February 3, 2020
VRFish are proud to have partnered with Deakin University and Melbourne Water on a new project to develop the tools and knowledge to assist seagrass restoration and recovery in Western Port.
Seagrasses are important marine plants that provide a wide suite of benefits, such as coastal protection and the provision of nursery habitats for many important fish species – such as King George whiting and Southern calamari. However, seagrasses are declining globally and we have lost a significant amount of this important fish habitat around Australia – including in Western Port.
Fishers know that habitat makes fishing happen. VRFish have identified fish habitat as a key priority to make fishing better in Victoria and are highly motivated to be involved in restoring fish habitat in their favourite fishing areas. VRFish play a lead role in advocating for and participating in projects and forums to secure positive outcomes and on-ground works for habitat protection, restoration and enhancement.
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with on ground restoration activities such as collecting and planting seagrass seeds and fragments, and monitoring of seagrass restoration sites.
Our first activity is the collection of seeds. Seagrasses only flower for a short period every year and we have limited time to collect seeds for restoration work. If you would like to help with our seed collection activities, we are holding a volunteer seed collection day on Saturday 15 February. Please register your interest for the event on Eventbrite and entering your contact details.
This is a great way for fishers to get involved and help to restore the seagrass in Western Port.
For any questions please contact Yi Mei Tan (Deakin University) at [email protected]
Seagrass Seed Collection Event
‘Flower Picking with Zosteration‘
Saturday 15 February
9am – 3pm
Register your interest via Eventbrite
More information via the Facebook Event or Deakin University’s Zosteration on Facebook.
