‘Citizen science’ study of two estuaries
Daily walk sparks call for bag ban
VOLUNTEERS working to preserve two Mornington Peninsula estuaries are being linked through a state government-funded citizen science program. The “health” of the Balcombe Creek, Mt Martha, and that of Merricks Creek at Balnarring will be recorded as part of the project on the EstuaryWatch website, bringing the number of estuaries being monitored to 18. The environment groups BERG Mt Martha and Merricks Creek’s EstuaryWatchers, in collaboration with Melbourne Water, have organised a presentation on EstuaryWatch by Victorian coordinator Rose Herben and aquatic ecologist Steve Harefield at midday at The Briars, Mt Martha, on Saturday 4 March. There will also be an introduction on how data is uploaded and used on the EstuaryWatch web portal. EstuaryWatch was set up in 2006 at Corangamite Catchment Management Authority in response to community interest and a lack of long-term data on the condition of Victoria’s estuaries. Volunteer groups are supported by the program’s coordinators at Glenelg Hopkins CMA, Corangamite CMA, Melbourne Water and West Gippsland CMA. The data has been used to improve estuary management. A light lunch will be provided at the presentation at The Briars and participants should notify organisers by emailing waterwatch@melbournewater.com.au Details: John Inchley 5974 1095.
DAILY beach walks have convinced Jill McIver that there is an urgent need to ban plastic bags and introduce a deposit system for cans and bottles. A president of Mornington Environment Association Ms McIver says she wants to set up a group to specifically lobby Mornington Peninsula Shire and the state government to implement the bans. “Nearly all states have introduced such measures, as have many countries, with successful programs eliminating plastic from the environment. “With an ever growing tourism route measures need to be taken to stop the excess rubbish here,” she said. Ms McIver, who has lived on the peninsula for 26 years, said every day when she walked along the foreshore she was confronted with litter, plastic and bottles. “Rubbish seems to be an increasing problem in our society; everything seems to be able to be thrown away and not easily reusable,” she said. “Our waterways increasingly struggle to cope with excess pollutants. For the future of our children, grandchildren and eco system I believe [the ban] would be a major step in not only reducing landfill, but enhancing our lifestyles and educating our population.” Ms McIver said the Queenslandbased Boomerang Bags website is a proactive attempt to reduce litter. Mornington Environment Association members will meet at Tanti Creek car park, Mills Beach, near the bridge, for their Clean Up Australia Day activities, 9.30-11.30am, Sunday 5 March.
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Tale of two estuaries: The environmental health of Balcombe Creek estuary, Mt Mattha, top, and the mouth of Merricks Creek, Balnarring, right, is being studied as part of a citizen science program. Pictures: Gary Sissons
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28 February 2017
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