines strategies and actions to help achieve “best practice environmental stewardship” and draws on the Shire’s State of Biodiversity Report. Biodiversity is regarded as being the variety of plants and animals in a particular area, with high levels seen as important for a healthy habitat. The draft biodiversity conservation plan details data from scientific, government and community sources - essential reading for anyone interested in the peninsula’s natural environment. The mayor Cr David Gill said the community “has told us natural assets are the most important feature of the peninsula”. “With over 200 kilometres of coast, 440 kilometres of creeks, 400 species of indigenous fauna and nearly 700 species of indigenous plants, the diverse environments of the peninsula need protection to remain resilient and healthy. “Biodiversity also plays a key role in our health and wellbeing. “We have a fantastic wealth of volunteers and it’s important to strengthen this connection and encourage the wider community to become good environmental stewards.” Cr Gill said the nearly 60 “friends” groups in collaboration with the shire’s bushland management team ran 380 working bees across 60 reserves during 2017-2018. “At these working bees, volunteers contributed more than 4800 hours, undertaking 96 hectares of environmental weed control and planting 9500 local native plants.” He said the groups provided a platform for other environmental opportunities besides working bees, including Clean-Up Australia Day, tree planting events and citizen science projects. Details about making submissions to the draft Biodiversity Conservation Plan are at: mornpen. vic.gov.au/haveyoursay.
Clean up time: Fishing expert Paul Worsteling, above, is warning that marine pests like the northern-Pacific seastar, right, are threatening the “health” of Port Phillip and Western Port. Picture: Supplied
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Southern Peninsula News 16 January 2019
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