Report 2024 | 2023 Great Victorian Fish Count
The Great Victorian Fish Count (GVFC) is Victoria’s largest marine citizen science event, bringing together divers, snorkellers, and community members to explore, enjoy, and protect our underwater world. Held each November and December, the GVFC invites participants of all experience levels to survey fish along our coastline and contribute valuable data for marine research.
In 2023, over 500 participants completed 61 surveys at 37 sites across Victoria. Sites ranged from sheltered bays to exposed rocky coasts, with surveys conducted by scuba divers (59%) and snorkellers (41%). The majority of surveys were in unprotected waters, with 10% in marine protected areas. Most sites featured a mix of habitats, often dominated by sand/mud and rocky reefs, with golden kelp, mixed algae, sponge gardens, and seagrass meadows supporting a diverse array of marine life.