Reccys Restoring The Bay

Port Phillip Bay is a beloved part of Melbourne and Victoria’s environment and culture. However, over the past 150 years, aquatic habitats critical to many fish species have been damaged, with some almost entirely lost. Shellfish reefs, mangroves, rocky reef and saltmarsh have all been impacted over the years, diminishing the many benefits they provide, primarily, habitat for popular target species of recreational fishers.

With over 614,000 recreational fishers enjoying Port Phillip Bay each year, only a small number currently play a role in habitat restoration and management of the Bay. Through engagement and education, the BayVision Project: “Reccys in Restoration and Research” provides an exciting opportunity for recreational fishers to give back and help restore and protect our Bay for future generations.

The project will involve recreational fishers assisting in mapping fish and aquatic habitat issues in the Bay including reporting and monitoring of fish habitat using Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUVs). It will also involve active involvement of rec fishers in on-ground restoration works targeted at improving fish populations.

Funded by the Port Phillip Bay Fund, BCF and the Urquhart Charitable Fund, the project is being carried out by OzFish Unlimited in partnership with VRFish and The Nature Conservancy Australia.

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