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Victoria’s marine world on display

Friday, 29 October 2010

Media release

Explore Underwater VictoriaThe Victorian National Parks Association is continuing its campaign to highlight the unique and threatened values of Victoria's marine world by launching a new website, Explore Underwater Victoria, and releasing the third edition of the field guide Life on the Rocky Shores.

Launched this week, the Explore Underwater Victoria website is designed to be a central online portal of Victorian underwater photographs, videos, group contacts and resource-links.

"This new website is a one stop shop for marine enthusiasts, educators, school kids and all folk who want to find out more about Victoria's fascinating underwater world," VNPA Marine and Coastal Project Officer Simon Branigan said today.

"Dive into this user-friendly interactive website and check out new images and videos from areas such as Port Phillip Heads, Westernport, Port Campbell and the Gippsland region - plus gain access to a comprehensive range of resources and get involved by finding out about local groups."

The new website comes as VNPA also releases a new field guide for rockpool ramblers, naturalists and people wanting to find out more about the beauty and diversity of life at the edge of the sea.

The pocket-sized guide, Life of the Rocky Shores of south-eastern Australia, is written by Victorian marine and environmental experts Dr Christine Porter, Dr Geoff Wescott and Professor Gerry Quinn.

"With summer on the horizon, it's a great opportunity to get down to the beach and spend some time rockpool rambling or snorkelling and enjoying the beauty of our coastal areas," Mr Branigan said.

"This book provides an A to Z pictorial and educational guide to south-eastern Australia's near shore marine environment, opening an incredible window into unique animals and plants that call these areas home.

"With the Victorian election looming, we need a strong commitment to better protect our marine and coastal environment, and conducting a comprehensive state-wide assessment to fill the gaps in our knowledge is a great starting point."

For comment and image requests

  • Simon Branigan, VNPA Marine & Coastal Project Officer - 0409 087 278.