Marine and coastal
Victoria's marine environment rivals the Great Barrier Reef for uniqueness. Colourful sponge gardens, deep water canyons, seagrass meadows and Blue Gropers are just some of the amazing underwater marvels that can be found. In 2002, after more than tens years of campaigning, the VNPA played an integral role in securing our current network of marine national parks and sanctuaries - 5.3% of the state's waters. At the time Victoria was the world leader in marine conservation. |
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Around the same time Reef Watch was launched - our hands on marine education and monitoring program, where volunteer divers track the health of reefs and report on species of conservation concern (such as the Blue Groper) and invasive species.
Since 2002 there has been no major progress on improving or increasing the protection of Victoria's marine environment.
The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) is currently investigating the performance and management of our marine protected system as well as the challenges and threats it faces.
The scope of the investigation is very narrow and ignores around 90% of Victoria's coastal waters.
To help Victoria regain its leadership position and create a healthy ocean for us all VNPA is working to convince the State Government to:
- Deliver a comprehensive assessment of Victoria's marine habitats.
- Develop a marine action plan and adopt new marine planning legislation.
- Expand our current network of marine national parks and sanctuaries.
- Follow through on the Auditor-General's recommendations.
- Place a permanent 'no-catch' ban on Blue Gropers.
How you can help
Make a submission to the VEAC marine investigation to help secure the future of our current network of marine national parks and sanctuaries and achieve better management and protection of the whole marine environment.
Share this campaign with people you know - join our Facebook page and invite friends and family to do the same!
Become a marine defender
We need people to become marine defenders and help spread the word about the importance of greater marine protection.
Victorian marine investigation
The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council has announced a new stage of public consultation for its marine investigation and is calling for submissions.
This is your chance to help shape future protection of our incredible marine diversity.
Buddy-up with a Blue Devil
Some would call it a face only a mother could love but recreational divers get a real kick out of seeing Blue Devil Fish in Victorian waters.
We're now enlisting divers in a new project, Buddy-up with a Blue Devil, that will help us and marine scientists find out more about this intriguing reef fish.
Conservation priorities
Check out our future vision for Victoria's marine environment. This is VNPA's fourth nature conservation review and is a detailed scientific report looking at the conservation priorities.
The review was carried out by Australian Marine Ecology, a scientific organisation specialising in marine ecological research and consulting.
Reef Watch
Reef Watch helps get divers and snorkellers involved in monitoring the health of their favourite dive sites.
Bastion Point
Environmentally unacceptable development at Victoria's Bastion Point near Mallacoota has been put on hold while the State Government conducts an internal review of current proposals.
More marine and coastal news
> Auditor-General's findings on marine management
> Explore Underwater Victoria website
> Marine pests
> Seismic Testing in the Bay of Islands Coastal Park