For more information contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963, or Mushroom visit ww w .parkweb.vic.go v .au Reef Marine Sanctuary

Management Plan April 2007 This Management Plan for Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary is approved for implementation. Its purpose is to direct all aspects of management of the sanctuary until the plan is reviewed.

A Draft Management Plan for the sanctuary was published in May 2006. Nine submissions were received. All submissions have been considered in preparing this approved Management Plan.

Information For further information on this plan, please contact:

Chief Ranger Mornington / Western Port District Parks Victoria PO Box 400 Rosebud VIC 3939 Phone: (03) 5986 9100

Copies This plan may be downloaded from the Parks Victoria website (www.parkweb.vic.gov.au). Copies of the plan may be purchased for $8.80 including GST from:

Parks Victoria Information Centre Level 10, 535 Bourke Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Phone: 13 1963

Parks Victoria Rosebud Office Hinton Street Rosebud VIC 3939 Phone: (03) 5986 9100 MUSHROOM REEF MARINE SANCTUARY

MANAGEMENT PLAN

April 2007 Published in April 2007 by Parks Victoria Level 10, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000

Cover: Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary (Photo: Victor Teoh)

Parks Victoria, 2007, Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary Management Plan, Parks Victoria, Melbourne.

National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication entry

Parks Victoria. Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary management plan.

Bibliography. ISBN 9780731183647 .

1. Marine parks and reserves - Victoria - Mushroom Reef - Management. 2. Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary (Vic.). I. Title.

333.9164160919576

Acknowledgements Acknowledgement of Country. In their rich culture, Indigenous Australians are intrinsically connected to the continent – including the area now known as Victoria. Parks Victoria recognises that the sanctuary is part of Country of the Traditional Owners. Parks Victoria is grateful to all those organisations and individuals who have contributed to this Final Management Plan. Special thanks go to the Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Advisory Group: Harry Breidahl, Ian Brett, David Bryant, Denis Cox, Steve Crow, Dr Rob Day, Neil Hallam, Darren Gerard, Penelope Johns, Colin Morrison and Wolfgang Sasse.

Note Technical terms used in this plan are explained in the Glossary at the end of the plan.

Disclaimers This plan is prepared without prejudice to any negotiated or litigated outcome of any native title determination applications covering land or waters within the plan’s area. It is acknowledged that any future outcomes of native title determination applications may necessitate amendment of this plan; and the implementation of this plan may require further notifications under the procedures in Division 3 of Part 2 of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth). The plan is also prepared without prejudice to any future negotiated outcomes between the Government/s and Victorian Indigenous communities. It is acknowledged that such negotiated outcomes may necessitate amendment of this plan. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this plan is accurate. Parks Victoria does not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence that may arise from you relying on any information in the publication.

Text printed on 100% recycled paper to help save our natural environment FOREWORD

Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary protects The care of Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary unique basalt reefs at Flinders near the western is not a task for the government alone, nor only entrance to Western Port. The sanctuary is for those who live on the coast. It is a task for notable for its diversity of marine life and the whole Victorian community. This significant roosting, feeding and breeding Management Plan sets out the ways in which areas for migratory and threatened bird we can work together to learn about, protect species. and sustain an important part of our marine The diverse rocky platforms and reefs within environment. the sanctuary have been explored by divers I thank the Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary and studied by scientists and naturalists, Management Plan Advisory Group for their revealing numerous animal species not valuable contribution to the plan, and also previously known to science. Many school wish to thank those individuals and children have learned about the wonders of the organisations who made submissions on the marine world on the sanctuary’s reefs. draft plan. I look forward to the community’s ongoing support for the management of Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary.

JOHN THWAITES MP Minister for Environment, Water and Climate Change APPROVED MANAGEMENT PLAN

This Management Plan has been prepared The plan provides the basis for the future under section 17D of the National Parks management of Mushroom Reef Marine Act 1975 (Vic.) and is approved for Sanctuary. It was finalised following implementation. consideration of the nine submissions received on the Draft Management Plan.

PETER HARRIS MARK STONE Secretary to the Chief Executive Department of Sustainability and Environment Parks Victoria INTRODUCTION TO THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT

Victorians are custodians of some of the most insects — the most abundant invertebrates on remarkable, diverse, and culturally important land — are almost absent. The dominant marine environments on Earth. These include vertebrates are fish, although mammals and deep open water, shallow embayments, rocky reptiles also inhabit the marine environment reefs, canyons, seagrass meadows, tidal and many birds inhabit both realms. sandflats and mudflats, and estuaries. They support more than 12 000 known species, of Although they are very different physically which around 90% of are found only in the and biologically, the land, atmosphere and waters of southern Australia. marine environments are interconnected. Water and gases are transferred between Broadly speaking, Victoria has responsibility oceans and the atmosphere. There are animals for the waters which extend off-shore to three with both marine and freshwater life stages, nautical miles and cover around 70 000 square and some species breed in estuaries where kilometres. Marine National Parks and Marine fresh water from the land mixes with oceanic Sanctuaries, which protect a range of salt water. Fresh water and sediments from significant species and important habitats, as catchments far inland are dispersed into coastal well as maritime artefacts and evidence of waters, bringing with them nutrients needed to past Indigenous occupation, make up about maintain inshore marine ecosystems but also 5% of this area. pollution from human activities. The vast three-dimensional marine The sea interconnects marine habitats over environment has characteristics that are very great distances. Tides and currents move different from those of land or atmosphere. sediments, plankton and organic matter into The fundamental physical or chemical and through habitats, along with flotsam, properties — pressure, temperature, light, jetsam, ballast water and oils released from density and concentrations of chemicals ships on the open seas, or washed from the including nutrients — are all very different. shores of other countries. And many marine There are also great differences in the types of animals migrate long distances, passing freely substrates, and the physical processes that into and out of Victorian waters, spending occur, such as tides, currents, erosion and much of their lives in the open ocean. sedimentation, and in biological life cycles and food chains. A vision for Victoria’s system of Marine The organisms that occupy the marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries environment are different as well. On land ‘A world-class system of Marine National vascular plants dominate, but in marine Parks and Marine Sanctuaries that conserves habitats they are much less common. In most the diversity of Victoria’s marine marine environments their ecological roles in environments, protected and enjoyed by photosynthesis and oxygen production are Victorians and visitors, forever.’ undertaken by algae, which range in size from This vision for Victoria’s system of Marine giant kelps to minute single-celled species. National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries is Other single-celled organisms such as diatoms, detailed in Victoria’s System of Marine cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates and forams, National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries together with invertebrate larvae and marine Management Strategy 2003–2010 (Parks fungi, make up most of the abundant marine Victoria 2003a). It is described in the plankton that is the basis of all marine food following extract: chains. ‘The vision for Victoria’s system of Marine As on land, invertebrates, including molluscs National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries is to (e.g. octopuses, abalones, snails), crustaceans maintain marine ecosystems in their natural (e.g. crabs, lobsters, tiny amphipods) and state, enjoyed by visitors and protected from echinoderms (e.g. sea cucumbers, seastars and the effects of inappropriate activities. The sea urchins), dominate the marine fauna but system will safeguard representative examples Introduction to the marine environment

of undisturbed natural marine habitats, respect can quickly affect another, and human cultural heritage values, and be a place of activities and natural events on land and in the inspiration, enjoyment and renewal for all atmosphere can have widespread people. The system will complement our consequences for the marine environment. terrestrial protected areas in our world-class Boundaries in the ocean can be difficult to system of protected areas. define, and the effects of human activities can This vision aims to preserve the diversity of be hidden from view. our marine environment, its flora and fauna, Like the atmosphere, but in contrast to land, its natural beauty, and the diversity of the marine environment is a common resource activities that may be enjoyed there. It is a which is rarely in private ownership, and there vision that invites all Victorians to become are few natural or artificial barriers to involved, to take pride in our Marine National movement. Many of the strategies used to Parks and Marine Sanctuaries, and to share in concentrate the impacts of recreational their stewardship.’ activities in terrestrial parks (e.g. the creation of walking tracks and picnic areas) are not Contribution of Mushroom Reef Marine feasible in the marine context. Sanctuary to the statewide system The Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary is Conserving historic and cultural places and significant in the representative statewide objects is also a challenge because it is system for its ecological values and for its difficult to identify an underwater place or values for underwater recreation and monitor activities that take place on the open potentially for marine education (ECC 2000). sea or under water. Sea Country and cultural association to, or past use of, underwater places which were exposed before the sea level Implications for management rose must also be considered. The differences and connections in the marine environment mean that Victoria’s Marine The long-term protection of the sanctuary National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries must relies on the support and goodwill of the be managed somewhat differently from land community, together with the help of coastal environments. Natural, recreational and managers and government agencies. The plan cultural values may be affected by the use of seeks to foster a strong sense of custodianship both land and marine areas some distance of the Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary and away, over which sanctuary managers have no to strengthen its protection while respecting direct control. Impacts on one marine habitat cultural and community associations with the area. SUMMARY

Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary (80 ha) was • Reflect Indigenous knowledge, interests recommended for its ecological and and rights in the land, and aspirations for underwater recreation values and its potential the sanctuary, in all planning and for marine education. The sanctuary protects a management. system of ancient basalt platforms and reefs on the southern Mornington Peninsula coast that • Respect the views of the Boonwurrung1 form a rich variety of marine microhabitats. people and cultural obligations of Indigenous people. The sanctuary is renowned for the diverse flora and fauna it supports, particularly in the • Maintain and promote opportunities for intertidal area. The beaches and intertidal area marine education that rely on the special within the sanctuary also provide significant values of the sanctuary. roosting, feeding and breeding areas for • Promote opportunities for visitors to enjoy migratory and threatened bird species. underwater recreation and shore-based The diverse rocky platforms and reefs within activities that enable visitors to observe the sanctuary have long been used and valued marine life and learn about the sanctuary. by scientists and teachers for marine education • Manage recreational and educational and research. The accessibility of the subtidal activities within the sanctuary sustainably reefs provides unique opportunities for and with minimal impact on the snorkelling and diving from the shore. sanctuary’s values. Future management directions for the • sanctuary include the following: Interpret and promote the sanctuary’s values and its recreational and tourism • Maintain the intertidal reef platforms and opportunities and foster community beaches for migratory and other appreciation and awareness. shorebirds. • Support and encourage Friends and • Protect natural processes to ensure an volunteer groups and promote overall benefit to biodiversity and opportunities for the community to work ecological communities. together and with Parks Victoria to achieve common goals for the sanctuary. • Undertake and encourage research to improve the scientific basis for • Work collaboratively with agencies, the management. community and other stakeholders to assist in the sanctuary’s management.

1 This management plan adopts the spellings used by the Native Title Unit, Department of Justice. Boonwurrung is a known form of the name for this Aboriginal tribal group. Boonwurrung may be spelt in a number of different ways, including ‘Boonerwrung’ and ‘Bunurong’. CONTENTS

FOR E WORD iii

APP R OV E D MANAGEMEN T P L AN iv

INTRODUCTIO N T O TH E MAR I N E ENVIRONMENT v

SUMMARY v ii

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 L o catio n a nd pla nn in g a r ea 1 1.2 C rea ti on o f t he sanc t uary 1 1.3 P l an deve l op m ent 1

2 BASIS 3

2.1 Regiona l cont e xt 3 2.2 Sanctu a ry significanc e a nd v a lues 4 2.3 Ev i d e nce of p a st use 4 2.4 T he sa n ct u ar y v isit or 5 2.5 Legislatio n an d EC C reco m m endations 5 2.6 P o licie s an d gui d eli n es 6

3 STRA T EG I C DIRE C TIONS 7

3.1 Sanc t u a ry v i s i on 7 3.2 Zo n ing 7 3.3 Ma nage m e nt di rec ti ons 7

4 STRATEG I E S FO R NATURA L VALUE S CONSERVATION 11

4.1 Geological and geomorphological features 11 4.2 Catc h m e nt a nd wate r q u ality 12 4.3 H y d ro d y n a m i c s 13 4.4 Ha b itat s a nd c o m m un ities 14 4.5 Landscap e an d seascape 17 4.6 Ma r i ne pes t s 18

5 STRATEG I E S FO R CULTURA L VALUE S CONSERVAT I O N 20

5.1 I n d i g e n ous cu l t ural her ita ge 20 5.2 Marit i m e a nd o t h e r c u lt u ra l herita ge 21

6 STRA T EG I E S FO R VISITORS 22 6.1 Infor m ati on, e du catio n an d i n ter p retation 22 6.2 Access 24 6.3 I n terti d a l acti v ities 24 6.4 Sn o r k elli ng an d d i v ing 26 6.5 D o g walk i ng 26 6.6 Ot h e r acti v ities 27 6.7 To ur is m ser v ices 28 Contents

6.8 Pu b li c safety 29

7 STRA T EG I E S FO R AUTHORIS E D AN D AD J ACEN T U S ES 31

7.1 Au t h o r ise d uses 31 7.2 B o un dar ie s a n d a djac e nt uses 31

8 STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT 33

8.1 Com m unit y a w ar e n ess 33 8.2 C o m m un it y p artici p ati on 33 8.3 Ag e ncy par t n e rsh i ps 35

9 PLA N IMPLEMENTATION 38

9.1 De li very a n d re p o r tin g 38 9.2 Plan a m end m e nt 38 9.3 Eva l ua tio n a n d r e v i ew 39

REFERENCE S 4 0

GLOS S A RY 4 3

APPENDICES

1 Management objectives for marine sanctuaries 46 2 Submissions on the Draft Management Plan 47

TABLE

1 Summary of recreational opportunities 9

FIGURES

1 Location End of plan 2 Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary "

1 INTRODUCTION

The sanctuary includes areas between the high 1.1 Location and planning area and low water mark that were formerly part of Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary is on the the Mornington Peninsula National Park. Bass Strait coast at Flinders near the western entrance to Western Port, 92 km by road south 1.3 Plan development of Melbourne (figure 1). The sanctuary (80 ha) This first Management Plan for the sanctuary abuts the Mornington Peninsula National Park was prepared by Parks Victoria, with and extends from the high water mark to significant input from the Mushroom Reef approximately 1 km offshore. Marine Sanctuary Management Plan Advisory The shoreline boundary extends 702 m along Group and other stakeholders. It takes into the Flinders Ocean Beach from a point account existing information, reports and approximately 300 metres east of Kings Street research findings that relate to the sanctuary to a point approximately 500 metres west of and is informed and supported by a range of West Head Car park (figure 2). On the shore, best practice management systems. yellow triangular markers mark the east and The strategies outlined in this plan have been west shoreline boundaries and provide guided by the statewide Victoria’s System of sightlines to the offshore boundaries. Marine National Parks and Marine Bismarck Reef, which is commercially fished Sanctuaries Management Strategy 2003–2010 for abalone, is outside the sanctuary, (Parks Victoria 2003a). approximately 100 metres seaward of the The plan is a strategic guide for future southern boundary (section 7.2). management of the sanctuary. As a public document, the plan establishes how Parks 1.2 Creation of the sanctuary Victoria will protect the natural and cultural Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary forms part values of the sanctuary, and describes the of the system of 13 Marine National Parks and services and facilities that will be provided to 11 Marine Sanctuaries in Victorian waters. help visitors to enjoy, appreciate and The selection of these areas was based on understand the sanctuary in ways that are more than 10 years of research, investigation consistent with this. The plan also serves to and community consultation carried out by the inform and encourage cooperative land former Land Conservation Council (LCC) and management and participation in community- Environment Conservation Council (ECC) and based programs between Parks Victoria and summarised in the Marine, Coastal and the managers of areas adjacent to the Estuarine Investigation Final Report (ECC sanctuary. 2000). The recommendations of the ECC As a working document for the sanctuary, the accepted by government (Government of plan informs Parks Victoria’s development of Victoria 2002) included reservation of the new Corporate Plans, serves as a framework for parks and sanctuaries under the National subsequent detailed planning and governs Parks Act 1975 (Vic.). Mushroom Reef management activities. Marine Sanctuary was included on Schedule 8 of the National Parks Act on 16 November This Final Management Plan was published as 2002 (appendix 1). a Draft Plan for public comment in 2006, and nine submissions were received (appendix 2). When created, much stronger penalties were applied for all forms of fishing, including Where necessary, further consultation with the shellfish collection in Marine National Parks community and stakeholders was undertaken. and Marine Sanctuaries, than apply for taking Key changes made to the Draft Plan in or damaging fauna, plants or objects from preparing this Final Management Plan were these areas. the further clarification of various strategies to protect shorebird habitat and stronger mechanisms to better manage visits by school The Final Management Plan will direct future groups and monitor trampling impacts. management of the Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary, until reviewed. 2 BASIS

and Western Port Catchment Region. Being 2.1 Regional context located near the western entrance to Western Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary forms part Port, the sanctuary is influenced by activities of a representative system of 13 Marine in the catchment, which is in the Port Phillip National Parks and 10 other Marine and Western Port Catchment Management Sanctuaries in Victoria, established within the Authority’s area of responsibility. broader context of a National Representative The coastal area abutting the sanctuary System of Marine Protected Areas includes a narrow coastal section of (NRSMPA). The establishment of an Mornington Peninsula National Park and is NRSMPA contributes to the establishment of a typified by low coastal vegetation. The global representative system of marine Flinders Golf Course provides a buffer protected areas (ANZECC TFMPA 1999). between the Mornington Peninsula National Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary is one of Park and residential areas in the township of eight Marine National Parks and Marine Flinders. Sanctuaries in the Central Victoria marine Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary protects bioregion, as identified by the Interim 702 m of the coastline and adjacent waters Marine and Coastal Regionalisation for east of Kings Street to the West Head Car Australia (IMCRA). This regionalisation Park and is complemented by a number of identified 60 marine bioregions, five of nearby parks, including: which apply to Victorian waters (IMCRA Technical Group 1998). Mushroom Reef • Mornington Peninsula National Park Marine Sanctuary protects approximately 0.02% of the Central Victoria marine • Point Nepean National Park bioregion. • Bass Park (Crown land) The Victorian Central bioregion encompasses • Churchill Island Marine National Park the open coastline from Cape Otway to Cape Liptrap, west of Wilsons Promontory. The • French Island Marine National Park bioregion is relatively exposed to swells and • Yaringa Marine National Park weather from the south-west and is characterised by shallow near-shore reefs and • Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, sandy beaches along with large areas of sand incorporating, Point Nepean, Popes Eye, and patchy, low profile reefs offshore. The Portsea Hole, Point Lonsdale, Swan Bay marine flora and fauna are a diverse mixture of and Mud Islands species from the adjacent biogeographical • Arthurs Seat State Park. provinces in addition to cosmopolitan southern Australian species (Parks Victoria 2003a). The sanctuary is within Tourism Victoria’s Melbourne’s Bays and Peninsulas product The sanctuary is within the Mornington region. Accommodation and camping areas Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere close to the sanctuary include holiday and bed Reserve, which is a combined urban/rural and breakfast accommodation at Flinders, and UNESCO biosphere reserve. The biosphere caravan park accommodation at Flinders, reserve has a combined area of 2142 square Shoreham and Point Leo. The Melbourne’s kilometres and contains the sanctuary as well Bays and Peninsulas product region receives as a mix of residential, industrial, farming, 16% of all tourist visits to Victoria, including fishing, recreational, conservation, and 2.2 million domestic overnight visitors, 6.7 tourism activities. million domestic day visitors and 53 000 Indigenous tradition indicates that the international overnight visitors (Tourism sanctuary is part of Country of Boonwurrung Victoria 2003). (section 5.1). Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary is within the Western Port Catchment of the Port Phillip 2.2 Sanctuary significance and • Sandy bottoms habitats that support large values beds of Amphibolis seagrass and patches of Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary makes a green algae. valuable contribution to Victoria’s parks and • Diverse habitats that support sedentary and reserves system, which aims to protect viable migratory fish species. representative samples of the State’s natural marine and terrestrial environments. The • A range of reef habitats that support sanctuary also provides opportunities for invertebrates including gorgonian fans, visitors to enjoy and appreciate natural and seastars, anemones, ascidians, barnacles cultural values, and makes an important and soft corals. contribution to tourism. • A distinctive basalt causeway that provides The area included in the sanctuary is habitat for numerous crab, seastar and significant to many people in the community, gastropod species. especially the Traditional Owners. A number • Intertidal habitats that support resident and of local environmental groups, including migratory shorebird species including Friends of Flinders Coastline, other threatened species. community groups, individuals, residents of the Flinders area and the education and research community, have strong historical Cultural values associations with the sanctuary area. Parks • A reported Indigenous fish trap (Luebbers Victoria respects the community’s traditional 1998). and historical associations with the sanctuary • An important landmark and area for area. gathering fish and shellfish for the Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary is assigned Boonwurrung people. the International Union for the Conservation of • Marine microhabitats and species of great Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) scientific interest that provide valuable Category III (National Monument) of the areas for marine research and education. United Nation’s List of National Parks and Protected Areas. Category III areas are Recreational and tourism values managed primarily for conservation of specific natural features. • Opportunities to experience a marine environment, including subtidal The sanctuary contains intertidal and subtidal communities easily accessible from the habitats and microhabitats that enable an shore. extremely high diversity of flora and fauna to exist. Together with Honeysuckle Reef at • High diversity of marine habitats in good Shoreham, the sanctuary contains the most condition close to Melbourne and major diverse intertidal rocky reef community in coastal towns of the Mornington Victoria (ECC 2000). Important values of the Peninsula. sanctuary are listed below: • Excellent opportunities for underwater recreation activities such as diving and Natural values snorkelling among accessible subtidal • Among the most diverse intertidal and reefs. rocky reef communities in Victoria (Handreck & O’Hara 1994). 2.3 Evidence of past use • Numerous subtidal pools and boulders in Western Port and the surrounding region were the intertidal area that provide a high rich in food sources for Indigenous people. complexity of intertidal basalt substrates The Boonwurrung clans were hunters and and a rich variety of microhabitats. gatherers who travelled and set up campsites depending on seasonal changes in the • Subtidal reefs that support diverse and availability in food. The intertidal reefs of the abundant flora including kelps, other sanctuary would have provided an abundance brown algae, and green and red algae. of fish and invertebrates. The coastline Basis

adjoining the sanctuary contains many natural condition of the sanctuary and its middens and other remnants, which provide natural and other features and, subject to this, evidence of the extensive history of use of the to provide for the use of the sanctuary by the area by the Boonwurrung people (section 5.1). public for enjoyment, recreation, and Western Port was a site of early European education. Appropriate research activities are exploration and settlement in Victoria, and the also provided for under the Act. waters and beaches around Flinders were some The National Parks (Park) Regulations 2003 of the first coastal areas used by European apply to the sanctuary. All forms of extraction, fishers and whalers in the early 19th century. including recreational and commercial fishing The sanctuary has been explored by many and shellfish collection are prohibited within divers and scientists and used for marine the sanctuary under the National Parks Act. A research and education for over 50 years. Statewide Compliance Strategy (Parks The sanctuary area was used for commercial Victoria 2002b) and a Regional Compliance and recreational fishing, particularly for Plan (Parks Victoria 2003c) have been abalone, until its proclamation in 2002. developed in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) – Fisheries 2.4 The sanctuary visitor Victoria to manage compliance with the no- fishing provisions within the sanctuary Most visitors to the sanctuary come from (section 8.3). Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. Many of these visitors are not exclusively The objects and provisions of the National attracted by the sanctuary but are drawn by the Parks Act set the framework for the recreational opportunities and cultural management of Mushroom Reef Marine attractions in and around Flinders Township. Sanctuary (appendix 1). Specific legislation The Flinders Ocean Beach section of the park and ECC recommendations accepted by receives approximately 85 000 visits per year government also govern particular aspects of (A. Musgrove pers. comm.). the management of the sanctuary, as described below and in subsequent sections of the plan. The second largest segment of sanctuary visitors are residents or regular holiday home The Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics occupiers at Flinders. Preservation Act 1972 (Vic.) and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Another major source of visitors is researchers Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cwlth) apply to and school groups who use the sanctuary to the sanctuary and protect all Aboriginal study the marine environment. A large cultural heritage values including places and percentage of residents, holiday home objects (section 5.1). occupiers and researchers are repeat visitors. The Coastal Management Act 1995 (Vic.) Visitors to the sanctuary enjoy a variety of applies to the use and any development of the recreational activities, including walking and whole of the sanctuary. exploring in intertidal areas, diving and snorkelling on the reefs and sightseeing. The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) applies to the There are no visitor services other than ranger whole of the sanctuary with respect to actions patrols within the sanctuary, and facilities that have, will have, or are likely to have, a consist only of boundary markers (section 7.2) significant impact on matters of national and signage (section 6.1). environmental significance, including listed threatened species and communities and listed 2.5 Legislation and ECC migratory species in the sanctuary. recommendations The Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth) applies to Legislation the management of the sanctuary. Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary is reserved The Parks Victoria Act 1998 (Vic.) enables and managed under the provisions of the management services for Mushroom Reef National Parks Act. The Act requires the Marine Sanctuary to be provided by Parks Secretary to DSE to preserve and protect the Victoria on behalf of the Secretary to DSE. Other legislation, and policies and guidelines All of these recommendations were accepted (section 2.6) at both the Commonwealth and by the State Government in 2002 State levels apply to management of the (Government of Victoria 2002). sanctuary and specific activities and uses. 2.6 Policies and guidelines ECC recommendations The sanctuary is managed in accordance with The former Environment Conservation Parks Victoria’s operational policies and as Council (ECC), in its Marine, Coastal and appropriate, consistent with other relevant Estuarine Investigation Final Report (ECC policies and guidelines, including: 2000), recommended the creation of Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary for its • Victoria’s System of Marine National ecological and underwater recreation values Parks and Marine Sanctuaries and its potential for marine education (ECC Management Strategy 2003–2010 (Parks 2000). Victoria 2003a) The ECC also made a number of • Indigenous Partnership Strategy recommendations that relate to the sanctuary. and Action Plan (Parks Victoria 2005a) The recommendations included: • Guidelines for Working with Aboriginal Recommendation B10 Use of Mushroom Communities and Protection of Cultural Reef Marine Sanctuary in accordance Sites (Parks Victoria 2002a) with the general recommendations for • Victoria’s Biodiversity Strategy (NRE Marine Sanctuaries. 1997a) R3 Planning and management relating to traditional interests and uses in coastal • National Strategy for Ecologically marine areas to be based on recognition Sustainable Development (COAG 1992) and respect for the traditional relationship • National Strategy for the Conservation of of Aboriginal people with the land and Australia’s Biological Diversity (ANZECC sea. 2001) R13 Further research to be undertaken on • Heritage Management Strategy (Parks biological community composition and Victoria 2003b). structure, both within and external to marine protected areas, with an emphasis The sanctuary is also managed within a on assessing the impacts of harvesting broader context of a number of other plans marine fauna. and strategies, including: R14 Assessments to be made and strategies • Mornington Peninsula National Park and developed for protection of vulnerable or Arthurs Seat State Park Management threatened marine species and Plan (Parks Victoria 1998) communities, using the provisions of the • Nature Based Tourism — Directions Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and Opportunities for Victoria 2000– (Vic.) as appropriate. 2003 (Tourism Victoria 2000) R18 Measures to be implemented by • Victorian Coastal Strategy (VCC 2002) responsible agencies to reduce the risk of marine pest species arriving in Victoria, • Port Phillip and Western Port and to ensure a rapid and effective Regional Catchment Strategy 2004– response in the event of an introduction. 2009 (PPWPCMA 2004) R26 Public land and waters continue to be available for a wide range of tourism and • State Environment Protection Policy recreational uses. Development should not (Waters of Victoria) preclude public access to foreshore and • Policy for Sustainable Recreation and offshore areas, other than to meet safety Tourism on Victoria’s Public Land (NRE and security requirements that cannot be 2002). achieved in other ways. 3 STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

will be protected to ensure an overall 3.1 Sanctuary vision benefit to the biodiversity and the variety A future visitor to Mushroom Reef Marine of marine ecological communities in the Sanctuary finds an ecosystem recognised as sanctuary. being Victoria’s best example of intertidal and subtidal reef diversity, with a management • Identified threats to the sanctuary will be model that is widely respected as ideal for the minimised through addressing the management of marine sanctuaries. outcomes of ongoing monitoring, risk assessment and, where feasible, An effective partnership between community complementary adjacent, coastal and and the government maintains a successful catchment management. balance of marine biodiversity conservation and public use for enjoyment, recreation and • Water quality will be monitored and education, with due respect to Country of managed through cooperation with Traditional Owners. catchment managers and other relevant agencies. Visitors come to the sanctuary from near and far, with an appreciation of the sensitivity and • The value of feeding and roosting habitat significance of its special values, to explore the for migratory birds and other shorebirds sanctuary’s rocky shores by the natural will be maintained. cobblestone causeway, and immerse • Seagrass beds will be maintained subject themselves in the spectacular waters of Bass to natural ecological processes. Strait. Snorkellers, divers and underwater photographers enjoy impressive arrays of • Compliance with legislated provisions that seagrass, invertebrates and fish species in prohibit extractive activities, including thriving communities among an ocean of fishing and shellfish collection, will be ledges, gutters and bommies. ensured through education, information, community support, and improved Low-impact research and education activities surveillance and enforcement. flourish, and the knowledge gained is much appreciated by the community and guides • Parks Victoria’s understanding of the sound management. impacts of educational and recreational use on the sanctuary will be enhanced by 3.2 Zoning ongoing research and monitoring programs. A park management zoning scheme is normally used to define areas where various • The research and monitoring program for types and levels of use are appropriate. the sanctuary will be carried out as However, management zones do not need to be outlined in Victoria’s System of Marine defined in Marine National Parks and Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries Sanctuaries because the management aims for Management Strategy 2003–2010 (Parks these areas are clearly outlined in the National Victoria 2003a) through collaborative Parks Act and are consistent across all Marine research links with other agencies and the National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries community to improve the scientific basis (section 2.5 and appendix 1). for management of the sanctuary.

3.3 Management directions Cultural values conservation Major management directions for the sanctuary • Indigenous places and objects will be are outlined below. protected from interference or damaging activities. Natural values conservation • The Traditional Owners’ knowledge, • Natural processes, including competition, interests and rights in the waters and land, predation, recruitment and disturbance, and aspirations for Country, will be reflected in the sanctuary’s management, • Visitor enjoyment will be enhanced by in accordance with legislation and policies. appropriate management of recreation • Indigenous cultural obligations relating to activities. Country will be respected and the • Visitors will be encouraged to adopt Traditional Owners’ knowledge will be minimal-impact techniques and to adhere promoted and interpreted in accordance to industry-developed standards with their views. appropriate to diving, snorkelling and • Research into Indigenous and historic shore-based ecotourism. cultural heritage of the sanctuary will be • Recreational opportunities will be encouraged and supported as appropriate, provided in accordance with table 1. in consultation with the Indigenous and wider communities. Community awareness and involvement • The intertidal reefs will be managed to • Strong collaborative partnerships will be provide opportunities for research and developed with the Traditional Owners to education that rely on the special values of facilitate the reflection of their knowledge, the sanctuary. rights, and interests and aspirations in the park’s planning and management. The sanctuary visit • Friends, volunteers and other interest • Visitors will have opportunities to learn groups will be encouraged to develop an about the sanctuary and its special values. understanding and appreciation of the park’s values and the rich and diverse • Visitors will have opportunities to observe knowledge and aspirations of the marine life, enjoy water sports and Traditional Owners, and to participate in participate in other recreational activities areas of the sanctuary’s management compatible with management objectives. relating to their interests. • Visitor understanding and appreciation of • An awareness and understanding of the the sanctuary’s natural and cultural values sanctuary and its management, and a sense will be enhanced by a range of information of custodianship for the sanctuary, will be services, and interpretation and education encouraged among local communities and programs. visitors. • Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary will • Strong relationships will be further remain available for university and school developed and maintained with programs that rely on the special values of individuals, groups and communities with the sanctuary. strong associations with, or interests in, the • Universities, schools and other visitors will sanctuary, as a basis for encouraging their be encouraged to investigate, and if appropriate participation in its appropriate, use areas outside the management. sanctuary for activities that do not rely on • Ongoing opportunities will be given for the sanctuary’s special values. individuals, groups, communities and government agencies to discuss their issues and aspirations relating to the sanctuary with Parks Victoria. Strategic directions

TABLE 1 SUMMARY OF RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

ACTIVITY SANCTUARY

Aircraft landing/launching (including hang-gliding and paragliding) Y Beachcombing (no collecting) Y Bait collection N Bird watching Y Boating (section 6.6) Kite-boarding / wind-surfing Y Motorised boating Y Non-motorised boating (canoe, kayak, surf-ski) Y Personal Watercraft (PWC) Y Sailing Y Wake boarding / water skiing Y Boat operation (sections 6.2 & 6.6) Anchoring Y Landing Y Launching motorised vessels (no facilities) N Launching non-motorised vessels (no facilities, no Y trailers) Mooring (private) N Camping N Collection of animals, seaweed, shells and driftwood N Cycling N Diving and snorkelling (sections 6.2 & 6.4) Y Dog walking (section 6.5) N Driving on beaches N Educational/guided activities (sections 6.1 & 6.7) Y Feeding wildlife N Filming & photography Y Fires on beaches N Fishing (all forms) N Fossil / artefact collection N Hang gliding and paragliding Y Horse riding N Licensed tours (section 6.7) Y Nature photography, painting, Y Picnicking Y Prospecting and metal detecting N Rock climbing / abseiling N Rockpool rambling (section 6.3) Y Table 1 (cont’d)

ACTIVITY SANCTUARY

Scenic viewing Y Shell collecting N Surfing / boogie boarding (section 6.6) Y Swimming (sections 6.3 and 6.8) Y Walking (intertidal zone – soft) Y Walking (intertidal zone – rocky) Y Whale / dolphin / seal watching (section 4.4) Y

Note: The use of chainsaws and generators is prohibited within the sanctuary.

Key: Y Yes, subject to overlay prescriptions and conditions prescribed by legislation, permits or elsewhere in the plan as indicated. N Not permitted. NA Not applicable. 4 STRATEGIES FOR NATURAL VALUES CONSERVATION

The name Mushroom Reef is derived from the 4.1 Geological and shape of the largest of three basalt intertidal geomorphological features platforms within the sanctuary, which has an The geology and geomorphology of the oval intertidal reef connected to the shore by a sanctuary are linked to the biological diversity basalt causeway that together have a found there, particularly in the intertidal area. mushroom-shaped appearance. This basalt The ancient basalt platforms and subtidal reefs platform is an example of an unusual coastal within the sanctuary are solidified lava formed landform known as a tombolo. The distinctive during the Eocene epoch of the Tertiary shape has been formed by incoming waves period, around 42 to 47 million years ago refracting around the reef platform and (Douglas & Ferguson 1976). They belong to a depositing basalt cobbles onto the gap group of rocks called the Older Volcanics that between the platform and the shore (section are typical of those along the Flinders coastline 4.3). This tombolo is unique because the spit and southern Mornington Peninsula. These is made up of basalt cobbles. The refracted ancient basalts reach an estimated thickness of wave pattern continues to maintain the cobble 600 metres at Flinders (Keble 1968). They can causeway linking the platform to the beach. also be seen as a series of solidified lava flows On the outer edges of the basalt platforms the forming spectacular cliffs along the coastline force of the ocean waves has produced almost of the southern Mornington Peninsula, Phillip perfectly rounded rockpools, formed by loose Island and French Island. cobbles or boulders being stirred in a circular The cliffs adjacent to the sanctuary and the grinding motion by waves at high tide. Some shore platforms within the sanctuary hold clues of these rockpools still contain grinding rocks, to the close relationship between landform and so that the grinding process is continuing. geology. The cliffs at West Head show that The unique geological and geomorphological during the Eocene epoch basaltic lava moved features are significant elements of Country of over this area in a series of fluid flows that the Boonwurrung people. stand out as layers of hard, dark basalt interspersed with relatively thin red layers of Despite the unusual nature of the basalt clay, sand and gravel. These red layers formed cobble causeway at Mushroom Reef, no sites during the times between lava flows and of geological or geomorphological commonly contain plant remains. An outcrop significance have been identified in the of fossiliferous limestone can be seen in the sanctuary. cliff near the eastern boundary of the sanctuary. This pale limestone was laid down Aims on top of weathered basalt during the • Protect the geological and Pleistocene epoch. geomorphological features of the sanctuary The intertidal platforms within the sanctuary from the impacts of human activity. present a horizontal section view of a lava • Increase knowledge of the geological and flow with a hexagonal fracture pattern formed geomorphological significance of the by the cooling of the lava. Hexagonal sanctuary. columns typically weather and break down to form rounded cobbles and boulders, common Management strategies on the rocky shores of the Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island. • Encourage research to identify geologically or culturally significant The ocean waves of Bass Strait have shaped features, particularly features the basalt in the sanctuary over millions of significant to the Traditional Owners years to create a range of microhabitats on (sections 5.1 and 8.3). intertidal platforms, and have formed overhanging ledges, bommies and gutters • Allow natural geological and below the waves. geomorphological processes to continue without human interference. • Manage visitor activities to protect is dispersed into the sanctuary by a westerly unique geomorphological features from ocean current. damage (sections 6.1 and 8.2). Dodds Creek, which originates a short • Include information on the unique distance inland, flows through Flinders geology and geomorphology of the township and enters Western Port east of West sanctuary in interpretation services. Head. Flinders will be sewered in 2008, and • Consider the significance of landforms this may reduce the flow of fresh water and in interpreting sanctuary and nutrients into the sanctuary. implementing management programs Main Creek, which is the longest and largest (sections 4.5, 5.1, of local streams and drains from the main 6.1 and 8.2). ridge of the Mornington Peninsula, discharges at the coast five kilometres west of the 4.2 Catchment and water quality sanctuary near Cape Schanck. Stockyard Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary is close to, Creek drains agricultural land and is located but outside, the western entrance of Western between Main Creek and Double Creek. Port, within the Western Port catchment The sanctuary may be affected by the sewage managed by the Port Phillip and Western Port plume from the Eastern Treatment Plant that Catchment Management Authority (section discharges at Boags Rocks near Gunnamatta, 8.3). The catchment has an area of 343 000 ha, approximately 20 km west of the sanctuary. 22% of which is covered by indigenous vegetation, mostly along the coastline and on The waters of the sanctuary are protected by the forested hills of the upper catchment. The The State Environment Protection Policy Western Port catchment contains seven water (Waters of Victoria) gazetted under the supply catchments which together supply Environment Protection Act 1970 (Vic.), 73 900 ML of water annually for domestic, which aims to provide a coordinated approach industrial, and agricultural use. The catchment for the protection and, where necessary, receives approximately 800–1000 mm in rehabilitation of the health of Victoria’s water rainfall annually. Groundwater is also an environments. The policy requires operators important resource in the catchment with of vessels to install effective on-board waste 18 830 ML licensed annually for domestic and containment facilities to avoid the disposal of agricultural use. The catchment has a wastes or sewage from vessels (section 8.3). population of about 225 000 people, and Under the Environment Protection Act 1970 includes areas designated for future major (Vic.), littering and the discharge of wastes urban growth. The catchment is a significant from vessels is illegal. Litter in the sanctuary area for tourism and recreation. Melbourne may be derived from urban areas and Water is the designated waterway manager for transported through stormwater systems, the Western Port catchment. rivers and waterways, discarded from vessels The sanctuary’s water quality is within in or near the sanctuary, or discarded predominantly affected by the clean ocean by visitors to the sanctuary and adjacent areas. waters of Bass Strait. There are no direct Litter discarded by recreational fishers from freshwater discharges into the sanctuary, but vessels or from nearby piers may also enter local water quality may be indirectly affected the sanctuary. More information about the by runoff from Double Creek, Dodds Creek, sources of litter is required to develop targeted Main Creek and Stockyard Creek and by tidal preventative programs. Litter may have to be flows from the western entrance to Western collected from shorelines to prevent injury to Port, which is about one kilometre east of the people and animals, and the re-circulation of sanctuary. litter into the marine environment. Double Creek, the closest stream to the Marine pollution from Bass Strait and Western sanctuary, receives stormwater from part of Port, including oil or chemical spills, is a Flinders township and discharges to the beach possible hazard to the sanctuary’s water approximately 500 m west of the sanctuary. quality. Responses to marine pollution When stream flow is high after heavy rain, incidents often require a diverse range of skills creek water including pollutants and sediments and resources involving coordination between • Incorporate water quality and different agencies (section 8.3). As the catchment issues in interpretation and manager of 70% of Victoria’s coastal areas, education programs and liaise with Parks Victoria plays a significant support role relevant agencies to communicate benefits in the response to marine pollution incidents. to the sanctuary in wider community The responsibilities for responding to education programs. emergency incidents in Victoria and Victorian waters are outlined in the Emergency • Respond to marine incidents within Management Act 1986 (Vic.). In Victorian the sanctuary in accordance with the waters, the Victorian Marine Pollution Emergency Management Act and the Contingency Plan (VICPLAN) (MSV 2002) Victorian Marine Pollution outlines broad response arrangements to a Contingency Plan (VICPLAN) (MSV potential oil or chemical spill (section 8.3). 2002).

Aims 4.3 Hydrodynamics • Protect and maintain water quality within On the southern shore of Mornington the sanctuary to ensure that sanctuary Peninsula, the hydrodynamics of the values are protected. sanctuary’s waters are dominated by the ocean swell and weather patterns of Bass Strait and • Minimise the impact of threatening the Southern Ocean. The sanctuary’s waters processes from catchment-derived are relatively shallow; the majority of the activities. subtidal waters are 2–3 m deep, although the waters around the outer reef reach depths of 12 Management strategies m (figure 2). The average water surface • Observe and obtain data from the temperature is 15.5 ºC. Tidal amplitudes within relevant waterway manager on significant and around the sanctuary are approximately stream flow events that could threaten 2 m and follow an unequal semidiurnal tidal sanctuary water quality. pattern. Beaches and rocky shores on this • Liaise with Port Phillip and section of the coast receive ocean waves Westernport Catchment Management averaging 1.7 m (Short 1996). Authority, Melbourne Water and other A complex and changing pattern of breaking relevant organisations on catchment waves influences the shallow waters of the issues that may indirectly influence the sanctuary during each tidal cycle. The time water quality of the sanctuary. between low and high tides is approximately • Remove accumulated litter from six hours and the complete cycle can be accessible intertidal areas within the observed from the cliffs above the sanctuary. sanctuary where necessary to ensure The tidal cycle provides an excellent public safety and to protect sanctuary opportunity to observe the hydrodynamic values. influence on the structure of shore platforms and reefs within the sanctuary. • Investigate sources of litter within The ocean swell is influenced significantly by the sanctuary and liaise with the topography of the basalt reefs and Mornington Peninsula Shire to minimise litter within the sanctuary. platforms of the sanctuary. Linear incoming wave crests are refracted around the • Encourage the participation of submerged basalt, creating the distinctive community groups in litter investigation mushroom shape of the large platform and collection programs in the sanctuary, (section 4.1). At low tide an offshore basalt subject to safety considerations. reef is exposed; wave energy is reduced when waves break on this reef and the shallow in- • Permit beach-cleaning activities below shore waters of the sanctuary are then the high water mark only where necessary relatively calm. to ensure public health and safety or as part of an emergency response such as to Both wave and wind action influence the oil or chemical spills (section 7.1). beaches and rocky shores of the sanctuary, affecting grain size and the erosion and deposition of sediments. Natural hydrodynamic events such as storm surges and The flora and fauna communities that occupy regular sand erosion or deposition continue to the intertidal platforms (30% of the occur. sanctuary’s total area), are adapted to extreme Potentially threatening processes to the variations in environmental conditions such as hydrodynamics of the sanctuary include rising wave energy, flooding, exposure to light and sea levels and altered current flows. Because drying. These communities are conspicuously human-induced changes to local dominated by the brown alga Neptune’s hydrodynamic processes could affect the Necklace and the green algae Caulerpa values of the sanctuary, proposals for new brownii. Among these are interspersed mats of infrastructure, including artificial reefs, are coralline algae such as Jania, species of brown generally inappropriate for Marine National algae Cystophora and patches of green Sea Parks or Marine Sanctuaries. Lettuce. The invertebrate fauna in intertidal areas Aims include a range of gastropods, with Blue • Minimise the impacts on sanctuary values Periwinkle, Ribbed Top Shell and Striped- from human-induced changes to local Mouth Conniwink most abundant in higher hydrodynamic processes. areas. The limpets include the Common Limpet; other molluscs including the Dog • Increase knowledge of the way in which Whelk and Wavy Turbo. There are also local hydrodynamic processes, especially chitons and barnacles. Tubeworms form wave refraction, influence the intertidal encrusting calcareous masses on the basalt structures within the sanctuary. which are microhabitats for other invertebrates such as crabs, worms and Management strategies amphipods. • Provide advice on planning applications for developments that could The rocky boulders of the rockpools contribute affect sanctuary hydrodynamic processes, to the complexity of the intertidal where appropriate (section 7.2). environment, providing excellent habitats for crabs and sea stars. The fascinating Black-and- • Encourage research into natural white Sea Star Smilasterias multipara, which and unnatural hydrodynamic broods its young in its stomach, is found only processes to increase knowledge and on basalt reefs in Victoria and Tasmania and understanding and guide future occurs in the sanctuary (O’Loughlin & O’Hara management of the sanctuary. 1990).

4.4 Habitats and communities Subtidal habitats occupy about 65% of the sanctuary’s total area. Most subtidal habitats The sanctuary’s basalt reefs provide for a are well protected from the high energy levels range of intertidal and subtidal microhabitats, of the open coast by a reef to the south of the including rockpools, overhanging ledges, sanctuary. The rocky substrates of subtidal boulders, bommies and gutters, supporting reefs are thickly covered by algae, particularly diverse and abundant flora and fauna. Along Carpoglossom confluens, Ecklonia radiata with Honeysuckle Reef at Shoreham, the and Phyllospora comosa. The sheltered sandy sanctuary has one of the most diverse intertidal bottoms of the subtidal pools support beds of rocky reef communities in Victoria (Handreck Amphibolis seagrass and patches of green & O’Hara 1994). algae (Plummer et al. 2003). Indigenous people recognise natural values as Little information has been recorded about the intrinsic elements of Country. Many of the subtidal fauna. Snorkellers and divers describe natural values of the sanctuary, including the the area as supporting ascidians, gorgonian diversity and abundance of waterbirds and fans, sponges and corals. Crayfish inhabit aquatic species which provided seasonal food rocky crevices, and Weedy Sea Dragons have sources, are significant to the Traditional been observed among the seagrass and kelp. Owners. The subtidal reefs include abalone habitat. The populations of abalone, sea urchins and brittle stars have declined (ECC 2000), but as they are now fully protected in the sanctuary these species may increase in abundance. The water column of the sanctuary has both Red-necked Stints are commonly observed planktonic and free-swimming species. feeding on the shore between August and May, Planktonic species are poor swimmers and are before migrating to Siberia to breed. Ruddy largely dependent on currents for movement, Turnstones feed and roost in the sanctuary, but nutrients and food. Plankton primarily consists over the last 10 years much of the population of microscopic animals such as copepods, and appears to have moved to other areas to feed protists such as diatoms. The larvae of larger (P. Johns pers. comm.). The Hooded Plover, animals, such as jellyfish and ctenophores, listed as a vulnerable species, has been also form part of the plankton. Many recorded in the sanctuary over the last five organisms spend the early stage of their life in years (V. Teoh pers. comm.). the plankton before returning as recruits to the adult habitat. Common free-swimming Birds are vulnerable to disturbance from animals observed in the sanctuary include human activities, including annoyance from weed fish, clingfish, wrasses, leatherjackets, dogs (section 6.5), cats, boating activities sweeps, morwongs, cowfish, Warty Prow Fish, (section 6.6) and rockpool rambling (section Moonlighter’s Magpie Perch and whiting. 6.3). Disturbance to birds can result in species Cartilaginous fish include Banjo, Swell, Port no longer visiting a site, a decline in numbers Jackson, Cat and Elephant Sharks, rays, and low body weight in migratory birds. octopuses, cuttlefish and squids. The exclusion of dogs from the sanctuary Marine mammals that may pass through the would reduce the level of disturbance to birds sanctuary include Dolphins, Killer Whales and and may assist in maintaining or increasing the threatened Australian Fur Seal, Humpback their abundance in the sanctuary (section 6.5). Whale and Southern Right Whale. All whales Domestic cats from homes in Flinders and dolphins are protected under the Wildlife township can kill birds and other native Act 1975 (Vic.) and the Wildlife (Whale) animals that use the beach and intertidal areas. Regulations 1998 (Vic.). Under this legislation Unmanaged foot traffic, fossicking and nature the minimum approach distances for whales study activities by large numbers of visitors and dolphins are 30 m for swimmers and and students who are attracted to the protected divers, 50 m for surfers and 100 m for offshore rockpools by the access provided by recreational and commercial vessels, including the causeway are threats to the diversity and personal watercraft and motorised swimming abundance of intertidal fauna and flora aids. (section 6.3). The Victorian Cetacean Contingency Plan Changes to water quality will affect the (NRE 1999c) specifies arrangements for relative abundance of flora in intertidal dealing with marine mammals that become areas and could modify subtidal reefs in the stranded, entrapped, entangled or wounded. sanctuary (section 4.2). The Wildlife Response Plan for Oil Spills (NRE 1997b) guides the rescue and treatment All species recorded within the sanctuary that of injured or oiled wildlife. are listed as threatened or protected by international agreements or other legislation The sandy beaches and higher intertidal areas (e.g. JAMBA, CAMBA) are either birds or of the sanctuary are habitats for invertebrates, large marine mammals such as the Australian including Burrowing Shore Crabs. Wrack Fur Seal. This reflects the current vertebrate washed up on the shore is important habitat focus of threatened species management. and food for numerous invertebrates such as Management of marine ecological amphipods and isopods. These organisms are communities within the sanctuary, rather than important components of marine food chains. threatened species, is more likely to lead to a The sanctuary’s beach is also important habitat higher level of success in protecting and for shorebirds, which include threatened enhancing threatened species populations. species such as the Kelp Gull, Pacific Gull and Whole-of-habitat management may also result Crested Tern. Numbers of Sooty in the protection of species not yet identified Oystercatchers can be seen feeding and because of their rarity, cryptic nature, or lack roosting. Flocks of Curlew Sandpipers and of search effort. All forms of extraction, including recreational Management strategies and commercial fishing and the collection of • Manage the use of the rocky intertidal living or dead organisms and natural areas by organised groups from schools driftwood, are prohibited within the sanctuary. and universities to minimise impacts on The feeding of animals, including fish and species diversity and habitats (section birds, is not permitted in Marine National 6.3). Parks or Marine Sanctuaries. • Record sightings of marine flora and Despite the sanctuary’s popularity and its long- fauna on the Parks Victoria term use for education, little has been recorded Environmental Information System and about habitats and communities in and around DSE statewide databases (section 8.3). the sanctuary. Research by marine ecologists in the sanctuary has focused on Blacklip • Map habitats at scales suitable Abalone (Officer et al. 2001), bryozoans for management purposes as part of (Klemke 1993) and intertidal zonation (Synnot the statewide habitat mapping & Wescott 1976). Local naturalists have program. observed reductions in the diversity and • Encourage research into key abundance of a number of fauna species over threatening processes and major the last 15 years (W. Sasse pers. comm.). knowledge gaps, including impacts of Current research and ongoing monitoring is trampling and illegal harvesting of directed by the Statewide Strategy (Parks invertebrates in the sanctuary. Victoria 2003a) and is targeted at collecting baseline biological information for the • Work with seabird and shorebird sanctuary that will be used to build knowledge, conservation organisations to support identify threats, and understand long-term bird monitoring programs within the changes in population abundances, community sanctuary. structure and ecological processes in the life of • Promote and support opportunities this plan. Long-term intertidal and subtidal reef for community participation in Sea monitoring sites have been established within Search and Reef Watch monitoring the sanctuary (Edmunds et al. 2004). To programs within the sanctuary understand the sanctuary within a broader (section 8.2). context, monitoring compares these with sites outside the sanctuary boundaries. This work • Undertake regular risk assessments to will assist in identifying indicator species and assess the major threats to the habitats. The results, available on Parks sanctuary, and review management Victoria’s website, will enable an assessment programs as appropriate. of the ecological condition of the sanctuary to • Encourage research to identify be made. Indigenous knowledge relating to Volunteers, community groups and Sea Search communities and species (sections 5.1 and and Reef Watch activities can make a valuable 8.2). contribution to the monitoring of the sanctuary • Reflect Indigenous knowledge of and other management programs (section 8.2). marine life in management practices as appropriate. Aims • Respect the cultural obligations of • Protect marine ecological communities and Traditional Owners in relation to indigenous flora and fauna, and allow marine life and their significance in all natural processes to continue. management and visitor activities. • Improve knowledge of marine ecological • Extend the pest animals control communities, flora and fauna and strategy from the Mornington Peninsula threatening processes to improve National Park into the sanctuary’s management, protection and appreciation. beach and intertidal areas. • Ensure that all visitors comply with the Wildlife Act, Fisheries Act and Wildlife (Whale) Regulations when observing marine life, particularly compliance with no-fishing provisions (sections 6.4 and 8.3). • Respond to cetacean incidents in • the shoreline, intertidal platforms or boats accordance with the Victorian on the water Cetacean Contingency Plan (section 8.3). • below the waterline in the sanctuary • lookouts and roads adjacent to the 4.5 Landscape and seascape sanctuary, including West Head. For many people, views of the sanctuary evoke Landscape character types are used to broadly an emotional or spiritual response. Local characterise different landscape types (DSE residents, holiday makers and educators have a 2006), however the sanctuary is within strong affinity with the sanctuary’s land and Metropolitan Melbourne which was excluded seascapes. Snorkellers and divers treasure the from the study. Further details about accessibility and diversity of the marine life landscape management objectives and that can be observed from the shores. The guidelines are provided in the Municipal landscape and seascapes of the sanctuary are Reference Document for the area. intrinsic elements of Country for Traditional Owners, in accordance with tradition. The coastal landscape of the sanctuary is sensitive to developments about Flinders The vista from the cliff tops or the shoreline is township, particularly urban building of textures and spaces on sandy beach, basalt development. The visual intrusions in the low pebble grounds and rocky pools that vary coastal vegetation are highly visible over long seasonally. Below the water the scene is of distances. The car parks within the national spectacular colour, reefs and substrates park that provide access to the sanctuary are a covered by an array of sessile invertebrates, significant visual intrusion. Signage and kelp forests and seagrass meadows. boundary marking can also create a visual From high points such as West Head, the intrusion (section 7.2). The VCC’s Siting and sanctuary, natural landforms and vegetation of Design Guidelines for the Victorian Coast the abutting Mornington Peninsula National (VCC 1998) provide guidelines to assist in the Park form part of a spectacular expanse of protection of coastal landscape values. Bass Strait coast dominated by ocean swells The Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme and strong currents. These scenic elements are (MPS 2002) provides the framework for complemented by and merge with the natural assessing developments proposed for the coastal landscape of the adjacent section of the coastal land abutting the sanctuary. This Mornington Peninsula National Park. Land to public land is zoned Public Park and the north of the national park is dominated by Recreation, but in accordance with the State modified non-indigenous vegetation. Planning Policy Framework (DSE 2003) it The outstanding scenery of Mushroom Reef should be zoned Public Conservation and Marine Sanctuary and its surroundings is full Resource. (section 7.2). An Environmental of contrasts. Key elements of the land and Significance Overlay and Significant seascape include: Landscape Overlay apply to the nearby coastal area and provide additional controls for • a prominent basalt causeway connecting protection of the landscape from inappropriate intertidal platform and sandy beach developments. • ocean swells rolling and breaking on reefs and beaches Aims • intertidal rocky reef platforms that vary • Protect landscape and seascape values frequently with the conditions, and with within the sanctuary, including the natural the seasons beauty and character. • an array of underwater colour and • Minimise visual impacts on the seascape diversity. and landscape of management activities and any future developments. The scenery can be enjoyed from various vantage points, including: Management strategies Prevention of marine pest invasions is the • Ensure that external agencies that have most effective management option. Prevention potential to affect landscape and involves reducing the risk that a pest will be seascape values consider their introduced to the sanctuary. In a very limited importance in planning and managing number of cases, with specific criteria, control their activities (section 7.2). measures may be attempted for established pest populations, generally as part of a • Respect the significance of landscape coordinated regional or national response. The to the Traditional Owners in planning early detection and rapid response of removing and implementing management immature Undaria pinnatifida sporophytes activities, and interpretation and growing near Flinders pier was successful education programs (sections 4.1, 5.1, preventing its spread into Western Port (Parry 6.1 and 8.2). & Cohen 2001). However, experience • Seek improvements to adjacent access elsewhere has shown that proposals to control facilities, particularly car parking areas established marine pests may not be successful in the national park, to reduce their and need to consider fully their likely intrusion into the coastal landscape as effectiveness. viewed from access routes and viewing The interconnectedness of the marine areas (sections 6.1 and 6.2). environment and the ability of many marine pests to migrate over long distances mean that 4.6 Marine pests control measures may be feasible only in Over 100 exotic marine species are known to limited circumstances. For example, using have become established in Victorian marine techniques that are successful on land, such as waters (Hewitt et al. 1999). Some have become physical removal by hand, might make the marine pests. While 18 exotic species have situation worse, as some marine pests been identified in Western Port (Parry & regenerate fully from fragments dislodged Cohen 2001); evidence suggests that only 12 during removal. Where implemented, control of these species have established self- measures will meet national guidelines for sustaining populations in Western Port. Currie managing marine pests. Because of the and Crookes (1997) identified seven exotic possibility of misidentifications or species in the Port of Hastings. The European exacerbation of the pest problem, control Shore Crab is known to be present in the measures will need to be part of authorised sanctuary in significant numbers. It was programs. In some cases, further nationally introduced to Victorian waters in the mid coordinated research is required into control 1800s and little is known about its impact in measures. Victorian waters, but it is believed to displace Victorian marine pest emergency management local crab species. There are no known arrangements (Interim Victorian Protocol for occurrences of Japanese Kelp or Northern Managing Exotic Marine Organism Pacific Seastar in the sanctuary. However, Incursions; NRE 1999b) will form the basis for Japanese Kelp was observed and removed responding to new introductions and existing from Western Port (Parry & Cohen 2001), and incursions of marine pests. The adoption of the Northern Pacific Seastar is abundant in Port Waste Management Policy (Ships’ Ballast Phillip, west of the sanctuary, and was detected Water) (EPA 2004) for Victorian waters will at Inverloch (approximately 60 km east of the help reduce the risk of marine pest incursions sanctuary) in 2004. from ships’ ballast water. Emergency Marine pests can have a devastating impact on responses to marine pest outbreaks in Victoria Marine National Parks and Marine are managed as part of agreed national Sanctuaries. The introduction of marine pests arrangements for marine pest emergencies. into Victorian waters is listed as a potentially The Consultative Committee for Introduced threatening process on Schedule 3 of the Flora Marine Pest Emergencies provides national and Fauna Guarantee Act. Victoria’s oversight. Parks Victoria actively supports the management priorities in relation to marine protocol by adopting best practice within the pests are set out in an FFG Action Statement (NRE 1999a). organisation and educating and informing the • Manage all pest incursions in community about prevention measures. accordance with the Interim Victorian Vessel cleaning and maintenance guidelines to Protocol (NRE 1999b) (section 8.3). help prevent the spread of marine pests (DSE • Establish an ongoing program to 2004) aim to reduce the risk of spreading minimise the risk of marine pest marine introduced pests by providing practical introduction and subsequent spread that solutions for vessel operators for cleaning gear addresses improving the understanding of and hulls. Supporting initiatives include the potential means of introduction and Cleaner Marinas: EPA Guidelines for spread and formalising arrangements for Protecting Victoria’s Marinas (EPA 1998). prevention, reporting, monitoring and Parks Victoria Rangers, Fisheries Victoria response. Fisheries Officers, community-based • Undertake pest programs only organisations (e.g. dive clubs), and visitors where research indicates that control play an important role in the monitoring and or eradication is feasible and likely early detection of marine introduced pests in to be effective or as part of a the sanctuary (section 8.2). coordinated regional or national response. Aims • Minimise the risk of introduction of • Avoid translocation or new marine pests by human activities, and their introductions by promoting boat- subsequent establishment in the sanctuary. cleaning protocols for all recreational boats and contractors (section 6.4) in • Establish arrangements for the detection of accordance with the DSE brochure new incursions within the sanctuary in ‘Aquatic Pests: Treat ’em mean support of Victorian marine pest – keep your boat clean’. management arrangements. • Ensure that management vessels • Implement national or statewide control operating in the sanctuary are maintained arrangements as they relate to the according to Victorian Government boat sanctuary. cleaning protocols (DSE 2004).

Management strategies • Support DSE programs that encourage community cooperation in • Support DSE in educating Parks avoiding the translocation of marine Victoria staff, Fisheries Victoria Officers pests at the local level. and the community to identify marine pests and methods of preventing their • Encourage recreational divers to spread. adopt protocols to ensure that diving equipment is clean (section 6.4). • Encourage and support Friends and community groups such as Reef Watch, • Include boat-cleaning protocols in Sea Search, researchers, licensed tour contracts, licences or permits of operators and contractors to integrate contracted vessels, research vessels and the identification of marine pests into licensed tour operator vessels operating their activities and to watch for and in the sanctuary. report marine pests in the sanctuary. • Ensure that any new marine • Ensure that the detection of marine infrastructure within the sanctuary is pests is reported in accordance with treated to remove any marine pests. Victorian pest management arrangements and recorded on Parks Victoria’s Environmental Information System and other relevant databases. 5 STRATEGIES FOR CULTURAL VALUES CONSERVATION

endanger an Aboriginal site, place or object 5.1 Indigenous cultural heritage without obtaining prior written consent in Indigenous communities have inhabited the accordance with the legislation. Currently the Mornington Peninsula and Western Port consent powers under the Commonwealth Act regions for around 40 000 years and have a are exercised directly by the State Minister for significant ongoing relationship with the Aboriginal Affairs as the area including the sanctuary. The importance of the Bass Strait sanctuary does not have a scheduled coastline, including Mushroom Reef Marine Aboriginal community. Aboriginal Affairs Sanctuary, to Indigenous communities, is Victoria is to be contacted in relation to demonstrated by a density of Aboriginal sites cultural heritage matters in the sanctuary that is among the highest on the Mornington (section 8.3). Peninsula. Issues relating to native title are dealt with in The Country of Boonwurrung people includes accordance with the Native Title Act (section the coastal areas between Werribee River and 2.5). Tarwin River in South Gippsland. The Parks Victoria respects the views of the Boonwurrung people lived as hunters and Traditional Owners and seeks to reflect their gatherers. Seasonal changes in the availability knowledge, interests, rights and aspirations for of food and shelter influenced where they Country in planning and management of the travelled and set up camp. The sanctuary was sanctuary (Parks Victoria 2005a). an important landmark for the Boonwurrung people. Aims The Burinyung-Bulluk, one of the six clans • Protect Indigenous places and objects from that made up the Boonwurrung people, interference or damaging activities. inhabited the coastal area from Point Nepean to Hastings, which incorporates the sanctuary • Support the views of the Traditional area. The reefs and waters of this coast Owners in managing the sanctuary. provided excellent sites for gathering shellfish and hunting fish and seals, and were among the Management strategies most important sources of food for • Protect Indigenous places and objects Boonwurrung people. from disturbance and damage, in An archaeological survey of the Mornington partnership with the Traditional Owners, Peninsula National Park undertaken in 1998 cooperation with any scheduled (Luebbers 1998) demonstrated the past use of Aboriginal community and AAV (section Flinders Ocean Beach and reefs, including 8.3), and accordance with: those within the sanctuary, by Indigenous • relevant legislation including the people. Three shell middens occur close to, but Archaeological and Aboriginal outside, the sanctuary, and Luebbers reported a Relics Preservation Act and stone fish trap in the sanctuary’s intertidal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander reefs (E. Lucas pers. comm.). The existence of Heritage Protection Act fish traps is based on oral account by Eric Lucas, a non-Aboriginal long-term resident of • Parks Victoria’s Guidelines for Flinders. It is likely that other culturally Working with Aboriginal Communities significant sites exist within the sanctuary. and Protection of Cultural Sites Minimal information is recorded about the (Parks Victoria 2002a). Indigenous cultural heritage of the sanctuary. • Ensure that all management actions are All Indigenous places and objects are protected in accordance with the Native Title Act. under the Archaeological and Aboriginal • Respect the views of the Traditional Relics Preservation Act and the Aboriginal and Owners and the cultural obligations Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act. of Indigenous communities. It is an offence to damage, interfere with or • Reflect the Traditional Owners’ adjacent to the sanctuary in the Mornington knowledge, interests, rights and Peninsula National Park are likely to contain aspirations for Country in all planning and management of the sanctuary in consultation the Traditional Owners and any scheduled Aboriginal community, and in accordance with Parks Victoria’s operational policies (sections 4.1, 4.4, 4.5, 6.1, 7.1 and 8.2). • Assess annual sanctuary programs to integrate relevant Indigenous practices and minimise the potential for impact of sanctuary management activities on Indigenous cultural heritage, in consultation with the Traditional Owners, and any scheduled Aboriginal community. • Maintain confidentiality in respect of Indigenous cultural obligations, knowledge, places, objects and aspirations, in accordance with the views of the Traditional Owners (sections 6.1 and 8.2). • Where appropriate, encourage research into the Indigenous cultural heritage relating to the sanctuary in collaboration with the relevant Indigenous communities and in liaison with AAV (section 8.3). Use the results to target protection and other management activities (sections 6.1, 6.2, 7.1 and 7.2). • Work with the Traditional Owners to assess and identify Indigenous cultural heritage suitable for promotion and interpretation (sections 6.1 and 8.2).

5.2 Maritime and other cultural heritage The coast and waters in and around the sanctuary have been used by European settlers since the early 19th century, predominantly for maritime purposes. Settlers found the sanctuary to be a valuable area for fishing and sealing, as had the Boonwurrung people before them. Whaling was a significant industry in the waters of Bass Strait from the early 1800s and is also likely to have occurred in and around the sanctuary. There are no registered historic sites within the sanctuary, however there are some historic features close to the sanctuary’s boundaries. Two limestone caves in the cliffs evidence of the earliest phase of European Flinders Ocean Beach became a popular place settlement at Flinders, which was associated for beach camping, swimming and golf in the with sealing and whaling (Luebbers 1998). early 1900s, and has ongoing social and There is an oral history of the shipwreck of cultural value as a place for passive recreation the Bismarck in 1901 on a subtidal reef now and marine research. known as Bismarck Reef, adjacent to the sanctuary’s southern boundary (E. Lucas Aims pers. comm.). • Conserve places of historic significance. The township of Flinders was settled in the • Encourage learning and understanding 1850s to service establishing farming and about historic heritage of the sanctuary. fishing industries. West Head, the prominent headland east of Management strategies the sanctuary, has a long association with • Document the history of past uses military use. West Head was the site of a and activities in the sanctuary and gun emplacement during World War 1 and adjoining coastal area. was used by the Australian Army until 1956, when it was commissioned to the Royal • Protect any significant historical places Australian Navy for use as a gunnery range. or objects that are found from damaging or inappropriate activities. The sanctuary has been used as a site for marine research for many years and is • Include aspects of maritime cultural significant to educators for its value to heritage in information, interpretation marine science and education. and education programs developed for the sanctuary. 6 STRATEGIES FOR VISITORS

on the Edge’ which provides an interactive 6.1 Information, education and inventory of the Barwon Bluff Marine interpretation Sanctuary at Barwon Heads. The CD is Providing information, interpretation and proving to be an outstanding communication education can help orientate and inform tool and would complement the existing Park visitors, increase visitor enjoyment and Note. satisfaction, foster an understanding and Orientation and interpretive panels and totems appreciation of the sanctuary’s natural and along access routes to the sanctuary at Ocean cultural values, build the understanding of Beach Car Park and West Head Lookout management activities and help visitors to convey information on the sanctuary’s experience the sanctuary in a safe and location and boundaries, and some general appropriate manner. Parks Victoria delivers information on its natural values, recreational information, interpretation and education to opportunities, and visitor safety and regulatory visitors by various means, including its requirements. Signage for the sanctuary needs website, ranger patrols, Park Notes, signage, to be integrated with that provided in the tourism brochures and other publications, and Mornington Peninsula National Park, along displays. These services may be developed access routes (section 6.2). and provided in collaboration with other agencies and licensed tour operators. Visitors’ appreciation and awareness of sanctuary values, and of the significance and The sanctuary presents an excellent profile of the sanctuary, could be enhanced by opportunity to communicate to visitors and the provision of more detailed information on the broader community the benefits of the sanctuary values, and threats to values, on the statewide system of marine protected areas as existing panels, and the installation of well as the outstanding features and values of additional interpretive panels and entrance the sanctuary itself. Information, signage at other access points to the sanctuary. interpretation and education aims to enrich Interpretation and education in the sanctuary visitors’ understanding of sanctuary values will be more effective and efficient if focused and evoke a relationship between visitors and on its characteristic values. the sanctuary. It is most effectively delivered in a natural environment to better engage The way information about the sanctuary is visitors’ senses and is particularly valuable in delivered is crucial to the quality of visitors’ marine sanctuaries and marine national parks experiences. Orientation and interpretive where most habitats, flora and fauna are signs can easily detract from the quality of the underwater and less easily observed. landscape and seascape if there are too many or they are not carefully designed and located. Pre-visit information is supplied to visitors before they enter the sanctuary primarily to Unlike interpretation, education activities are inform them of the purpose of the sanctuary, usually part of an organised element of a its location and boundaries, and to familiarise school curriculum or university program. The them with safe, legal and appropriate sanctuary has a long history as a venue for behaviours within a marine sanctuary. Pre-visit learning about Victoria’s marine environment. information, including a Park Note on the For some schools it is a treasured resource sanctuary, is available on the Parks Victoria’s because of its accessibility from Melbourne website, the Parks Victoria office at Rosebud, and the Mornington Peninsula, and its accredited tourist information centres at unsurpassed diversity in a small area (section Dromana and Point Nepean, and at Flinders 6.3). Rangers organise interpretive activities General Store. There is scope for the for community and school groups on request. development of other forms of ex-situ Coast Action / Coastcare offers school holiday, information, interpretation and education. For community and summer activity programs example, The Friends of Barwon Bluff Marine within the sanctuary. Sanctuary have developed a CD titled ‘Living Trampling from rockpool rambling and • history of education and intertidal activities has the potential to threaten research (sections 5.2 and 4.4) sensitive intertidal communities if visitor numbers, access and activities are not carefully • sensitivity of values and importance managed (section 6.3). Visitors need to be of minimising impacts (section 6.3). aware of the sanctuary’s values, organised • Develop and implement a signage activities by schools and universities need to plan, in cooperation with the Bass Park be properly supervised, and the level of use Trust and Mornington Peninsula Shire, must be balanced to protect values. that will: To minimise visitor impacts, Parks Victoria • effectively orientate sanctuary visitors has developed minimal impact guidelines and provide them with interpretive (Parks Victoria 2003d) in partnership with and educative information providers of education to help manage these activities (available on the Parks Victoria • provide an integrated approach to website, www.parkweb.vic.gov.au). Parks signage requirements along the Victoria is working with the Department of access route to the sanctuary (section Education to encourage schools to notify 6.2) Parks Victoria (tel. 13 1963) of intended • help minimise impacts on the school group visits. Prior notification will coastal landscape (section 4.5). enable teachers to obtain relevant education materials and advice on suitable sites, and • Develop and use stimulating and help Parks Victoria to monitor the number and innovative approaches, and timing of visits. appropriate media, in presenting interpretive and educational messages. Aims • Develop opportunities to discover, • Promote and encourage visitors to experience, and understand the discover, enjoy and appreciate the sanctuary’s natural and cultural sanctuary’s natural and cultural values in a values where practicable. safe and appropriate manner through • Promote greater public understanding information, interpretation and education. and appreciation of, and respect for, • Encourage public support for the sanctuary Indigenous culture by incorporating and the sanctuary’s management practices. information about Indigenous culture, places and objects in information, Management strategies interpretation and education programs, in • Maintain visitor information, collaboration and accordance with the interpretation and educational material views of the Traditional Owners (sections appropriate to the sanctuary and raise 5.1 and 8.2). the profile of the sanctuary among the • Provide appropriate opportunities and local and wider community (section 8.1). encourage and support Indigenous • Develop and deliver interpretation, communities to participate in the information and education related to interpretation of Indigenous cultural the following themes for the sanctuary: heritage relating to the sanctuary, with the agreement of the Traditional Owners • geological significance (section 4.1) (section 8.2). • diversity of marine habitats, flora • Use Indigenous language for natural and fauna (section 4.4) features, plants and animals in • migratory shorebirds (section interpretive material and signs. 4.4) • Continue to permit the sustainable use • marine pests (section 4.6) of the sanctuary for education by universities, schools and community • Indigenous cultural groups. Encourage groups whose heritage (section 5.1) programs do not rely on the sanctuary’s special values to implement their programs in less sensitive marine environments (sections 4.4 and 6.7). • Promote the need for school and access from the beach to the platform and the community groups to notify Parks offshore reefs. Victoria (on 13 1963) of intended school group visits. Although the sanctuary is accessible by boat, few people visit the sanctuary this way • Include messages to advise visitors of because the shallow waters and subtidal reef sanctuary values, and the damage that systems limit access for vessels (section 6.4). visitor activities can cause to them, in Boat launching within the sanctuary is not pre- visit and orientation information, encouraged because unpredictable open ocean and in interpretation and education conditions and the shallow rocky intertidal programs (section 6.3). shoreline and reef systems make launching and • Investigate the development of landing hazardous, and disembarking visitors computer- based educational material to would disturb shorebirds. The nearest boat enhance on- site and off-site interpretive launching facilities to the sanctuary are a ramp and educational services. near Flinders Pier and a ramp at Stony Point.

• Continue, in conjunction with Fisheries Aim Victoria, to achieve voluntary compliance • Facilitate access to the sanctuary while with regulatory requirements through minimising the impact on natural and land and water based patrols and cultural values of the sanctuary and information, and interpretive and abutting natural areas. educative materials, and if necessary, enforcement. Management strategies • Work in partnership with accredited • Promote access to the sanctuary only information centres and other local via designated tracks (section 6.1). outlets to ensure that up-to-date information, interpretation and • Encourage vessel operators to launch educational material is available. and land vessels, including canoes, outside the sanctuary at the ramps near • Regularly evaluate information and Flinders Pier and Stony Point. interpretation services and facilities related to the sanctuary, and adjust • Liaise with Mornington Peninsula them in accordance with changes in the Shire and Bass Strait Trust in the information and interpretation management of access points and environment (sections 8.2 and 8.3). nearby car parking areas to integrate access, present consistent messages, 6.2 Access and minimise the impact of access on the natural and cultural values of the The sanctuary is an easy day trip from sanctuary. Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. It is accessed via three carparks in the Mornington • Liaise with the managers of local Peninsula National Park along Golf Links boat- launching facilities to ensure Road. appropriate access to the sanctuary. Most visitors access the sanctuary from two • Investigate the adequacy of access car parks 300 m west of the sanctuary’s eastern facilities and the possibility of boundary, via a short sandy track and a improving their presentation, staircase close to the main reef platform (figure particularly car parking areas in the 2). The sanctuary can also be accessed from abutting strip of Mornington Peninsula the West Head car park, 150 m from the National Park (section 7.2). sanctuary’s eastern boundary, via a stairway and sandy access track and from the beach via 6.3 Intertidal activities King Street west of the sanctuary. There is no The intertidal area of the sanctuary has long pram or disabled access to the sanctuary. been popular as a venue for research and At low tide the distinctive mushroom-shaped education (sections 6.1 and 6.7), and for intertidal area is exposed, providing easy rockpool rambling by day-trippers. The sanctuary’s easy access and offshore platforms and reefs provide excellent opportunities for values, the vulnerability of intertidal observing a very diverse marine environment habitats and communities and promote (sections 6.2 and 6.4). During summer the greater appreciation of intertidal marine sanctuary’s sandy beaches and intertidal areas organisms before they enter the sanctuary are also popular for swimming at high tide, (section 6.1). and for wading, paddling, fossicking and sunbathing at low tide. • Manage shore-based activities to reduce impacts on the intertidal The high and increasing levels of trampling habitats and communities and minimise and fossicking on intertidal areas associated damage associated with trampling by: with shore-based activities could lead to significant damage to fauna and flora, and at • adherence to Parks Victoria’s some sites a reduction in biodiversity and reef minimal impact guidelines habitats (Povey & Keogh 1991) (section 4.4). • voluntary protocols (e.g. Local residents who frequent the sanctuary booking systems) for visitors, regularly have reported, in particular, a decline educational institutions and in the abundance and diversity of invertebrates other organised groups in the intertidal area in recent years (W. Sasse pers. comm.). Impacts from visitor activities • ensuring that all organised groups are most evident on the most frequently are properly supervised exposed sections of the intertidal platform, the • ensuring that tour operators causeway and the eastern section of platform. meet permit conditions Visitors, groups, schools and educational • undertaking regular patrols marine tours should adopt minimal impact during popular periods and times practices in the sanctuary. Minimal Impact to encourage appropriate visitor Guidelines (Parks Victoria 2003d) (available use. on the Parks Victoria website) provide information on minimal impact practices for • Continue to permit sustainable visitors and school groups. Visitors to the education use that relies on the special intertidal reefs also have the potential to values of the sanctuary, by schools, disturb roosting and feeding sea birds and universities and licensed tour operators. shore birds (section 4.4). • Reduce impacts on intertidal habitats The collection of living or dead organisms and and communities particularly from natural driftwood is prohibited within the trampling during educational use by sanctuary (section 4.4). The lighting of fires school and other groups, by ensuring within Marine National Parks and Marine that: Sanctuaries, including any beaches or islands, • students are adequately is not permitted except on board a vessel that is supervised while in the sanctuary seaward of the mean high water mark. • school groups do not exceed class Aim sizes (maximum 30 participants per leader) • Encourage the exploration and enjoyment of intertidal platform habitats within the • formal interpretation and other sanctuary while minimising impacts on groups do not exceed 25 participants natural and cultural values. per leader • groups using the sanctuary vary their Management strategies location to reduce pressure, • Permit shore-based intertidal especially during high use periods activities in accordance with table 1. and low spring tides. • Integrate minimal impact messages • Encourage organisations that carry out for intertidal areas into existing research, education or recreation information, interpretation and activities that do not rely on the special education programs to inform visitors of values of the sanctuary to use suitable sensitive sanctuary locations elsewhere (e.g. Honeysuckle Reef at Shoreham). • Minimise disturbance to seabirds practice. Potential impacts from diving include and shorebirds by encouraging intertidal visitors to avoid roosting and feeding habitats. • Encourage and support the development of ex-situ educational tools similar to the ‘Living on the Edge’ CD (section 6.1). • Encourage research into the impacts of intertidal trampling on intertidal communities with a view to determining an appropriate carrying capacity for the site. • Monitor and annually review visitor impacts on the intertidal zone. Investigate and implement strategies as necessary to arrest further declines in flora or fauna populations relating to human activities.

6.4 Snorkelling and diving Snorkelling and scuba diving enable visitors to experience underwater environments and view species and habitats that are difficult to observe from above the surface, particularly smaller or cryptic animals such as seahorses, pipefish, sea urchins, nudibranchs, sponges, octopuses and cuttlefish. The sanctuary provides excellent opportunities for underwater diving around spectacular subtidal reefs which are easily accessed from the shore at low tide across the causeway. The intertidal reefs can be snorkelled at high tide. Scuba diving and snorkelling in the sanctuary can also be undertaken with licensed tour operators (section 6.7). The provision of off-site information can guide and enhance diver experiences (section 6.1). The prohibition on new infrastructure within the sanctuary and the potential for repetitive long-term damage to sensitive natural values make the sanctuary an unsuitable site for development of an underwater diving or snorkelling trail. Current levels of snorkelling and diving are not known to be causing unacceptable impacts on the sanctuary. The potential for damage to natural and cultural values will be minimised if snorkellers and divers are well informed about the sanctuary’s natural and cultural values, have a clear understanding of the impacts their activities may have on values, particularly over time, and comply with minimal impact practices and codes of trampling, wildlife disturbance, illegal removal of flora and fauna, and anchor Management strategies damage (section 6.3). • Promote the sanctuary as a nature- Divers and snorkellers need to be aware of based underwater recreational potential dangers, particularly from strong destination (section 6.1). currents and vessels (section 6.8). To • Liaise with diving groups and ensure diver safety, divers should refer to individuals to encourage appropriate use the Scuba Divers Federation of Victoria’s of and access to the sanctuary. Codes of Practice (SDFV 2005). • Promote compliance of snorkellers Because diving and snorkelling equipment and recreational scuba divers with can be a vector for marine pests, it should be relevant codes of practice and thoroughly cleaned and dried before being Adventure Activity Standards (section used in the sanctuary (section 4.6). 6.7). Divers and snorkellers need to be aware of • Provide off-site information and signage the no-fishing provisions in the sanctuary to guide divers and snorkellers to suitable and can assist in preventing the spread of areas and underwater routes in the and early detection of marine pests and the sanctuary. detection of unrecorded cultural places and objects (sections 4.6 and 8.2). • Support dive clubs and industry representatives to develop a code of Aim practice that promotes • Encourage snorkelling and diving environmentally responsible diving activities that are for enjoyment and practices. understanding of the sanctuary and have minimal impact on natural or 6.5 Dog walking cultural values. The sanctuary is reserved and managed under the National Parks Act (section 2.5). Under the Act and National Park (Park) Regulations between King Street beach access and the 2003 a person must not bring a dog into the small headland approximately 150 m east of sanctuary or allow it to remain in the the sanctuary’s eastern boundary would create sanctuary, except when it is confined to a a clearly defined and feasibly enforceable vessel. dog- free area. There are excellent opportunities for walking dogs on and off a leash near the sanctuary. Aim Dogs are permitted on leash between dawn and • Protect natural and cultural values, and 9.00 am on the beach abutting the sanctuary in visitor enjoyment from the impacts of the Mornington Peninsula National Park dogs. (Parks Victoria 1998). Dogs are also permitted under effective control on the beach between Management strategies Dodds Creek and Manton Creek, and in an • Continue to exclude dogs from the area of the sanctuary except where confined to B.A. Cairns Recreation Reserve. a vessel. The beach in and around the sanctuary • Develop and implement an ongoing contains important feeding, roosting and education strategy on the impact of dogs nesting sites for shorebirds and seabirds, on the natural environment (especially including seven threatened species (section birds), the benefits of responsible dog 4.4). Dogs can have serious impacts on bird ownership and the locations near the populations and other wildlife (Kirby et al. sanctuary where dogs are permitted, 1993). They are known to be highly disturbing through Park Notes, information signs to breeding birds, and to chase and kill and ranger patrols (section 6.1). individual birds and accidentally crush nests (Weston 2003). • Liaise with the local community and Mornington Peninsula Shire to enhance There have been several reported incidences of community understanding of the impacts dogs chasing shorebirds from their roosts on of dogs on sanctuary values and to include the beach in the sanctuary, disturbing local and reference to the sanctuary in Shire migratory wader birds from feeding and literature regarding responsible pet roosting and reports of visitors with dogs in ownership. and around the sanctuary after 9.00 am and dogs off leash (P. Johns pers. comm.). Surfers • Monitor the activities of surfers in the are also sometimes accompanied by dogs sanctuary and nearby areas. Liaise and (section 6.6). collaborate with the Peninsula Board The presence of dogs and dog excrement in the Riders Association to educate surfers sanctuary is a source of distress to some about the impacts of dogs on sanctuary visitors. Many visitors object to dogs being in values, sanctuary regulations relating to the sanctuary on the grounds that they are not dogs, and the reasons for excluding dogs part of the natural environment and make from the sanctuary. Take further action wildlife more difficult to observe. as necessary to protect sanctuary values and enjoyment of visitors. On the ground, the boundary shared by sanctuary and the national park is not apparent • Seek a review of the management of and it may be very difficult to communicate, dogs in sections of national park abutting comply with and enforce regulations relating the sanctuary to support the achievement to dogs. of an appropriate level of protection for the natural, cultural and social values of Excluding dogs from a small section of the the sanctuary. national park abutting the sanctuary would enhance the effectiveness of excluding them 6.6 Other activities from the sanctuary and improve the habitat values of the sanctuary and surrounds for Hang gliders and paragliders are permitted to seabirds and shorebirds (figure 2). In fly over the sanctuary and land on the beach particular, excluding dogs in the national park within the sanctuary. These aircraft are launched from a platform in Mornington sanctuary that have minimal impact on Peninsula National Park abutting the natural or cultural values and the sanctuary. enjoyment of other visitors. Under certain conditions surfing is a popular activity around the sanctuary. Surfers mostly Management strategies access surf within and around the sanctuary • Permit boating and surface water sports from the West Head and King Street car parks in the sanctuary in accordance with table and also occasionally use the ‘lower’ Ocean 1. Beach car park (figure 2). • Encourage vessel operators to use Current activities of surfers, hang gliders and areas outside the sanctuary, to increase paragliders do not appear to threaten sanctuary vessel operator safety and protect the values or other visitors’ enjoyment, except for natural values of the sanctuary. surfers who bring dogs into the sanctuary and leave them on the beach to guard their property • Develop and install signage at the (section 6.5). hang- glider launch platform that informs hang gliders and paragliders of The submerged rocks and extensive reef regulations within the sanctuary. platforms which are exposed at low tide and open ocean conditions make the sanctuary an • Monitor hang gliding, paragliding, unsuitable location for boating (section 6.2). wind- surfing and kite-boarding Marine Safety Victoria determines boating activities in the sanctuary and nearby safety rules to establish speed limits, operating areas, liaise with Victorian Hang-gliding zones and conditions, which are gazetted in the Association and other associations, and ‘Vessel Operating and Zoning Rules for take action as necessary to avoid impact Victorian Waters’. All boating activities, from these activities on sanctuary values including kayaking and canoeing, are subject and the enjoyment of other visitors. to the Marine Act 1988 (Vic.). As in all Victorian coastal waters, a speed limit of five 6.7 Tourism services knots applies in the sanctuary (MSV 2005) Licensed tour operators play a key role in within: nature-based tourism in Victoria by offering • 50 m of a swimmer guided tours and supported recreation activities, and information that promotes • 100 m of a vessel or buoy with a diver sanctuary values and appropriate use. below signal Currently two tour operators are licensed to • 200 m of the shoreline conduct snorkelling and diving tours in the sanctuary. Further opportunities exist for • 300 m of a whale or dolphin. licensed tour operators to conduct underwater Under certain conditions wind-surfers and recreation and interpretation. To protect kite- surfers use the sanctuary. The shallow sanctuary values from excessive trampling reefs and platforms of the sanctuary are not and fossicking, tourism activities that do not indicated by navigational marks and may pose rely on the sanctuary’s special values are not a hazard to recreational vessel operators encouraged (section 6.1). (section 6.8). Propeller scarring has the Activities run by licensed tour operators are potential to damage encrusting communities managed under a permit system. Permits may on reefs (section 4.4). The operation of specify access, safety regulations, permitted powered vessels in the sanctuary’s shallow activities and site-specific restrictions in rocky environment can place the safety of accordance with the National Parks Act and vessel operators and snorkellers and divers at the Policy for Sustainable Recreation and risk (section 6.8). Tourism on Public Land (NRE 2002). To ensure diver safety, licensed tour operators Aim providing diving activities should also refer to • Permit activities, including the landing of the Dive Industry Victoria Association’s hang gliders and paragliders in the Code of Practice (DIVA 2004) and the relevant Adventure Activity Standards (ORC 2004) 6.8 Public safety (section 6.4). Some activities undertaken in the natural In administering the tour operator licensing environment can pose inherent risks to system, Parks Victoria collaborates with visitors. The risk is increased if visitors are not Tourism Alliance Victoria, a membership- familiar with the local environment, prevailing based industry association providing a weather conditions and tidal height. Visitors representative and professional development need to be aware of safety risks to ensure that role for tourism businesses. they enjoy a safe visit.

Aim The intertidal area is very popular with visitors. Potential dangers for land-based • Encourage the promotion and activities or intertidal rock rambling include interpretation of the sanctuary and its slippery and unstable rocks and boulders, values by licensed tour operators in a broken glass and rubbish, venomous fauna manner consistent with the aims for the and large waves. Visitors need to monitor sanctuary and visitor safety. weather and tide conditions, wear appropriate footwear and ensure adequate protection from Management strategies the sun and wind. • Ensure that all tour operators using the sanctuary are licensed and promote A survey of Victorian beaches in 1996 rated awareness of Adventure Activity their safety as being in one of four hazard Standards and Minimal Impact categories; safest, moderately safe, low safety Guidelines. and least safe (Short 1996). The beach in the sanctuary is rated as moderately safe and is • Encourage licensed tour operators to not patrolled. Visitors should exercise caution provide a range of activities. Ensure while swimming in the sanctuary and need to that activities, numbers of visitors and be aware of any hazardous conditions for sites used are appropriate (sections 6.1 swimming, including strong currents, rocks, and 6.4). large waves and vessels. The nearest patrolled • Encourage tour operators to develop swimming beaches are at Gunnamatta and guided tours to enhance the sanctuary Point Leo. experience of visitors (sections 6.1 and While the underwater environment of the 8.2). Give particular encouragement to sanctuary has great appeal, snorkellers and the development of interpretive and divers need to be aware of the unpredictable educational tours relating to the nature of the marine environment and should sanctuary’s Indigenous cultural heritage only undertake activities within their (sections 5.1 and 6.1). capabilities, under appropriate conditions. Risks associated with snorkelling and diving • Encourage the development and in the sanctuary include strong currents, large delivery of tours relating to Indigenous waves, venomous marine animals, vessels, and cultural heritage by or with the exposure to cold. involvement of Indigenous people, and with the agreement of the Traditional Vessels can be a potential risk to swimmers, Owners. snorkellers and scuba divers and vessel operators need to be aware of their presence in • Monitor the effectiveness of tourism the water. Under the Marine Act, a flag services in contributing to the objects indicating ‘diver below’ must be displayed of the National Parks Act. when scuba divers are in the water. • Promote the use of licensed tour Snorkellers should also adopt this practice operators to enhance and maintain visitor when snorkelling, to increase their visibility safety. and safety (section 6.4). Public information and education programs are one of the most • Continue to work with licensed effective ways to promote safety (section 6.1). tour operators and the tourism Safety messages are presented to visitors industry to assist with the delivery of through signs, Park Notes and ranger patrols. appropriate sanctuary information (section 6.1). Boating activities undertaken in the sanctuary Aims can pose inherent risks to visitors. Vessel • Promote visitor safety and awareness of operators need to be aware of the changing safety issues and risks within the sanctuary weather conditions, tidal height and the local associated with access and use. environment as well as other vessels, and users, particularly those in the water. Any • Promote and observe safe practices, and person operating a powered recreational vessel cooperate with emergency services. in Victorian waters must have a current licence. Recreational boating accidents are Management strategies highest in Victoria during summer, and most • Increase visitors’ awareness of safety fatalities are associated with recreational issues and potential hazards in the vessels less than 8 m in length (Bugeja 2003). sanctuary through Park Notes, Marine Safety Victoria conducts safety and information signs (section 6.1) and Parks awareness programs for recreational boat Victoria’s website and information users, and its Victorian Recreational Boating service. Safety Handbook contains safety information • Provide and maintain safety and and outlines the requirements for operating a information signage at key locations in recreational vessel in Victoria (MSV 2005) the sanctuary and the Mornington (section 6.6). Peninsula National Park (section 6.1). The responsibilities for responding to • Cooperate with and support emergency incidents in Victoria and Victorian responsible agencies in emergency waters are outlined in the Emergency response and ensure that Parks Victoria Management Act 1986 (Vic.). Parks Victoria is staff have adequate levels of training in not the lead agency for most emergency emergency procedures. response situations. Instead, it supports other agencies, including the Department of • Update the Mornington Peninsula Sustainability and Environment, Marine Safety National Park Emergency Management Victoria, the Country Fire Authority, the State Plan to also address adequate Emergency Service and Victoria Police, in provision for likely incidents in the responding to emergency incidents where sanctuary. required. • Liaise with Mornington Peninsula Shire Relevant agencies respond to incidents within to ensure that the Municipal Emergency the sanctuary in accordance with the Response Plan makes adequate provision Municipal Emergency Response Plan. Parks for likely incidents in the sanctuary. Victoria’s response to emergency incidents during normal operating activities within the • Consult with adjacent land managers sanctuary is guided by the Emergency to coordinate risk-related signage along Management Plan for Mornington Peninsula the shore adjacent to the sanctuary National Park (Parks Victoria 2005b). (section 6.1). 7 STRATEGIES FOR AUTHORISED AND ADJACENT USES

7.1 Authorised uses Aim A number of uses and activities may be • Manage authorised uses in accordance permitted in the sanctuary, subject to specified with the National Parks Act and minimise conditions to minimise impacts. their impact on sanctuary values.

Petroleum extraction, exploratory drilling, Management strategies mineral exploration and mining, and invasive searching for or extraction of stone and other • Review all uses of the sanctuary that do materials, are prohibited in the sanctuary under not conform with the objectives of the the National Parks Act. Petroleum exploration, National Parks Act. Allow uses to continue such as seismic testing from an aircraft or only in accordance with authorisations from a vessel, that is carried out in a manner that are consistent with legislation, and which does not detrimentally affect the seabed include conditions that effectively or any flora or fauna of the sanctuary may be minimise the impacts of uses on the allowed with the consent of the Minister. sanctuary. However, the Government has announced that • Monitor authorised activities to ensure it will not release any further areas in Victoria that conditions of authorisations are met. that contain marine national parks or marine Assess the effectiveness of conditions of sanctuaries for petroleum exploration. There is authorisations in protecting the sanctuary no petroleum exploration permit over the and review authorisations, if necessary, sanctuary. The construction of pipelines or to arrest impacts. laying of seafloor cables is prohibited in any part of the sanctuary. • Permit Defence Force adventure training or field navigation exercises in Protected areas are generally avoided as the sanctuary in accordance with Parks locations for Defence Force training Victoria’s operational policies and exercises, although they occasionally host relevant permit conditions. search and rescue, field navigation and incident response activities. Activities are 7.2 Boundaries and adjacent uses subject to a permit with conditions to ensure that values of the sanctuary are protected. The shore (northern) boundary of the sanctuary is the mean high water mark. The eastern and All research and monitoring planned in a western boundaries are aligned at right angles Marine National Park or Marine Sanctuary by to the shore. The alignment of the eastern and external organisations or individuals requires a western boundaries is indicated by two yellow research permit under the National Parks Act, triangle boundary markers on the foreshore in issued by the DSE. Mornington Peninsula National Park. Parks Victoria recognises the significant role The offshore boundary would be easier to that the filming and photography industry identify and regulate if it were marked (section plays in the social and economic well-being of 6.1). However, buoys or pile markers placed in the community, and in providing for these the sea are likely to be dislodged in strong seas activities seeks to ensure protection of the and become a navigational hazard to vessels. natural and cultural values of the sanctuary. A permit is required for all filming and State waters and the underlying seabed photography conducted as part of a trade or a adjoining the sanctuary are currently business. Amateur photographers or people unreserved Crown land. The Government taking film or video for personal or hobby accepted the ECC’s recommendation that a interest do not require a permit. Coastal Waters Reserve be established under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 (Vic.) for the major portion of Victoria’s marine area not otherwise designated for a particular purpose, to provide for a diverse range of activities that are compatible with long-term sustainable Cooperation with all adjacent managers is use (ECC 2000). desirable to facilitate a coordinated approach Commercial abalone diving occurs on reefs to management, especially operational matters. along the Mornington Peninsula, in particular Bismarck Reef approximately 100 metres Aim south of the sanctuary’s southern boundary • Minimise impacts on sanctuary values (section 1.1). Commercial and recreational from adjacent uses and developments. fishing of rock lobster, abalone and wrasse occur on reefs and waters adjacent to the Management strategies sanctuary but are prohibited in the sanctuary • Maintain and if necessary improve (section 2.5). boundary markers, signs and The Royal Australian Navy has used the information about sanctuary boundaries. gunnery range on West Head for live firing • Integrate the management of the training since 1956. The range is outside the sanctuary and the adjacent Mornington sanctuary, but rounds fired in accordance with Peninsula National Park where this will guidelines could fall in the sanctuary. Any increase the achievement of aims and impacts on the sanctuary are not readily strategies for the protected areas (Parks apparent but have not been investigated. Victoria 1998). The foreshore adjacent to the sanctuary is part • of Mornington Peninsula National Park, which Liaise with Bass Park Trust to avoid is reserved under the National Parks Act and impacts on the sanctuary from managed by Parks Victoria. The park vision management of the golf course and to and management are generally consistent with integrate management with the those of the sanctuary, although dogs are Mornington Peninsula National Park permitted in the park abutting the sanctuary and the sanctuary. under certain conditions and may threaten the • Continue to liaise with the sanctuary’s values (section 6.5). Prior to the Mornington Peninsula Shire to: proclamation of the sanctuary in 2002, dogs were also allowed on the beach above the low • seek amendment of the zoning of the water mark, which was part of the park but is abutting national park to now part of the sanctuary. Conservation and Resource Zone (section 4.5) Hang gliders and paragliders are launched from a platform in the abutting strip of • ensure that the sanctuary’s values Mornington Peninsula National Park and may are considered by the Shire when fly over and land in the sanctuary (section 6.6). assessing applications for changes in use or developments in the area The Flinders Golf Course provides a buffer adjacent to the sanctuary. between the Mornington Peninsula National Park and the residential areas within the • Regularly observe and record any township of Flinders. The Golf Course forms impacts of adjacent land uses, including part of Bass Park, which is managed by the the West Head gunnery range, hang Bass Park Trust. gliding and paragliding, on the sanctuary, and take action to minimise The Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme the impacts as appropriate. (MPS 2002) provides a statutory framework for managing proposals and developments adjoining the sanctuary. The scheme extends to the high water mark and is administered by the Mornington Peninsula Shire. Under the scheme, the section of Mornington Peninsula National Park adjoining the sanctuary is currently zoned Public Park and Recreation (section 4.5). 8 STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT

sanctuary’s management e.g. host an 8.1 Community awareness annual forum to inform the local Raising the community’s awareness of the community about the annual work sanctuary and its values is an important first program and progress in implementing step in developing the community’s sense of the management plan, celebrate the custodianship for the sanctuary. Members of achievements of Friends, volunteers and the community are more likely to develop a other groups participating in the sense of custodianship if they become sanctuary’s management, and share involved and their views and values are knowledge about the sanctuary. respected. • Seek opportunities to include items Broader public awareness and involvement about sanctuary. follows with the development of strong sanctuary-related social networks among • Promote the personal benefits of sanctuary staff, visitors and community assisting in sanctuary programs to participants in management. Such networks community groups, in line with ‘Healthy provide distribution channels for information Parks Healthy People’ objectives. and thus a means of raising awareness of the • Keep the broader community informed sanctuary in the wider community. Visitor of the work of Friends of Flinders networks among the research and naturalist Coastline, Sea Search Mushroom Reef communities are particularly widespread and other volunteers and community because of the sanctuary’s diversity of groups (section 8.2). marine values. • Foster the development of sanctuary- Education and interpretation programs play an focused community networks that can important role in raising the awareness of the distribute information about the sanctuary in the wider community (section sanctuary. 6.1). Parks Victoria aims to communicate the benefits of a healthy parks system and its • Develop a signage plan that includes contribution to the health of individuals and major entrance signage for the society through the ‘Healthy Parks Healthy sanctuary that is integrated with and People’ program. enhances signage in the adjoining Mornington Peninsula National Park. Major entrance signage installed at strategic locations would increase the community’s 8.2 Community participation awareness of the sanctuary. Participation of community groups and Aims individuals in the sanctuary’s management can enrich and strengthen sanctuary management • Increase the community’s awareness and and is pivotal to the effective long-term understanding of the sanctuary’s values planning, use and protection of the sanctuary’s and management activities. values. • Build a sense of shared ownership and The Traditional Owners have considerable custodianship for the sanctuary in interest in and aspirations for the sanctuary as community groups and individuals. part of Country. They are an important potential source of traditional knowledge Management strategies about the area that has yet to be documented. • Build broader community awareness A strong working relationship with Traditional of opportunities to make a difference to Owners will be essential to reflecting their the sanctuary’s management through views in the sanctuary’s planning and undertaking shared responsibility and management and reconciliation of their becoming directly involved in the interests and aspirations with those of other and monitor marine life in a variety of habitats. members of the community. Opportunities exist for Friends and volunteers Volunteers and community groups make to participate in Reef Watch programs in the valuable contributions to sanctuary sanctuary. management projects. They bring diverse Other Coast Action / Coastcare programs work views, and valuable enthusiasm, information, with a variety of volunteer groups and knowledge, skills and experience to the community organisations to help protect, sanctuary that may otherwise not be available monitor, manage and restore coastal and to the sanctuary’s managers. They also add marine environments. Coast Action / valuable resources to assist with the care of the Coastcare also conducts education, training sanctuary. and awareness-raising programs. The interests of community groups in the Scuba divers and snorkellers can contribute to sanctuary often overlap and may or may not be the protection of sanctuary values by complementary. There can be considerable identifying potential pest organisms (section mutual benefits where such groups work 4.6). together and with Parks Victoria and the Traditional Owners to achieve common goals. Aims Groups that have a close association with the • Encourage and support the whole sanctuary include the Friends of Flinders community, particularly Traditional Coastline, Sea Search Mushroom Reef, the Owners, in undertaking projects that Victorian Wader Study Group and Reef contribute to or complement sanctuary Watch. programs. Friends of Flinders Coastline conduct activities • Inform, enrich and strengthen the on the land around the sanctuary and actively sanctuary’s management with the promote the values of the sanctuary through community’s tradition, knowledge, community information sessions in peak experience, skills and enthusiasm, visitor periods. particularly that of the Traditional Owners. Sea Search Mushroom Reef was established in 2005 to study the sanctuary’s unique marine Management strategies environment. Members are working with • Continue to build, and strengthen and Parks Victoria to systematically monitor the maintain relationships with the relevant intertidal reefs in and around the sanctuary as Indigenous communities. In particular, part of the Victorian Intertidal Reef seek to further develop a close inclusive Monitoring Program. This will provide working partnership with the information on the condition of the flora and Traditional Owners and cooperation fauna in the sanctuary and how it changes over with any scheduled Aboriginal time. community. The Victorian Wader Study Group has been • Seek to maintain and strengthen studying seabirds and shorebirds on the relationships with Friends of Flinders beaches and intertidal area in and around the Coastline, Sea Search Mushroom Reef, sanctuary since 1997. The group conducts the Victorian Wader Study Group and surveys approximately three times per year other volunteers and community groups and contributes to information sessions run by that use or have a particular interest in Friends of Flinders Coastline. the sanctuary. Promote their activities Reef Watch is a non-profit project developed and support such groups to work together by the Australian Marine Conservation Society with each other and Parks Victoria to and the Marine and Coastal Community achieve shared goals for the sanctuary. Network, and is funded by the Federal and • Liaise and cooperate as appropriate State Governments through Coast Action / with the relevant Indigenous Coastcare. The project calls on the voluntary communities, in dealing with Indigenous assistance of Victorian divers to help describe cultural issues that relate to the sanctuary. • Facilitate the sharing of knowledge, 8.3 Agency partnerships increasing understanding, and appreciation of aspirations and goals for Although Parks Victoria is responsible for the sanctuary between community overall management of the sanctuary, other groups and Parks Victoria’s staff. agencies are responsible for planning, managing or regulating certain activities in the • Provide opportunities for, and sanctuary. encourage and support tertiary students to undertake, volunteer work experience All activities relating to the sanctuary that are and research activities that assist carried out by Parks Victoria or other agencies sanctuary management and are consistent need to accord with all legislation and with the plan. government policy and, as far as practicable, be consistent with agencies’ policies and • Support capacity-building initiatives guidelines. To ensure this occurs, park staff through appropriate training, tools and must work closely with staff of relevant supports which better enable volunteer agencies and collaborate in implementing participation in the planning, use and activities where appropriate. care of the sanctuary. DSE establishes parks, oversees the • Encourage visitors to assist management of land and resources of with compliance management Victoria’s coastal Crown land and waters, and by: provides strategic direction and policy advice • reporting illegal fishing to the for the management of the sanctuary, Fisheries Victoria offence including marine flora and fauna values and reporting hotline threatening processes. Parks Victoria is a support agency for responses to oiled wildlife • reporting other offences under the and cetacean stranding or entanglement National Parks Act and regulations (section 4.4), operating at the direction of to Parks Victoria Rangers. DSE. • Encourage and support Coast Action / As part of agreed service delivery Coastcare programs within the arrangements, Fisheries Victoria – sanctuary, particularly focusing on Department of Primary Industries has primary community interpretation and education. responsibility for enforcement to ensure • Encourage community involvement in compliance with the fishing prohibitions Sea Search, Reef Watch and other under the National Parks Act. Parks Victoria monitoring and recording programs will continue to collaborate with Fisheries using standard methods. Victoria and Victoria Police in activities such as cooperative Ranger and Fisheries officer • Encourage and support Friends of patrols and support arrangements in Flinders Coastline, Sea Search Mushroom accordance with the Statewide Compliance Reef and the Victorian Wader Study Strategy (Parks Victoria 2002b) and the Group to continue to acquire knowledge Regional Compliance Plan (Parks Victoria of the sanctuary’s values, and other 2003c). interest groups and volunteers to develop The Central Coastal Board provides direction an understanding and appreciation of the and policy advice to facilitate sustainable these values and the rich and diverse development of the central coast of Victoria cultural values, and aspirations of the through the implementation of the Victorian Indigenous people who have a traditional Coastal Strategy (VCC 2002). The Port Phillip association with the sanctuary. and Westernport Catchment Management • Encourage and support groups that use Authority is responsible for ensuring the or have an interest in the sanctuary to protection and sustainable development of work together to pursue sources of land, vegetation and water resources within the funding, including Parks Victoria grants, region, including the preparation of a regional for projects in the sanctuary. Encourage catchment strategy to address the impact of joint grants with other groups as land use and management on the catchment appropriate. (section 4.2). The Environment Protection Authority (EPA Victorian agencies work cooperatively with the Victoria) has the primary responsibility for Commonwealth Department of the environment protection of all waters in Environment and Heritage on the management Victoria and is responsible for administering of regional ecosystem conservation issues. and enforcing the Environment Protection Act, including all activities relating to the Aim discharge of litter and waste to the environment (section 4.2). EPA Victoria also • Enhance sanctuary management by develops State Environment Protection Policy collaborating with other agencies to ensure (SEPP) for state waters (section 4.2). they give appropriate consideration to sanctuary values in planning and Parks Victoria works collaboratively with implementing activities that relate to the Marine Safety Victoria to ensure boating sanctuary but for which they are safety within the sanctuary, and is a support responsible. agency for Marine Safety Victoria at a statewide and regional level for marine Management strategies pollution incidents, contributing on-site • Work collaboratively with all agencies response and incident management as well as to ensure their activities accord with the technical advice. aims for the sanctuary and the plan. In Marine Safety Victoria is the local authority particular, work with: responsible for administering the Marine Act, • DSE regarding future planning and including planning and implementing pollution management, including protection response and marine safety initiatives (sections of marine flora and fauna from 4.2 and 6.8). Parks Victoria works potentially threatening processes collaboratively with Marine Safety Victoria to ensure boating safety within the sanctuary. • Fisheries Victoria to implement the fishing prohibition and the Mornington Peninsula Shire has a key role in Regional Compliance Plan administering the planning scheme for land adjacent to the sanctuary, including assessing • Central Coastal Board on any future developments that could have an impact on plans and strategies that relate to sanctuary values. Parks Victoria provides input the sanctuary into planning applications to ensure that • Port Phillip and Westernport CMA sanctuary values are protected. to reduce the impacts of land use and Through Aboriginal Affairs Victoria, the management of the catchment on the Department for Victorian Communities has sanctuary, and development of responsibility for administering legislation appropriate actions in the Regional protecting cultural heritage (sections 2.5 and Catchment Strategy 5.1) and advising Parks Victoria on Indigenous • EPA Victoria to minimise impacts matters. associated with discharges of waste Heritage Victoria (DSE) is the central into the environment, particularly government agency that provides information from Double Creek and advice about places listed on the • Aboriginal Affairs Victoria on Victorian Heritage Register and compliance with the relevant Archaeological Inventory. It supports the cultural heritage legislation and on Heritage Council through research, issues relating to Indigenous affairs recommends additions to the register and issues permits for alterations to heritage • Marine Safety Victoria on planning places. and implementation of marine safety initiatives within the Tourism Victoria is the State Government sanctuary and adjacent waters authority responsible for developing and marketing Victoria to Australian and • Mornington Peninsula Shire international travellers. regarding the administration of the planning scheme, including input into adjacent or nearby developments that may • Royal Australian Navy in relation to impact on the sanctuary (section the West Head Gunnery Range and 7.2); and in encouraging responsible issues of its operation that may dog management and providing and affect the sanctuary. communicating the opportunities for dog walking in the Flinders area • Update contingency plans for outside the sanctuary (section 6.5) marine pollution incidents, such as oil and chemical spills, and cetacean / • State and regional tourism wildlife incidents as required, in authorities to promote the sanctuary consultation with DSE, Toll Western Port appropriately in regional visitor and Marine Safety Victoria, and information centres and regional communicate arrangements to staff, tourism strategies relevant agencies and interested parties. 9 PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

Systems (ISO 14001), the framework ensures 9.1 Delivery and reporting that the future condition of values is A range of approaches will be used to considered in identifying threats and implement strategies in this plan. Some will be developing actions to ameliorate them. Over undertaken as part of routine management time, the success of actions is reviewed against activities such as ranger visits; others will be set objectives to ensure ongoing learning and addressed as part of regional programs refinement of management. The selection of undertaken across the State each year. actions and treatments of threats are guided by A priority list of all the strategies in the plan the precautionary principle. Management will be used to guide routine management and options are evaluated on the basis of least identify detailed actions in annual regional impact on the environment. Treatment of programs. Priorities for regional programs vary threats with a potential for serious damage that from year to year, depending on available is not addressed in the plan will not be resources and government priorities. postponed for lack of information. At the end of each year, progress towards Parks Victoria will use a variety of means to implementing strategies in the plan will be report to the community about the progress of reviewed and the priority list updated. Staff implementation of the plan. The primary report internally against ‘on time and within means will be through routine liaison between budget’ delivery of regional programs and Parks Victoria, interested groups and whether the completed strategy has achieved individuals from the local community and the objective. Parks Victoria reports annually relevant government agencies. In addition to to government on the overall delivery of giving regular updates, there will be regional and divisional programs. This broader opportunities for input by interested members reporting on management performance is of the community into annual priority setting available in annual reports prepared on the and feedback on management performance. National Parks Act and Parks Victoria. Events such as Sanctuary open days and community and volunteer forums will offer During the implementation of the plan, Parks similar opportunities for reporting and Victoria will work in partnership with the discussions about annual programs. Traditional Owners and any scheduled Aboriginal community. Ongoing collaborative The results of monitoring and research work activities with the relevant Indigenous will continue to be available to the communities, interested members of the community as technical reports available on Parks Victoria’s website, community, scientists and agencies in realising www. p a rkweb.vic.gov.au. the vision and management directions for the sanctuary will be especially important, as Parks Victoria will also report on evaluation of outlined in previous sections of the plan. the plan (section 9.3) at the start of the new or revised plan, through routine liaison and Implementation of the plan will be consistent community forums and in the subsequent draft with Parks Victoria’s commitment to plan. sustainable practices, which involves the delivery of operations, services and facilities in Future reporting on the Statewide Strategy an ecologically and socially responsible (Parks Victoria 2003a) and State of the Parks manner with minimal use of expendable reports, which will be available on Parks resources and minimal generation of waste. Victoria’s website, will also include information on management performance in In implementing the plan, management will the sanctuary. respond to monitoring and research information as it emerges. Parks Victoria’s 9.2 Plan amendment environmental management framework makes this possible. Based on the International During the 10-year life of the plan, Standard for Environmental Management amendments to the plan may only be made by the Secretary to DSE, following an authorised process which includes community Protecting cultural values consultation. • Progress towards working with Traditional Circumstances that might lead to amendment Owners in managing the sanctuary and in of the plan include: protecting and interpreting Indigenous cultural heritage. • the results of monitoring or research, management experience or new • Timely management intervention to avoid information (such as greater understanding damaging activities and threats. of new threatening processes) which indicate the need for a change in Managing recreation and visitor use management direction • Managing impact from visitors, including • significant changes in visitation or use individuals and school and tour groups. • a change in policy that calls into question • Meeting community expectations in plan objectives relation to Parks Victoria’s management of the sanctuary. • new legislation (such as significant • Improved community and visitor boundary changes). awareness. The plan may also be amended if an activity, Providing for research and promoting development or use which conflicts with the understanding provisions of the plan is approved by • Improving understanding of the government (such as native title outcomes). composition and distribution of habitats and ecological processes. 9.3 Evaluation and review • Ongoing participation of the Traditional Periodically through the life of the plan, Parks Owners and other community members. Victoria will assess overall progress towards implementing the strategies in the plan and • Clear identification of major knowledge also assess progress towards achieving the plan gaps and threats. vision and directions. These evaluations will Methods for evaluating the benefits of the plan inform a decision about whether a new or are likely to be refined over time. Parks revised plan is required. The achievements of Victoria partners with external research the plan will be assessed by considering agencies to establish benchmarks and performance areas such as: indicators for major communities and habitats. Through sound monitoring and assessment Protecting natural values methods, this monitoring and research work • Overall benefit to biodiversity. will strengthen the basis for comparing management performance over time. • Compliance with no-fishing provisions and sanctuary regulations. • Timely management intervention to minimise threats. • Minimal impact of permitted uses. REFERENCES

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NRE 1997b, A Wildlife Response Plan for Oil Spills, Department of Natural Parks Victoria 2003a, Victoria’s System of Resources and Environment, East Marine National Parks and Marine Melbourne. Sanctuaries, Management Strategy 2003– 2010, Parks Victoria, Melbourne. NRE 1999a, Introduction of Exotic Organisms into Victorian Marine Waters, Parks Victoria 2003b, Heritage Management FFG Action Statement No. 100, Strategy, Parks Victoria, Melbourne. Department of Natural Resources and Parks Victoria 2003c, City and Bays Regional Environment, East Melbourne. Compliance Plan, Parks Victoria, NRE 1999b, Interim Victorian Protocol Melbourne (unpublished). for Managing Exotic Marine Parks Victoria 2003d, Minimal Impact Organisms Incursions, Department of Education / Interpretation Guidelines for Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria’s Marine National Parks and East Melbourne. Marine Sanctuaries, Parks Victoria, NRE 1999c, The Victorian Cetacean Melbourne (unpublished). 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Operating Guidelines for Recreational Scuba Diving and Related Activities, Scuba Eric Lucas, Flinders resident, 2005. Divers Federation of Victoria, Melbourne. Andrew Musgrove, Parks Victoria – Short, A. D. 1996, Beaches of the Victorian Rosebud, 2005. Coast: A guide to their nature, Wolfgang Sasse, Flinders resident, 2005. characteristics, surf and safety, Surf Life Saving Australia and University of Sydney, Victor Teoh, Parks Victoria – Rosebud, 2005. Sydney. Synnot, R. N. & Wescott, G. C. 1976, Zonation at Flinders Reef, Westernport Bay. An introduction to Victorian intertidal ecology with specific reference to the Flinders Reef, Westernport Bay. The Victorian Naturalist 93: 97–107. GLOSSARY

Algae (seaweed) – plant-like organisms that use Driftwood – wood from a natural source floating or light energy to create food. Unlike plants, algae are that has been washed ashore. not differentiated into roots, stems and leaves. Ecosystem – a dynamic complex of interacting Aquaculture – cultivation of fish, molluscs or organisms and their associated non-living other aquatic organisms in fresh or salt water. environment. Ascidian (sea squirt) – common type of solitary or Endemic – unique to a particular area, and not colonial marine animal. found naturally anywhere else. Ballast water – water carried in a ship’s tanks for Flotsam – in maritime law, applies to wreckage or stability. Normally discharged to the sea when the cargo left floating on the sea after a shipwreck. The ship is loaded, and can be contaminated with common phrase flotsam and jetsam is now used pollution or exotic organisms. loosely to describe any objects found floating or Biodiversity – the natural diversity of all life: the washed (respectively) ashore. See also Jetsam. sum of all native species of flora and fauna, the Foreshore – generally, the land between a coastal genetic variation within them, their habitats and the road and the low water mark. ecosystems of which they are an integral part. Geomorphology – the scientific study of landforms Bioregion – an area with unique underlying and geological formations and the processes that environmental and ecological features. shape them. Bommie (bombora) – a rocky reef over which Gorgonian – soft, often colourful coral fan, waves break. generally found in high-flow areas. Catchment – the area of land that drains to a Habitat – the preferred location or ‘home’ of an watercourse or estuary. organism. Coast – in broad terms, the sea and the seabed to Heritage – a place, activity, cultural way of life, the State limit (three nautical miles or 5.5 structure or group of structures that has aesthetic, kilometres offshore) and the land and inland waters historic, scientific or social value for past, present within the coastal catchment. or future generations. Coastline – generally, the line along which the land High water mark – the landward boundary of high meets the sea. water mark is the average of the highest tides Committee of Management – a committee (spring and neap). appointed under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act Indigenous cultural heritage – all aspects of 1978 to manage reserved Crown land on behalf of contemporary and traditional culture, and places the Minister. For coastal land, committees are either and objects of significance to Indigenous people in an agency (e.g. the local municipality, Parks accordance with tradition. Victoria or the Department of Sustainability and Environment) or a committee appointed through an Indigenous people – people who are descendants expression of interest process. of Aboriginal Australians. Coralline algae – algae that contain calcified Infrastructure – physical structures that facilitate components. Can take a variety of forms. the human use of an area (e.g. roads, paths, toilet blocks). Country – in Indigenous usage, all of nature, culture and spirituality relating to an area. Intertidal – the area between low and high tide levels, which is subject to daily changes in physical Ctenophore – any of various marine animals of the and biological conditions from tide movements. phylum Ctenophora, having transparent, gelatinous bodies bearing eight rows of comb-like cilia used Invertebrate – an animal without a backbone (e.g. for swimming; also called a comb jelly. worms, sponges). Crown land – land belonging to the State. Jetsam – in maritime law, applies to cargo or equipment thrown overboard from a ship in distress Customs – observances and practices of people and either sunk or washed ashore. The common (includes land management and resource use) in phrase flotsam and jetsam is now used loosely to accordance with tradition. describe any objects found floating or washed Diatom – a microscopic unicellular alga. (respectively) ashore. See also Flotsam. Marine National Park – in Victoria, highly Sediment – insoluble material carried in water, protected areas reserved and managed under consisting mainly of particles derived from rock, Schedule 7 of the National Parks Act that represent soil and organic material; such material that has the range of marine environments in Victoria, and settled out of the water, onto the seabed. in which no fishing, extractive or damaging activities are allowed. Sedimentation – the deposition of sediment on a surface. Marine protected area – a marine area that has some form of protection and is managed for Sewage – household and commercial waste water conservation objectives. including human and industrial wastes. Marine sanctuary – in Victoria, a small, highly Sewerage – the system that facilitates the protected area reserved and managed under collection, transport, treatment and discharge of Schedule 8 of the National Parks Act to protect sewage. special values, and in which no fishing, extractive Scheduled Aboriginal community – body or or damaging activities are allowed. These areas bodies scheduled as the Local Aboriginal complement Marine National Parks. Community under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Matters of national environmental significance – Islander Heritage Protection Act relating to the defined by the Environment Protection and sanctuary. Biodiversity Conservation Act to include: World Soft coral – coral without a solid calcareous case Heritage Properties; Ramsar wetlands; nationally for structure. Generally colonial and found on hard threatened species and communities; migratory surfaces. species protected under international agreements; the Commonwealth marine environment; and, Sponge – multicellular, filter-feeding animals with nuclear actions. a variety of forms. Sponges are the simplest form of invertebrate life. Mollusc – broad group of animals including snails, sea slugs, squids, octopuses, cuttlefish and mussels. Spring tides – occur twice every month at new and full moon and are the highest tides. Nature-based tourism – tourism that provides a range of experiences associated with the natural Stakeholder – an individual or group that has a environment, generally related to outdoor activity. vested interest in, or may be affected by, a project or process. Neap tide – tide occurring twice every month between spring tides, but slightly lower. Stormwater – runoff from land during and following rain. Stormwater carries accumulated Outfall – the place where sewage is discharged to material, which may include litter, soil, nutrients, the ocean. pathogens, chemicals, pesticides, oils and grease. Pelagic – relating to the surface waters of the Submergence – a rise of water level relative to the marine environment. land so that areas formerly dry are inundated. Pest – exotic organisms (plants, animals or Tertiary – geological period occurring from 63 to pathogens) that, if introduced outside their natural 1.5 million years ago. or previous distribution, they cause significant changes to habitats, food chains, ecosystems or Tombolo – a bar or rock formation connecting an human health by feeding on or competing with island or reef to a shore or to another island or reef. native species. Can refer to either terrestrial or Tradition – the body of knowledge, belief and marine species. customs that is passed from generation to Photosynthesis – the process by which organic generation. molecules are made from carbon dioxide and water, Traditional Owners – communities of people that using light energy. This process is essential for the reasonably assert an association with the sanctuary growth and survival of plants and algae. area that is based on direct descent from the Phytoplankton – small plants that drift in open original Indigenous custodians of Country, in water. accordance with Indigenous tradition. Relevant Indigenous communities – includes the Translocation – the transfer of animals or plants Traditional Owners and any scheduled Aboriginal including pests from one area to a new area. community for the sanctuary area. Values – natural and cultural assets (e.g. historic Remnant vegetation – remaining natural artefacts, features, species, communities) that have vegetation. been given worth or are considered to be desirable. Wrack – organic matter washed up on a beach. Abbreviations FFG – Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic.) AAV – Aboriginal Affairs Victoria JAMBA – Japan–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement ANZECC – former Australian and New Zealand IMCRA – Interim Marine and Coastal Environment and Conservation Council Regionalisation for Australia CAMBA – China–Australia Migratory Bird IUCN – World Conservation Union Agreement LCC – Land Conservation Council CMA – Catchment Management Authority LTO – Licensed Tour Operator CSIRO – Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation MSV – Marine Safety Victoria NRE – former Department of Natural Resources Marine Pests DIVA – Dive Industry Victoria Association NRSMPA – National Representative System of DSE – Department of Sustainability and Marine Protected Areas Environment PPWPCMA – Port Phillip and Western Port DVC – Department of Victorian Communities Catchment Management Authority ECC – former Environment Conservation Council SDFV – Scuba Divers Federation of Victoria EPA – Environment Protection Authority SEPP – State Environment Protection Policy EMF – Environmental Management Framework of TFMPA – Taskforce for Marine Protected Areas Parks Victoria VCC – Victorian Coastal Council APPENDIX 1 MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES FOR MARINE SANCTUARIES

Management objectives for marine national Section 17D Marine national parks and parks and marine sanctuaries included on marine sanctuaries Schedule 7 or Schedule 8 of the National Parks Act are in Sections 4 and 17D as listed below. (3)(a) The Secretary, subject to this Act will For an up-to-date copy of the National Parks ensure that each marine national park and Act 1975 (Vic.), refer to Victorian Acts on the marine sanctuary is controlled and managed in Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary accordance with the objects of this Act in a Documents website, www . dms.dpc.vic.gov.au. manner that will – (i) preserve and protect the natural 4. Objects of the Act environment and indigenous flora and The objects of this Act are— fauna of the park and any features of the park which are of geological, (a) to make provision, in respect of national geomorphological, ecological, scenic, parks, State parks, marine national parks and archaeological, historic or other scientific marine sanctuaries – interest; and (i) for the preservation and protection of the (ii) promote the prevention of the introduction natural environment including wilderness of exotic flora and fauna into the park; areas and remote and natural areas in and those parks; (iii) provide for the eradication or control of (ii) for the protection and preservation of exotic flora and fauna found in the park; indigenous flora and fauna and of features and of scenic or archaeological, ecological, geological, historic or other scientific (b) subject to paragraph (a) – interest in those parks; and (i) provide for the use, enjoyment and (iii) for the study of ecology, geology, botany, understanding of Marine National Parks zoology and other sciences relating to the and Marine Sanctuaries by the public; and conservation of the natural environment in (ii) promote an understanding of the purpose those parks; and and significance of Marine National Parks (iv) for the responsible management of the and Marine Sanctuaries; and land in those parks; (c) prepare a plan of management in respect (c) to make provision in accordance with the of each marine national park and each marine foregoing for the use of parks by the public for sanctuary. the purposes of enjoyment, recreation or education, and for the encouragement and control of that use. APPENDIX 2 SUBMISSIONS ON THE DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN

A total of nine submissions including one marked confidential were received of the draft plan, comprising six from organisations and three from individuals.

ORGANISATION/ INDIVIDUAL SUBMISSION NUMBER

Submissions from organisations Total 6 Australian Marine Conservation Society 3 Department of Primary Industries – Fisheries Victoria 1 Department for Victorian Communities – Aboriginal Affairs Victoria 7 Scuba Divers Federation of Victoria 4 Victorian Wader Study Group 8 Confidential 6 Submissions from individuals Total 3 A. Grage 2 D. Grage 5 P. Johns 9 Portarlington

Frankston P O R T

P H I L L I P 8110

Mornington PORT PHILLIP HEADS MARINE NATIONAL PARK Moorooduc

Mud Islands Swan Island

Queenscliff

PORT PHILLIP HEADS MARINE NATIONAL PARK

Devilbend Portsea Reserve

Point Nepean Dromana National Park

Sorrento Rosebud

8110 Arthurs Seat State Park Mornington Peninsula National Park

Honeysuckle Reef Special Protection Zone

W E S T E R N Mornington Peninsula P O R T National Park Flinders

Phillip Island Cape MUSHROOM REEF Nature Park Schanc MARINE k SANCTUARY Seal Rock s

B A S S S T R A I T

0 5 7.5 Figure 1 2.5

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Flinders Golf Course Major sealed road

Hang gliding Ramp Minor sealed road 8ass Walking track Kennon Cove o w Y . .._ . Morning ton P Peninsu a la National Park

O S t Marin Sanctuar boundary to W Mark

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