Our vision is to ensure Victoria is a place with a diverse and healthy natural environment that is protected, respected and enjoyed by all.

We work with all levels of government, the scientific community and the general community to achieve long term, best practice environmental outcomes and help shape the agenda for creating and managing national parks, conservation reserves and other important natural areas across land and sea in Victoria.

We are also Victoria’s largest bushwalking club and provide a range of education, citizen science and activity programs that encourage Victorians to get active for nature.

ReefWatch is the Victorian National Parks Association’s marine citizen science program. It encourages divers and snorkelers to monitor marine life at their favourite dive sites.

ReefWatch coordinates a number of marine conservation programs, including ‘OysterWatch’, ‘ReefCam’, the Melbourne Sea Slug Census, ‘Dragon Quest’ and the Great Victorian Fish Count.

In 2012, ReefWatch won an award for ‘Excellence in Education’ from the Victorian Coastal Council.

Parks Victoria: Mark Rodrigue, Stephen Tuohy, Pete Hay, Nicole Filby, Emily Verey, Thierry Rolland CoastCare Victoria: Phillip Wierzbowski Museums Victoria and Redmap Victoria: Dianne Bray Atlas of Living : Peter Brenton Participating groups: Academy of Scuba, Aquatic Adventures, Australian Diving Instruction, Bayplay, Daktari Surf/Dive, Dive and Dive, Dive La Trobe, Dive2U, Diveline, Friends of Barwon Bluff, Friends of Beware Reef, Friends of Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary, Friends of Harmers Haven, Friends of Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary, Friends of Point Addis, Jawbone Marine Sanctuary Care, Marine Care Point Cook, Marine Care Ricketts Point, Melbourne University Underwater Club, Mornington Peninsula Scuba Dive Club, Ocean Divers, Parkdale Snorkelling Group, Phillip Island Nature Park, Polperro Dolphin Swims, Port Phillip EcoCentre, Red Boats, Salesian College, Scuba Culture, Scuba Scouts, SEAL Diving Services, Sea All Dolphin Swims, Simple Dive, South East Dive, South Gippsland Conservation Society/Bunurong Coast Education, Somers Snorkelling Group, Victorian National Parks Association's Wild Families and ‘for beginners’ activities, Victorian Sub Aqua Group

Cover photo courtesy of Jack Breedon. Chapter photos by AJ Morton, Jack Breedon, Mark Rodrigue, and Peter Beaumont.

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management planners, managers of public land, local government and government programs targeting issues Parks Victoria’s responsibilities under in coastal areas. the Parks Victoria Act 1998 are to manage the state’s parks, reserves, waterways and other public land, including a representative system of Redmap (Range Extension Database terrestrial and marine national parks and Mapping project) is a national and marine sanctuaries. It is also the local port manager for Port Phillip Bay, ‘citizen science’ site that captures data and maps marine that may be Western Port and Port Campbell. extending their range in Australia in Parks Victoria works in close response to changes in the marine partnership with other government and environment. In Victoria, Redmap is non-government organisations and hosted by Museums Victoria and all community groups to manage parks recorded sightings are verified by and reserved and encourages marine scientists. community participation within them.

Parks Victoria’s philosophy of ‘Healthy Parks Healthy People’ promotes Museums Victoria is Australia’s largest involvement in activities within parks public museum organisation. As the to maintain and improve the health of state museum for Victoria it is individuals and the community as well responsible for looking after a as contributing to a better collection of nearly 12 million objects, understanding of Victoria’s parks. documents, photographs and Participation in the Great Victorian Fish specimens. Its research, in the fields of count is a great example of this and science and humanities, uses the for connecting people and museum’s collections and expert staff communities with parks. to further what we know about the social and natural history of Victoria and beyond.

Coastcare Victoria is a state-wide The Great Victorian Fish Count is program run by the Department of supported by the Victorian Environment, Land, Water and Government. Planning (DELWP). Coastcare Victoria facilitators work directly with these communities and connect them with the state’s coastal management system – coastal and natural resource

4 | 2018 GREAT VICTORIAN FISH COUNT Smiling faces at the Count. Photo: Nicole Mertens

5 The Great Victorian Fish Count is . This year, the blue throat wrasse Victoria’s largest marine citizen was again the most commonly science event, and each year it sighted species, just beating the continues to grow! The theme for magpie perch (recorded in 79% and 2018, ‘Meet the friendly faces of our 78% of surveys respectively). Other coast’, aimed to entice even more species recorded in the majority of people to take to the water and create surveys included: some lasting memories while ○ Six-spined leatherjacket recording valuable information on ○ Zebra fish some of Victoria’s iconic marine ○ Dusky morwong fishes. In total, 37 participating groups ○ Victorian scalyfin completed 66 surveys across the state’s beautiful coastal waters, with While only 5.3% of our coastal waters approximately 750 citizen scientists are protected, 25% of surveys were taking part in the ‘dive that counts’. done in marine protected areas. Marine The huge effort from everyone parks and sanctuaries continue to be involved is a testament to the passion popular sites for the Fish Count. of the community when it comes to making meaningful contributions to The results of the fourteenth Great our marine environment. Victorian Fish Count would not be possible without the 700+ enthusiastic Key findings were: divers and snorkelers who took part in this large-scale citizen science . The friendly face of our fish count, research project. The Victorian the Port Jackson shark, was National Parks Association looks recorded in 11% of surveys. This is forward to seeing you along with your slightly lower than last year (14%), friends and family at the 2019 Great and not an unexpected overall Victorian Fish Count, which will be held result, given its preference to spend from November 16 until December 15. its days hidden under rocky ledges. Let’s make this one even bigger! Several groups were still lucky enough to see large groups of 6 or The data collected from the 2018 Fish more sharks during their surveys. Count has been entered into the Atlas . A draughtboard shark was recorded of Living Australia and is accessible to in one survey (a confirmed sighting). scientists, managers and the . All shark and ray species added to community to learn more about the Fish Count in 2017, except for Victoria’s unique marine life. the elephantfish, have now been sighted at least once. . Following the confirmed sighting of a white barred boxfish in 2017, another confirmed sighting of this species (Anoplocapros lenticularis, also known as the humpback boxfish or humpty dumpty) was recorded near Cape Woolamai, at the edge of its known distribution.

6 | 2018 GREAT VICTORIAN FISH COUNT This year we encouraged everyone to go out and meet the friendly faces of our coasts. Photo: Heidi Harron 7

Combining the opportunity to collect Citizen science is the involvement of real data on Victoria’s marine life with a community members in scientific chance to dive in and experience our projects through the collection of data beautiful coast, the Great Victorian Fish and/or involvement in project design. It Count is Victoria’s largest marine provides an opportunity for participants citizen science event. Now in its to learn from each other. For example, fourteenth year, the Fish Count is held the Great Victorian Fish Count brings through November and December with together scientists, marine managers, dive clubs, environmental groups, divers, snorkelers and community ‘friends of’ groups, local dive operators, members to increase and share our local community groups, schools, knowledge about fish found in their universities and the VNPA’s Wild local waters. Families and beginner groups hitting In 2018 approximately 750 participants the water to take part in collecting a collected data on fish species across ‘snapshot’ of fish diversity in our the Victorian coastline. Having so coastal waters. many pairs of eyes in the water Victoria’s coastline has a diverse range searching for fish provides a large of that provide homes to a amount of data on the distribution and variety of species, many of which are relative abundance of Victorian fish not found anywhere else in the world. species. The data collected shows how Almost a quarter of Australia’s fishes citizen scientists can collect a vast are endemic with 60% of these species amount of data, which would be living only in our southern seas (Bray extremely difficult to gather without the 2018e). The fish count provides a support of the community. ‘snapshot’ of some of these species and involves hundreds of divers recording thousands of fish sightings along the coastline. The data collected can be used to investigate changes in Over the past 14 years, the Victorian species composition and relative National Parks Association in abundance at multiple locations partnership with Museums Victoria, throughout the state’s coastal waters. Parks Victoria, Coastcare Victoria, dive The Great Victorian Fish Count aims to operators and local community groups, help passionate people take part in an has led the Great Victorian Fish Count. event that gathers valuable marine In 2015, we were pleased to add data, promotes active learning and the Redmap to our list of partners for the chance to reconnect with their local first time and continued to do so in coastal environment. In turn, this 2018. creates understanding, awareness and co-operation between the public, scientists and government agencies. 8 | 2018 GREAT VICTORIAN FISH COUNT The Port Jackson shark, the face of the 2018 Great Victorian Fish Count. Photo: Mark Rodrigue

All project partners benefit the Great Victorian Fish Count by providing experience and knowledge on the After the introduction of sharks and Victorian marine environment. Project rays to the count in 2017, the ‘face’ of partners provide: the 2018 Great Victorian Fish Count was the Port Jackson shark . Scientific expertise; (Heterodontus portusjacksoni). With a . Communication skills and peculiar grin and docile nature, this knowledge; small shark is a favourite among the . Local, regional and state-based divers and snorkelers who are lucky knowledge on coasts, habitats and enough to encounter them under rocky fish; ledges in shallow coastal waters. With . Local community knowledge; much media attention focusing on . Connection with local communities negative human-shark encounters, it and networks; was time for this group of fish to be . Skills, experience and qualifications represented by a friendly face. to lead diving and snorkelling trips Males reach an average of 75 cm and This collaborative approach has made females usually grow to about 95 cm. the Great Victorian Fish Count a They have a distinct, harness-like success and we are grateful for the pattern running down their back and continued support of all our partners across their body, a blunt head with and look forward to continuing to work arched ridges that give the appearance with them. of horns and a single spine on both

CHAPTER 1 Introduction 9 dorsal fins. Adding to their unusual national project that brings together features are the curled nostrils biodiversity data from multiple sources attached to their mouth and the two and makes it available and usable distinct types of teeth. They use their online. The atlas is an online resource sharp, spiny front teeth to latch on to where anyone can go to get prey such as crabs, lobsters, information on any species of interest octopuses, or sea urchins, and their to them. Data is entered via the broad, flat back teeth to crush and BioCollect tool developed by the atlas grind their catch. to support citizen scientists, ecologists, scientists and natural resource managers. Currently there is limited information on the distribution of marine species in Victoria, so the Great Victorian Fish count is contributing important data. http://bit.ly/biocollect.

Unlike most shark species, Port The Victorian National Parks Jackson sharks can eat and breathe at Association is currently in the process the same time, and don’t need to be of collating and uploading all past moving to allow enough water to flow Great Victorian Fish Count results to over their gills to breathe. Instead, they the Atlas of Living Australia. can pump water into their first, large and out through the other four gill slits. This feature means that they can spend a long time lying on the ocean floor, waiting for their prey or In 2017 he addition of five ray and five mates, or perhaps even inquisitive fish shark species to Fish Count coincided counters. with changes to fishing regulations to Port Jackson sharks have complex protect rays in Victoria and with social interactions, returning to the community efforts throughout the same sites to breed and preferring to marine community to ‘rays’ awareness spend their time with individuals of the of Victorian sharks and rays. It is now same gender and size. Researchers prohibited to take stingrays, skates or have identified that they have distinct guitarfish greater than 1.5 m in width, personalities, form long term and the daily bag limit for sting rays, relationships with other Port Jackson skates or guitarfish smaller than 1.5 m sharks, and many make the long in width have been reduced from five to journey from their feeding grounds to one. Taking these species within 400 m their breeding grounds in large of any pier, jetty, wharf or breakwater is migratory groups (Byrnes and Brown also prohibited, and these species are 2016; Bass et al 2016; Powter and required to be landed whole so they Gladstone 2009). can be measured by fisheries officers. These protections are the result of the Project Banjo action group #RaysAwareness working tirelessly with the Victorian Fisheries Authority. Data collected during the Great Protecting rays, especially around Victorian Fish Count continues to be artificial structures, ensures that divers, entered into the Atlas of Living snorkelers and other beach users Australia. The atlas is a collaborative,

10 | 2018 GREAT VICTORIAN FISH COUNT Coming face to face with a Southern Blue Devil, Paraplesiops meleagris, at Nepean Wall. Photo: Peter Beaumont

continue to be delighted by sightings of for sightings to be verified and these iconic species and will help ease confirmed (photographed) sightings of the pressure on their populations. western blue gropers were Relatively little is known about the instrumental in ReefWatch’s efforts to stock status of many of Victoria’s secure their protected status in shark and ray species, so reports of Victoria. sightings are appreciated.

We continue to receive reports of sightings of uncommon and unusual species. Some species, such as the protected western and eastern blue gropers, are very difficult to tell apart in the field. Other rarely sighted species may be easily confused with similar looking fish. We encourage participating groups to submit photos with their survey data, especially when reporting on uncommon species, as this assists us in confirming their presence and improves the quality of our data sets. Redmap requires photos

CHAPTER 1 Introduction 11

The many faces of the 2018 count. Photos: Nicole Filby, Rod Webster, Liz Harper, Nicole Mertens

12 | 2018 GREAT VICTORIAN FISH COUNT Fishy hats frame happy faces at Blairgowrie (top) and Rye (bottom). Photos: Nicole Mertens CHAPTER 1 Introduction 13 Blairgowrie Brighton Beach The Great Victorian Fish count runs during November and December each Flinders Pier year. The 2018 Great Victorian Fish Jawbone Marine Sanctuary Count began on November 17 and Mornington Pier finished on December 16. Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary The dates were initially chosen to Parkdale Reef coincide with the national Coastcare Week, which is held on the first week of Point Cooke Marine Sanctuary December. To allow for the Point Ormond comparison of results to previous years the fish count will continue to be Port Phillip Heads- Castle Rock, Golden held during the November/December Arch, Lonsdale Wall, Nepean Wall, Pt Lonsdale period. Popes Eye Portarlington Pier Surveys took place all along the Portsea Pier Victorian Coastline (Figure 1) with Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary participating groups choosing their own sites. To ensure continuity in data Rye Pier over time, groups are encouraged to St Leonards Pier select a site they are familiar with and will continue to monitor each year. Tom’s Reef Wreck of the Hurricane Below is a list of the sites surveyed during the 2018 Great Victorian Fish Count: Beware Reef Bunurong Marine National Park- Cape Eagle Rock Patterson, Shack Bay Port Campbell pier Wreck Beach, Harmers Haven Port Fairy- Pea Soup, South Beach bay Meetung Moorings, Gippsland Lakes Portland- Lee Breakwater, Nun’s Beach Somers Torquay Phillip Island- Cat Bay, Kitty Miller Bay, Cape Woolamai, the Pinnacles Point Addis

Warrnambool- Stingray Bay, Merri Marine Sanctuary Over half the individual sites (55%) surveyed were in the Port Philip Bay region where groups continue to show a high level of participation and Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary coverage of the area. Many sites within Port Phillip Bay were host to multiple Beaumaris surveys (e.g. Blairgowrie, Rye).

14 | 2018 GREAT VICTORIAN FISH COUNT Figure 1. Areas surveyed in 2018. Photo: Kade Mills

Eastern and Western Victoria continue

to have lower representation than the Bay region, but it is encouraging to see All participants work in buddy pairs or additional sites outside of the Bay small groups for the entire survey and appearing in the survey data every use one identification slate between year. The Victorian National Parks Association will continue to build them. During the survey the Roving stronger networks with local Diver Technique (RDT) is employed, communities outside Port Phillip Bay to whereby the participants swim freely improve coverage in future Great through the selected site and record all Victorian Fish Counts. the fish identified on their monitoring slate. Participants are encouraged to follow a route that does not overlap Each participating group leader is with other buddy pairs or groups in supplied with a standard Great order to cover a wider area and reduce Victorian Fish Count Kit. The Kit the number of double ups in data and contains training on how to conduct a to take regular stops to observe fish count and where to upload the data, that may have been disturbed and had identification slates, and survey forms. been hiding. During the survey, participants place the observed fish species into one of three abundance categories on the

CHAPTER 2: Methodology 15 identification slate (Figure 2). Each their results and photos directly to the category has a corresponding symbol, Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) which is crossed out progressively as database http://bit.ly/biocollect . Many increasing numbers of that particular people have commented on the ease species are observed (Figure 3). and fast nature of submitting their results directly to the database and the Victorian National Parks Association will continue to encourage participants to upload their results this way.

Survey results emailed or posted to the Victorian National Parks Association were entered into the Atlas of Living Australia database, from where all data were downloaded. This year’s results are presented to give an overview of main habitats surveyed and survey Figure 2. The abundance categories and corresponding symbols used on the Great methods used, to illustrate the Victorian Fish Count identification slates. occurrence and abundance of species Illustration: Nicole Mertens. surveyed in 2018, and compare 2018 to previous years.

The results are displayed as a At the conclusion of each survey, the percentage. This was calculated for Great Victorian Fish Count data sheet each of the target species using the (Figure 4) is completed in the company formula (percentage occurrence = of all the participating buddy pairs and number of surveys species sighted in / groups. The survey form includes total number of surveys X 100). This information regarding the survey site enables a quick overview of which location, weather conditions, time species were sighted more frequently spent completing the survey and during the Great Victorian Fish Count. visibility. All data is presented in the Appendix at The form is filled out immediately after the end of this report. the dive, and involves consultation with Each year there are some records all of the participants in order to ensure which are not uploaded to the Atlas of a good representation of the average Living Australia despite groups result. The name of the 35 target successfully completing their surveys species are listed on the form with in the field. We encourage every additional space for any species the participating group to make sure their group would like to add. An abundance data is counted towards official category is marked for each of the records, and to get in touch with the species observed by the group, with Fish Count/ReefWatch coordinator if the category being based on the any issues are encountered when average results from all the submitting results. participating buddy pairs.

Participating groups either email or post their results to the Victorian National Parks Association or enter

16 | 2018 GREAT VICTORIAN FISH COUNT Figure 3. Key to fish abundance categories. Photo: Kade Mills

Figure 4. The data sheet where results of group surveys are collated

CHAPTER 2: Methodology 17

SCUBA dives accounted for 59% of all surveys, with 30% undertaken by snorkelling (Figure 5). This year, 11% of surveys were conducted with a mix of There were 66 surveys carried out at by scuba divers and snorkelers, with 37 groups during the 2018 Great several groups hosting events that Victorian Fish Count, at 38 different catered for both methods. sites along Victoria’s coastline (see appendix 1 for data submitted on site locations and conditions).

The depth of sites varied from 2m to SCUBA and Snorkel 39m, with visibility ranging from 2m to 11% 20m and water temperature ranging from 15°C to 23°C (see Appendix 5.7). SCUBA Snorkel 59% The number of fish counters in each 30% participating group varied from two to 25 with participants spending 30 to 100 minutes conducting their survey. Groups reported participant age ranges from 12 to over 70. Figure 5: Survey methods used (%) (n=66)

Face down and focused on finding fishes: a buddy pair using the roving diver technique during their survey. Photo: Kade Mills

18 | 2018 GREAT VICTORIAN FISH COUNT Time to face the data: meeting up post dive to collate survey results. Photo: Liz Harper

Most surveys were conducted on artificial structures (62%) with the remaining (38%) completed on rocky The majority of the surveys (74%) were reefs (Figure 6). Additional habitats conducted in unprotected waters with present at sites included sponge the remaining (26%) undertaken within gardens, meadows, kelp marine national parks or sanctuaries forests, sandy sediments, and mussel (Figure 7). Many of the snorkelling beds (Appendix 5.7). surveys were conducted in marine national parks or sanctuaries (Appendix 5.7).

Marine national park Rocky reef or sanctuary 38% 26%

Artificial reef 62% Unprotected waters 74%

Figure 6 surveys conducted on (%) Figure 7: Protection status of survey sites (%) (n=66) (n=66)

CHAPTER 3: Results 19 . The most commonly sighted of the shark and ray species was the . The ‘face’ of the 2018 Fish Count, smooth stingray, which was the Port Jackson shark, appeared in recorded in 53% of surveys. 11% of surveys. See figure 9. . Less common shark and ray . Blue throat wrasse were mostly species include the spotted recorded in abundances of 20 or wobbegong, draughtboard shark more individuals and were the most and varied carpetshark, which were commonly observed fish species, recorded in less than 2% of surveys. sighted in just under 79% of . Elephantfish were not recorded. surveys. Magpie perch were . No sharks or rays were recorded in observed at a similarly high rate abundances of 20 or more. (78% of surveys) and were mostly recorded in abundances of 1-5 individuals. See figure 8. . Other bony fish species observed in 50% or more of surveys were six- • Blue throat wrasse were also spined leatherjacket, zebra fish, recorded in the highest percentage Victorian scalyfin, and dusky from 2015-2017. morwong. • Most species were observed within . Less common bony fish species 5-10% of average sightings (2015- included the eastern and western 2017), except for the long snouted blue groper, southern blue devil, boarfish, horseshoe leatherjacket, Maori wrasse and red morwong, old wife, sea sweep and silver which appeared in less than 10% of sweep, all sighted 10-17% less the surveys conducted. The frequently. See figure 10. harlequin fish was not sighted at all • All shark and ray species were in 2018 and has not been recorded sighted within 10% of 2017 records in the Fish Count from 2015-2018. (figure 11).

A huddle of fresh-faced Port Jackson Sharks. Photo: Jack Breedon

20 | 2018 GREAT VICTORIAN FISH COUNT TARGET BONY FISH SPECIES

100%

90% Abundance

80% 1 - 5 6 - 20 20 +

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

Percentage of surveys recorded in 10%

0%

Figure 8. Percentage of surveys each bony fish species was recorded in and abundance category (n=57). TARGET SHARK AND RAY SPECIES

60% Abundance 1 - 5 6 - 20 50%

40%

30%

20%

10% Percentage of surveys recorded in 0%

Figure 9. Percentage of surveys each shark and ray species was recorded in and abundance category (n=57).

CHAPTER 3: Results 21 Above: one of the most commonly sighted faces of 2019, the magpie perch, and below: one of the least sighted faces of 2019, the long snouted boarfish. Both species were encountered at Blairgowrie. Photos: Peter Beaumont and Carol Milligan.

22 | 2018 GREAT VICTORIAN FISH COUNT TARGET BONY FISH SPECIES a) Year 100% 2015 2016 2017 2018 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20%

10% Percentage of surveys recorded in 0%

b) 100% Year 90% 2015 2016 2017 2018 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20%

10% Percentage of surveys recorded in 0%

Figure 10. A comparison between the percentage occurrences of a) the most-sighted and b) the least-sighted target species* of bony fishes calculated for the 2015 (n=42), 2016 (n=44), 2017 (n=55) and 2018 (n=57) fish counts. *The harlequin fish was removed due to it not being recorded from 2015-2018. Shark and ray target species comparisons for 2017 and 2018 are shown in Figure 11.

CHAPTER 3: Results 23

TARGET SHARK AND RAY SPECIES 60% Year 50% 2017 2018

40%

30%

20%

10% Percentage of surveys recorded in 0%

Figure 11. A comparison between the percentage occurrences of each target species* of sharks and rays calculated for the 2017 (n=55) and 2018 (n=57) fish counts. *The elephantfish was removed due to it not being recorded from 2017-2018.

This draughtboard (or swell) shark’s face is much fiercer than its nature: when startled, it swallows water to puff itself up and make it hard for predators to attack them. Photo: Jack Breedon

24 | 2018 GREAT VICTORIAN FISH COUNT enthusiasm of local dive clubs. Many surveys undertaken by snorkelers were in marine national parks or sanctuaries, because events in these areas are generally run by Parks Victoria, Marine Care Friends Groups and/or Schools Victoria has a unique and dynamic that are restricted to snorkelling. coastline, and this is reflected in the However, the increased representation range of site conditions encountered of snorkelers in the Fish Count this by participants. Some groups had to year may reflect the growing diversity reschedule events on more than one of those taking part, including families, occasion due to poor weather students and culturally and conditions, whilst others enjoyed great linguistically diverse (CALD) groups. visibility, warm temperatures and calm waters with little to no swell. Groups undertaking counts on exposed rocky coasts were more likely to encounter Established in 2002, Victoria’s marine unfavourable conditions than those in protected areas include marine more sheltered locations, such as the national parks and marine sanctuaries. many sites visited throughout Port Marine protected areas cover Phillip Bay. approximately 63,000 hectares – 5.3% of Victoria’s state marine waters (Parks Victoria 2014). They provide people with the opportunity to experience and The large involvement of SCUBA divers observe marine life undisturbed by is due to the continued support and fishing and other extractive activities.

Facing forwards, shuffling backwards to kick off a survey at Portsea. Photo: Nicole Mertens CHAPTER 4: Discussion 25 Despite only covering a small The western blue groper on the other percentage of Victoria’s marine waters, hand, only occurs west of Wilsons they are embraced and used widely by Promontory. Western blue gropers are the diving community. This is evident commonly found on exposed coasts from the large percentage of surveys (although there have been sightings at carried out in marine protected areas in St Leonards and Popes Eye in Port comparison to the size of coast they Phillip Bay). With only a limited number cover. of surveys conducted on the open coast, the low occurrence is to be expected. It was recorded in four surveys, at Mushroom Reef, Barwon Bluff, Stingray Bay in Warrnambool and Lee Breakwater in Portland. Growing to about 40 cm in length, the magpie perch is easily recognisable by its three broad black bands and reddy- brown tail. Actually a member of the morwong family, this fish is found on coastal reefs throughout southern Australia. Often seen sheltering in small groups under rocky structures (Bray 2019c), this species was observed in groups of 6-20 individuals in over a quarter of the surveys it was recorded in. It is likely that its presence A juvenile western blue groper. Photo: Kade on both sheltered and exposed coastal Mills reefs accounts for its high rate of observation during the Great Victorian There was an unconfirmed sighting of an Fish Count. eastern blue groper at Rye, however, it is more likely this was in fact a western blue groper (Bray 2018a). The two species are very similar in appearance and without photographic verification, The low occurrence of blue groper identification often comes down to during the Great Victorian Fish Count is region the fish was observed in. due to limited distribution and habitat Reefwatch encourages participants to preference of the two groper species. photograph species recorded in their Eastern blue gropers only occur in Fish Count, especially gropers, to assist Victoria east of Wilsons Promontory. in identification (photographs can be With just four surveys conducted in uploaded to the Atlas of Living Australia this region around Beware Reef and when making a submission). Lakes Entrance, there were limited opportunities for the fish to be recorded. Encouragingly, it was recorded in three of the four surveys in Once again smooth stingray were the this region, with one survey observing most commonly sighted of the sharks between 6-20 individuals. This reflects and rays, recorded in over half of all other reports that the species is being surveys. Smooth stingrays are sighted in large numbers in the East widespread in southern Australia (Bray Gippsland region (Bray 2018b). 2018c). Two thirds of all surveys conducted on artificial reefs recorded

26 | 2018 GREAT VICTORIAN FISH COUNT More than just a pretty face? A rainbow cale showing its breeding colours at the Pinnacles. Photo: Peter Beaumont sightings of this species. Their large size makes them an easily recognisable species of ray, and their The elephantfish or Australian ghost reported tendency to frequent piers shark is the only target shark or ray throughout Victoria may account for species that has not been recorded their high rates of observation. during the Great Victorian Fish Count. While females move to shallow waters to lay their eggs, and juveniles remain inshore for up to three years, mature The Port Jackson shark was spotted sharks are usually found in deeper less frequently in 2018 than 2017. This offshore waters of up to 200m depths could be attributed to the lower (Bray 2018d). number of surveys conducted on natural reefs, as this species often shelters under rocky ledges during the day (Bray 2019a).

Some fish such as the southern blue devil, Maori wrasse and the two Draughtboard or swell sharks are cowfish species, all sighted 5-10% less endemic to temperate southern frequently compared to previous years, Australia, inhabiting the sandy bottoms may have been recorded at lower rates and rocky reefs of the coast (White and due to the reduced number of surveys Bray 2019). They can be found at being conducted on rocky reefs depths of 60m, and one survey (primary habitat for these species) in recorded this species at 39m. 2018 compared to earlier years. This follows the trend seen in 2017 with

CHAPTER 4: Discussion 27 other rocky reef species such as the This fish is rarely found in Victoria west horseshoe leatherjacket. The Victorian of Wilsons Promontory – it usually National Parks Association hopes to exists in the warmer temperate waters see more surveys conducted on of eastern Australia (Bray 2019b). natural reefs in future Fish Counts in There were three sightings reported in order to better compare data for the eastern Victoria during the 2018 Great species that call these habitats home. Victorian Fish Count. Two were by long time Great Victorian Fish Count participant and recreational-cum- scientific (Reef Life Survey) diver Don A number of other species were Love at Beware Reef, however, it recorded that do not appear on the should be noted that each sighting is official identification slates. Common unconfirmed - no photos were provided non-target species included globefish, for identification purposes. All three moonlighters, goatfish, and toadfish. were recorded in eastern Victoria. Two One of the more colourful additions to sightings occurred at Beware Reef, off-target reports for 2018, this rainbow where there was also an unconfirmed cale (Heteroscarus acroptilus, see sighting in 2017. The third sighting above) was photographed near the (unconfirmed) occurred at Shack Bay Pinnacles, Phillip Island by the Victorian in Bunurong Marine National Park. Sub Aqua Club.

This year there was one confirmed sighting of a white-barred boxfish near The Victorian National Parks the Pinnacles, Phillip Island. This Association has continued its confirmed (photographed) sighting partnership with Redmap Victoria. follows another in 2017 and indicates this previously uncommon species Once again participants were may be expanding its range into encouraged to keep an eye out for any Victoria. The Victorian National Parks fish that seem unusual in the area. The Association and Redmap Australia are following species indicate that there particularly interested in any further could be exciting things happening in sightings of the species in Port Phillip Victorian waters. However, it should be Bay. noted that these are only unconfirmed reports at this stage as species need to We look forward to maintaining a be recorded on film for confirmation. watch for ‘fish on the move’ in Victoria The importance of capturing images or and will contribute any recordings to footage of any unusual or unfamiliar Redmap – just don’t forget to take a fish observed when in the water cannot photo of your lucky find! be overstated. The photos can be viewed by staff at the Victorian National Parks Association and referred to marine scientists at both Museums Victoria and Redmap Australia for identification, ensuring the sightings are added to official records.

28 | 2018 GREAT VICTORIAN FISH COUNT Facing the facts: sometimes, identifying species in the field is tricky. Photographing unusual species seen during surveys, such as this white-barred boxfish, will help confirm sightings and contribute to Redmap’s efforts in mapping changes to species distributions. Photo: Peter Beaumont

CHAPTER 4: Discussion 29 Bass, N, Mourier, J, Knott, N, Day, J, Brown, C & Guttridge, T, 2016, Long-term migration patterns and bisexual philopatry in a benthic shark species, Marine and Freshwater Research. 68:10.1071. doi:10.1071/MF16122.

Bray, D.J. 2019a, Heterodontus portusjacksoni in Fishes of Australia, accessed 05 Jul 2019, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/1982

Bray, D 2019b, Morwong fuscus in Fishes of Australia, accessed 04 Jul 2019, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/2416

Bray, D 2019c, Pseudogoniistius nigripes in Fishes of Australia, accessed 24 Jun 2019, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/2418

Bray, D 2018a, Achoerodus gouldii in Fishes of Australia, accessed 04 Jul 2019, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/206

Bray, D 2018b, Achoerodus viridis in Fishes of Australia, accessed 04 Jul 2019, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/207

Bray, D.J. 2018c, Bathytoshia brevicaudata in Fishes of Australia, accessed 05 Jul 2019, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/2020

Bray, D 2018d, Callorhinchus milii in Fishes of Australia, accessed 28 Jun 2019, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/1986

Bray, D 2018e, Introduction to Australia's Fishes, in Bray, D.J. & Gomon, M.F. (eds) Fishes of Australia. Museums Victoria and OzFishNet, accessed 04 Jul 2019, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/

Byrnes, E & Brown, C 2016, Individual personality differences in Port Jackson sharks Heterodontus portusjacksoni, Journal of Fish Biology, 89:10.1111. doi: 10.1111/jfb.12993

Gomon, M, Bray, D & Kuiter, R 2008, Fishes of Australia’s southern coast, Frenchs Forest, N.S.W. :New Holland Publishers, 2008.

White, W & Bray, D 2019, Cephaloscyllium laticeps in Fishes of Australia, accessed 28 Jun 2019, http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/3748

Parks Victoria, 2014, Marine protected areas, http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/find-a- park/marine-protected-areas.

Powter, D & Gladstone, W 2009, ‘Habitat-Mediated Use of Space by Juvenile and Mating Adult Port Jackson Sharks, Heterodontus portusjacksoni, in Eastern Australia,’ Pacific Science, 63:1-

30 | 2018 GREAT VICTORIAN FISH COUNT Facing forwards, but ready to jet backwards at a moment’s notice. Photo: Kade Mills

Appendices 31 Western Victoria Port Phillip Bay and surrounds Eastern Victoria LeePea Sout StingPortPort Torq PoinPoinBarw GoldNepePopePopeSt LeSt LeSt LePorta PoinJawb Poin BrighRickBeau Park Morn MornHurrRye Rye Rye Rye Rye Rye Blair Blair Blair Blair Ports Ports PortsTom MusFlind Flind Flind Flind Som KittyTheThe Wrec ShacMeeGippBew Bewa Blue Throat Wrasse 1 - 205 20+ 1+ - 205 20+ Nil+ 20 20+ 20+ Nil+ Nil20 20+ 1+ - 65 - 62 - 12 - Nil5 NilNil20 6+ - 12 - Nil5 6 - 12 - 15 - 205 Nil+ 1 - 205 20+ 20+ Nil+ 6 - 202 Nil+ 6 - 202 20+ 1+ - 65 - 202 20+ Nil+ 6 - 202 6+ - 12 - 15 - 65 - 202 Nil+ 20 6+ - 62 - 20 Magpie Pearch 1 - 15 - Nil5 Nil1 - 65 - 12 - 65 - 12 - 205 1+ - 15 - 65 - Nil2 1 - 15 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 1 - 15 - 65 - Nil2 6 - 12 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 1 - 65 - 12 - 15 - 15 - 65 - 202 1+ - Nil5 6 - 62 - 12 - Nil5 6 - 62 - 12 - 15 - 65 - Nil2 1 - 15 - 65 - 62 - Nil2 1 - 15 - 15 - 5 Six-spined Leatherjacket NilNilNil6 - Nil2 NilNilNilNil6 - Nil2 1 - 65 - 62 - Nil2 Nil1 - Nil5 Nil1 - Nil5 1 - 65 - 12 - 15 - 15 - 15 - 15 - 15 - Nil5 1 - 65 - Nil2 1 - Nil5 1 - 205 1+ - 15 - 15 - Nil5 Nil1 - 15 - Nil5 6 - 12 - 15 - 15 - 15 - Nil5 1 - 15 - Nil5 NilNil1 - 5 Zebra Fish Nil1 - Nil5 6 - 62 - 12 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 6 - Nil2 Nil20 Nil+ Nil1 - Nil5 6 - 62 - 202 1+ - Nil5 20 20+ 1+ - 205 20+ Nil+ 1 - Nil5 NilNil1 - 15 - Nil5 1 - 65 - 62 - Nil2 NilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNil6 - 202 1+ - Nil5 1 - 205 1+ - Nil5 1 - 15 - 5 Victorian Scalyfin 1 - Nil5 Nil6 - 62 - 12 - Nil5 NilNil6 - Nil2 1 - 205 20+ Nil+ 1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNil1 - 65 - 12 - Nil5 1 - 15 - 15 - Nil5 1 - 15 - Nil5 Nil6 - Nil2 1 - 15 - 15 - Nil5 1 - 65 - 12 - 15 - 15 - 15 - Nil5 NilNilNil1 - Nil5 6 - 62 - Nil2 NilNilNil Dusky Morwong 1 - Nil5 Nil6 - Nil2 NilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 1 - 15 - 65 - 12 - Nil5 Nil1 - 15 - 205 1+ - Nil5 20 6+ - Nil2 1 - 15 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 NilNilNil6 - 12 - 15 - Nil5 6 - Nil2 Nil1 - 65 - 62 - 62 - 12 - 15 - 65 - Nil2 NilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNil Senator Wrasse 1 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 1 - 15 - Nil5 NilNil1 - Nil5 Nil1 - 65 - Nil2 1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - 15 - Nil5 1 - 15 - 15 - 15 - Nil5 Nil1 - 15 - Nil5 1 - 65 - Nil2 Nil1 - 15 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 1 - 15 - 15 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 1 - 15 - 15 - 5 Old Wife NilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNil1 - 15 - Nil5 Nil1 - 65 - 12 - 15 - 15 - Nil5 Nil1 - Nil5 1 - 205 Nil+ Nil1 - 205 1+ - 15 - Nil5 Nil6 - 12 - 15 - 15 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 Nil6 - 12 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 Nil1 - 15 - 5 Saddled Wrasse 1 - 65 - 62 - 12 - 15 - 65 - Nil2 Nil6 - 12 - Nil5 Nil20 Nil+ 1 - 15 - Nil5 Nil1 - Nil5 NilNil20 Nil+ NilNil1 - Nil5 6 - Nil2 Nil6 - Nil2 NilNilNil20 6+ - 12 - Nil5 NilNil6 - Nil2 Nil6 - Nil2 Nil6 - Nil2 Nil6 - 202 Nil+ 1 - 205 6+ - 20 Horseshoe Leatherjacket NilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 1 - 15 - Nil5 6 - Nil2 1 - 205 20+ Nil+ NilNilNil1 - 15 - 15 - Nil5 6 - Nil2 NilNil1 - 15 - 15 - Nil5 NilNilNil6 - Nil2 6 - 62 - 12 - Nil5 NilNil1 - Nil5 Nil1 - 15 - Nil5 6 - Nil2 Nil1 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 NilNilNil Silver Sweep NilNilNilNil6 - 202 Nil+ NilNil20 Nil+ Nil20 6+ - Nil2 NilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNil20 1+ - Nil5 Nil6 - Nil2 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - 15 - Nil5 NilNil1 - 15 - Nil5 6 - Nil2 1 - 65 - Nil2 NilNilNilNil6 - 202 20+ 20+ + Sea Sweep Nil1 - 15 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 Nil6 - 62 - Nil2 NilNilNilNilNilNilNil6 - Nil2 Nil20 Nil+ Nil1 - 15 - 15 - Nil5 Nil20 Nil+ 1 - 205 Nil+ Nil1 - Nil5 NilNil1 - Nil5 NilNil6 - Nil2 NilNilNil20 Nil+ Nil1 - 15 - 5 Banded Morwong 1 - Nil5 Nil6 - Nil2 1 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNil20 Nil+ Nil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNil20 1+ - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 Nil1 - Nil5 Nil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 1 - 65 - 62 - 20 Herring Cale 1 - Nil5 1 - 15 - Nil5 NilNilNilNil20 Nil+ Nil6 - 202 Nil+ NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - 65 - Nil2 1 - Nil5 NilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNil6 - Nil2 Nil1 - 15 - 5 Bastard Trumpeter 1 - Nil5 Nil1 - 65 - 12 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNil1 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil6 - 12 - 5 Ornate Cowfish NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil20 1+ - Nil5 Nil1 - 15 - 15 - 15 - 15 - 15 - Nil5 NilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNil Shaw's Cowfish NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - 15 - Nil5 Nil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - 15 - 15 - 65 - Nil2 1 - Nil5 Nil1 - Nil5 NilNilNil Long-snouted Boarfish NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 Nil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNil1 - 15 - 5 Weedy Sea Dragon NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - 65 - 62 - Nil2 Nil6 - 62 - 12 - 65 - Nil2 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil Eastern Blue Groper NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil6 - 12 - 15 - 5 Maori Wrasse NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil6 - Nil2 NilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 Nil20 20+ + Southern Blue Devil NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - 65 - Nil2 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil Western Blue Groper 1 - Nil5 Nil6 - Nil2 NilNilNilNil6 - Nil2 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil Red Morwong NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 Nil1 - 15 - 5

Abundance Nil 1-5 6-20 20+

Western Victoria Port Phillip Bay and surrounds Eastern Victoria LeePea Sout StingPortPort Torq PoinPoinBarw GoldNepePopePopeSt LeSt LeSt LePorta PoinJawb Poin BrighRickBeau Park Morn MornHurrRye Rye Rye Rye Rye Rye Blair Blair Blair Blair Ports Ports PortsTom MusFlind Flind Flind Flind Som KittyTheThe Wrec ShacMeeGippBewBewa Smooth Stingray Nil1 - Nil5 1 - 15 - 15 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNil1 - 15 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 6 - Nil2 1 - 65 - 62 - 12 - 15 - 15 - 15 - Nil5 1 - 15 - 15 - 15 - 15 - 15 - 15 - 15 - 65 - 12 - 15 - 15 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNil Southern Fiddler Ray NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - 15 - 15 - 15 - 15 - 65 - Nil2 1 - Nil5 NilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNil1 - 15 - 15 - 15 - 15 - 15 - 15 - 15 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil Spotted Stingaree NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - 15 - Nil5 1 - 15 - 15 - 15 - Nil5 Nil6 - Nil2 NilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 1 - Nil5 NilNil1 - Nil5 Nil1 - 15 - Nil5 NilNilNil Black Stingray NilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - 15 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - 15 - Nil5 NilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNil Southern Eagle Ray NilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNil6 - 12 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 Nil1 - 15 - Nil5 NilNilNil Port Jackson Shark NilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNil6 - Nil2 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 Draughtboard/Swell Shark NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNil Spotted Wobbegong NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil1 - Nil5 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil Varied Carpetshark NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil6 - Nil2 NilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNilNil Abundance Nil 1-5 6-20 20+

Southbeach Bay, Stingray Bay, Lee Breakwater, Pea Soup, Port Port Campbell Point Addis Point Addis Port Fairy Warrnambool Target species Portland (Daktari Fairy (Daktari Port Campbell (-) (Daktari Torquay (-) (Friends of Point (Friends of Point (Daktari (Daktari Surf/Dive) Surf/Dive) Surf/Dive) Addis) Addis) Surf/Dive) Surf/Dive) Blue Throat 1 - 5 20 + 20 + 1 - 5 20 + 20 + Nil 20 + 20 + Wrasse Magpie Pearch 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Nil 1 - 5 6 - 20 1 - 5 6 - 20 1 - 5 Six-spined Nil Nil Nil 6 - 20 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Leatherjacket Zebra Fish Nil 1 - 5 Nil 6 - 20 6 - 20 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 Nil Victorian 1 - 5 Nil Nil 6 - 20 6 - 20 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Scalyfin Dusky Morwong 1 - 5 Nil Nil 6 - 20 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Senator Wrasse 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Old Wife Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Saddled Wrasse 1 - 5 6 - 20 6 - 20 1 - 5 1 - 5 6 - 20 Nil Nil 6 - 20 Horseshoe Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Leatherjacket Silver Sweep Nil Nil Nil Nil 6 - 20 20 + Nil Nil Nil Sea Sweep Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Banded 1 - 5 Nil Nil 6 - 20 Nil 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 Nil Morwong Herring Cale 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Bastard 1 - 5 Nil Nil 1 - 5 6 - 20 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Trumpeter Ornate Cowfish Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Shaw's Cowfish Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Long-snouted Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Boarfish Weedy Sea Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Dragon Eastern Blue Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Groper Maori Wrasse Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Southern Blue Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Devil Western Blue 1 - 5 Nil Nil 6 - 20 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Groper Red Morwong Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

Smooth Stingray Nil 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 Nil Southern Fiddler Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Ray Spotted Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Stingaree Black Stingray Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Southern Eagle Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Ray Port Jackson Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Shark Draughtboard/S Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil well Shark Spotted Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Wobbegong Varied Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Carpetshark

Barwon Bluff Marine St Leonards St Leonards St Leonards Portarlington Pope's Eye (Sea Pope's Eye (Sea Sanctuary (Parks Golden Arch Nepean Wall (Australian (Australian (Australian (Australian Target species All Dolphin All Dolphin Victoria & (VSAG) (VSAG) Diving Diving Diving Diving Swims) Swims) Friends of the Instruction) Instruction) Instruction) Instruction) Bluff) Blue Throat Wrasse 20 + Nil Nil 20 + 20 + 1 - 5 6 - 20 6 - 20 1 - 5 Magpie Pearch 20 + 1 - 5 1 - 5 6 - 20 Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 Six-spined Leatherjacket 6 - 20 Nil 1 - 5 6 - 20 6 - 20 Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Zebra Fish 6 - 20 Nil Nil 20 + Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil 6 - 20 Victorian Scalyfin 6 - 20 Nil 1 - 5 20 + 20 + Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Dusky Morwong 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 6 - 20 1 - 5 Nil Nil 1 - 5 Senator Wrasse 1 - 5 Nil Nil 1 - 5 6 - 20 Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Old Wife 1 - 5 Nil Nil 1 - 5 6 - 20 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Saddled Wrasse 1 - 5 Nil Nil 20 + Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Nil Horseshoe Leatherjacket 6 - 20 Nil 1 - 5 20 + 20 + Nil Nil Nil Nil Silver Sweep 20 + Nil Nil 20 + 6 - 20 Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Sea Sweep 1 - 5 Nil Nil 6 - 20 6 - 20 Nil Nil Nil Nil Banded Morwong Nil Nil Nil Nil 20 + Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil

Herring Cale 20 + Nil Nil 6 - 20 20 + Nil Nil Nil Nil Bastard Trumpeter Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Ornate Cowfish Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Shaw's Cowfish Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Long-snouted Boarfish 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Weedy Sea Dragon Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Eastern Blue Groper Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Maori Wrasse Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Southern Blue Devil Nil 1 - 5 6 - 20 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Western Blue Groper 6 - 20 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Red Morwong Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Smooth Stingray Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 Southern Fiddler Ray Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Spotted Stingaree Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Black Stingray Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Southern Eagle Ray 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Port Jackson Shark Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Draughtboard/S well Shark Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Spotted Wobbegong Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Varied Carpetshark 6 - 20 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

Jawbone Marine Point Cooke Ricketts Point Sanctuary Mornington Pier Marine Point Ormond Marine Beaumaris Parkdale Reef Mornington Pier (Jawbone Brighton (Scuba (Mornington Target species Sanctuary (Port Phillip Eco Sanctuary (Scuba Scouts (Parkdale Reef (Victorian Sub Marine Scouts Victoria) Peninsula Scuba (Marine Care Centre) (Marine Care Victoria) Divers) Aqua Group) Sanctuary Care Dive Club) Point Cooke) Ricketts Point) Group) Blue Throat Wrasse Nil Nil Nil 20 + 6 - 20 1 - 5 Nil 6 - 20 1 - 5 Magpie Pearch Nil 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 6 - 20 Nil 6 - 20 1 - 5 Six-spined Leatherjacket Nil 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 6 - 20 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Zebra Fish 6 - 20 20 + 1 - 5 Nil 20 + 20 + 1 - 5 20 + 20 + Victorian Scalyfin Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 6 - 20 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Dusky Morwong 1 - 5 20 + 1 - 5 Nil 20 + 6 - 20 Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Senator Wrasse Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Old Wife Nil 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 20 + Nil Nil 1 - 5 20 + Saddled Wrasse 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil 20 + Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Horseshoe Leatherjacket 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil 6 - 20 Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Silver Sweep Nil Nil Nil Nil 20 + 1 - 5 Nil Nil 6 - 20 Sea Sweep Nil Nil Nil Nil 6 - 20 Nil Nil 20 + Nil Banded Morwong Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Herring Cale Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Bastard Trumpeter Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Ornate Cowfish Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Shaw's Cowfish Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Long-snouted Boarfish Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Weedy Sea Dragon Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Eastern Blue Groper Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Maori Wrasse Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Southern Blue Devil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Western Blue Groper Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

Red Morwong Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Smooth Stingray Nil 6 - 20 Nil 1 - 5 6 - 20 6 - 20 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Southern Fiddler Ray 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 6 - 20 Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Spotted Stingaree Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Nil 6 - 20 Nil Black Stingray Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Southern Eagle Ray 6 - 20 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Port Jackson Shark 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil 6 - 20 Nil Nil Nil Nil Draughtboard/S well Shark Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Spotted Wobbegong Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Varied Carpetshark Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

Hurricane Wreck Rye Pier Rye Pier Rye Pier Rye Pier Rye Pier Blairgowrie Blairgowrie Target species (Victorian Sub (Academy of (SCUBA (SCUBA Rye Pier (Dive (Dive2U and (SCUBA (Salesian (Aquatic Blairgowrie Aqua Group) Scuba) Culture) Culture) and Dive) Wild Families) Culture) College) Adventures) (Ocean Divers) Blue Throat Wrasse 1 - 5 20 + Nil 1 - 5 20 + 20 + 20 + Nil 6 - 20 20 + Magpie Pearch Nil 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 6 - 20 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 6 - 20 20 + Six-spined Leatherjacket 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 6 - 20 Nil 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 20 + Zebra Fish Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 6 - 20 Victorian Scalyfin 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Nil 6 - 20 Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Dusky Morwong Nil 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil 6 - 20 1 - 5 Senator Wrasse 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Nil 1 - 5 Old Wife 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Nil 6 - 20 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 Saddled Wrasse Nil 6 - 20 Nil Nil 6 - 20 Nil Nil Nil Nil 20 + Horseshoe Leatherjacket 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil 6 - 20 Nil 6 - 20 6 - 20 Silver Sweep Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Sea Sweep Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Nil 20 + Nil 1 - 5 20 +

Banded Morwong Nil 20 + 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Herring Cale Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Bastard Trumpeter Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Ornate Cowfish Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Shaw's Cowfish 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Long-snouted Boarfish Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Weedy Sea Dragon Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Eastern Blue Groper Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Maori Wrasse Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Southern Blue Devil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Western Blue Groper Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Red Morwong Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Smooth Stingray 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Southern Fiddler Ray Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Spotted Stingaree Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Black Stingray Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Southern Eagle Ray Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Port Jackson Shark Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Draughtboard/ Swell Shark Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Spotted Wobbegong Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Varied Carpetshark Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

Mushroom Reef Marine Flinders Pier Flinders Pier Flinders Pier Blairgowrie Portsea Pier Tom's Reef Sanctuary (Mornington (Mornington Flinders Pier (Melbourne Portsea Pier Portsea Target species (Victorian Sub (Aquatic (Victorian Sub (Friends of Peninsula Peninsula (Victorian Sub University (Bayplay) (Bayplay) Aqua Group) Adventures) Aqua Group) Mushroom Scuba Dive Scuba Dive Aqua Group) Underwater Reef Marine Club) Club) Club) Sanctuary) Blue Throat Wrasse Nil 6 - 20 20 + 20 + 1 - 5 6 - 20 20 + 20 + Nil 6 - 20 Magpie Pearch 1 - 5 Nil 6 - 20 6 - 20 1 - 5 Nil 6 - 20 6 - 20 1 - 5 1 - 5 Six-spined Leatherjacket 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil 6 - 20 1 - 5 Zebra Fish 6 - 20 Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Victorian Scalyfin 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 6 - 20 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Nil Dusky Morwong 1 - 5 Nil 6 - 20 Nil Nil 1 - 5 6 - 20 6 - 20 6 - 20 1 - 5 Senator Wrasse 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 6 - 20 Nil Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 Old Wife Nil Nil 6 - 20 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Saddled Wrasse 6 - 20 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil 6 - 20 Nil Nil 6 - 20 Nil Horseshoe Leatherjacket 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Silver Sweep 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil 6 - 20 Nil 1 - 5 Sea Sweep Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Banded Morwong Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Herring Cale Nil Nil 1 - 5 6 - 20 Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Bastard Trumpeter Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Ornate Cowfish Nil 20 + 1 - 5 Nil Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Shaw's Cowfish Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Long-snouted Boarfish Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Weedy Sea Dragon Nil 1 - 5 6 - 20 6 - 20 Nil Nil 6 - 20 6 - 20 1 - 5 6 - 20 Eastern Blue Groper Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Maori Wrasse Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 6 - 20

Southern Blue Devil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Western Blue Groper Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Red Morwong Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Smooth Stingray 6 - 20 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Southern Fiddler Ray 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Spotted Stingaree Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Black Stingray 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Southern Eagle Ray Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Port Jackson Shark Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Draughtboard/ Swell Shark Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Spotted Wobbegong Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Varied Carpetshark Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

Shack Bay Beware Reef Beware Reef Somers Wreck Beach Meetung Gippsland Kitty Miller Bay The Pinnacles The Pinnacles (South Marine Marine (Somers (Friends of Moorings Lakes (Friends Target species (Phillip Island (Victorian Sub (Victorian Sub Gippsland Sanctuary Sanctuary Snorkelling Harmers (Friends of of Beware Nature Park) Aqua Group) Aqua Group) Conservation (Friends of (Friends of Group) Haven) Beware Reef) Reef) Society) Beware Reef) Beware Reef) Blue Throat Wrasse 20 + 6 - 20 1 - 5 1 - 5 6 - 20 20 + Nil 20 + 6 - 20 6 - 20 Magpie Pearch 6 - 20 Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 6 - 20 6 - 20 Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Six-spined Leatherjacket 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Zebra Fish 6 - 20 20 + 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 20 + 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Victorian Scalyfin Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil 6 - 20 6 - 20 Nil Nil Nil Nil Dusky Morwong 1 - 5 6 - 20 Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Senator Wrasse Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 1 - 5 Old Wife Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Saddled Wrasse Nil 6 - 20 Nil Nil 6 - 20 20 + Nil 1 - 5 20 + 6 - 20

Horseshoe Leatherjacket 6 - 20 Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Silver Sweep 6 - 20 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 6 - 20 20 + 20 + 20 + Sea Sweep 6 - 20 Nil Nil Nil Nil 20 + Nil Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Banded Morwong Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil 1 - 5 6 - 20 6 - 20 Herring Cale Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 6 - 20 Nil Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Bastard Trumpeter Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 6 - 20 1 - 5 Ornate Cowfish 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Shaw's Cowfish 6 - 20 Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Long-snouted Boarfish Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Weedy Sea Dragon Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Eastern Blue Groper Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 6 - 20 1 - 5 1 - 5 Maori Wrasse Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil 20 + 20 + Southern Blue Devil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Western Blue Groper Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Red Morwong Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Smooth Stingray Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Southern Fiddler Ray Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Spotted Stingaree Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Black Stingray Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Southern Eagle Ray Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil 1 - 5 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Port Jackson Shark 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Draughtboard/ Swell Shark Nil Nil Nil 1 - 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Spotted Wobbegong Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Varied Carpetshark Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

Survey Site Additional Species Recorded

Western Victoria

Australian Herring, Black Bream, Dusky Flathead, Eastern Kelpfish, Globefish, Moonlighter, Rock Flathead, Smooth Toadfish, Snook, Point Addis Sparsely Spotted Stingaree, Western Kelpfish

Port Campbell Common Weedfish, Cuttlefish, Eastern Kelpfish, Marblefish, Rosy Perch, Southern Rock Lobster

Portland Bluespotted Goatfish

Stingray Bay Marblefish, Melbourne Skate

Torquay Barber Perch, Common Bullseye, Yellowtail Scad

Port Phillip Bay

Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary Eastern Australian Salmon, Luderick, Marblefish, Moonlighter, Smooth Toadfish, Yelloweye Mullet

Beaumaris Rock Flathead

Blairgowrie Bluespotted Goatfish, Common Bullseye, Common Stinkfish, Globefish, Grass Whiting, Longfin Pike, Moonlighter, Potbelly Seahorse

Brighton Snapper

Bluespotted Goatfish, Cuttlefish, Grass Whiting, Longfin Pike, Lowfin Silverbelly, Moonlighter, Red Velvetfish, Smooth Toadfish, Southern Flinders Pier Moray, Tasmanian Blenny

Hurricane Wreck Blackbanded Seaperch, Bluespotted Goatfish, Longfin Pike, Moonlighter, Snakeskin Wrasse, Yellowtail Scad

Mornington Pier Globefish, Longfin Pike, Moonlighter, Tasmanian Blenny

Mushroom Reef Marine Sanctuary Bluespotted Goatfish, Globefish, Sand Whiting, Lowfin Silverbelly, Southern Garfish, Yelloweye Mullet

Parkdale Reef Smooth Toadfish, Snapper, Western Australian Salmon

Point Cooke Marine Sanctuary Dusky Flathead, Eastern Shovelnose Stingaree, Globefish, Port Phillip Pipefish, Victorian Scalyfin, Spotter Flounder

Point Ormond Globefish, Moonlighter, Prickly Toadfish

Portsea Pier Bluespotted Goatfish, Globefish

Portarlington Pier Globefish, Moonlighter, Shorthead Seahorse

Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary Moonlighter

Rye Pier Bluespotted Goatfish, Eastern Australian Salmon, Globefish, Toothbrush Leatherjacket, Western Australian Salmon, Yelloweye Mullet

St Leonards Globefish, Potbelly Seahorse, Shorthead Seahorse

Tom's Reef Blackbanded Seaperch, Common Bullseye, Largetooth Beardie, Marblefish, Snakeskin Wrasse, Yellowstriped Leatherjacket

Eastern Victoria

Phillip Island (Kitty Miller Bay) Globefish, Smooth Toadfish

Phillip Island (the Pinnacles) Butterfly Perch, Largetooth Beardie, Rainbow Cale, Whitebarred Boxfish

Somers Bluespotted Goatfish, Butterfly Perch, Moonlighter, Smooth Toadfish, Rock Ling

Face off with a Tasmanian Blenny. Photo: Peter Beaumont

Max. Water Swell Date and No. of Visibility Tide Tidal SCUBA/ Survey Site Group Depth Temp. height Current Habitat Type Time participants (m) level stream snorkel (m) (° C) (m) Western Victoria Pea Soup, Daktari 11/22/2018 3 4.5 15 17 Low Slack 0.5 m Nil SCUBA Low Rocky Reef (<2m), Port Fairy Surf/Dive 11:30AM- Rubble, Sand/Mud, Mixed 12:20PM Algae, Sponges, Sea Sqiurts & Others Point Addis Friends of 15/01/2019 1 4 4 0 Low Ebb 1 m - Snorkel Large Rocky Reef (>2m), Point Addis 11:20AM- Low Rocky Reef (<2m), 12:20PM Sand/Mud, Mixed Algae, Seagrass Point Addis Friends of 23/12/2018 2 3 5 0 Low Ebb 0.5 m - Snorkel Large Rocky Reef (>2m), Point Addis 5:20PM- Low Rocky Reef (<2m), 6:00PM Sand/Mud, Mixed Algae, Seagrass Port - 15/01/2019 2 7 5 15 Low Flood 0.5 m Nil SCUBA Large Rocky Reef (>2m), Campbell 9:45AM- and Artificial Reef, Kelp, 10:30AM Snorkel Mixed Algae, Seagrass Port Daktari 9/12/2018 5 5.7 10 17 Low Flood 1.5 m Weak SCUBA Large Rocky Reef (>2m), Campbell Surf/Dive 10:56AM- Artificial Reef, Kelp, 11:31AM Mixed Algae, Seagrass Portland Daktari 25/11/2018 5 7.9 3 15 Low Slack 0 m Nil SCUBA Large Rocky Reef (<2m), Surf/Dive 10:45AM- Artificial Reef, Seagrass, 11:22AM Sponges, Sea Squirts & Other Southbeach Daktari 18/11/2018 2 4 10 17 Low Flood 2 m Weak SCUBA Large Rocky Reef (>2m), Bay, Port Surf/Dive 4:02PM- Artificial Reef, Kelp, Fairy 4:26PM Mixed Algae Stingray Bay Daktari 8/12/2018 6 5 10 17 Low Flood 1.5 m Weak SCUBA Low Rocky Reef (<2m), Surf/Dive 10:54AM- Sand/Mud, Kelp, Mixed 11:44AM Algae, Sponges, Sea Sqiurts & Others Torquay - 20/11/2018- 2 28 15 16 High Flood 0.5 m Weak SCUBA Artificial reef, Sand/Mud, offshore - Kelp, Mixed Algae, reef Sponges, Seasquirts & Other

Port Phillip Bay

Barwon Parks 24/02/2019 24 2 5 20 Low Flood 1.5 m Weak Snorkel Large Rocky Reef (>2m), Bluff Marine Victoria & 9:30AM- Sand/Mud, Kelp, Mixed Sanctuary Friends of 12:30PM Algae, Seagrass, the Bluff Sponges, Sea Squirts & Other Beaumaris Scuba 15/12/2018 16 4 2 21 Mid Ebb 0 m Nil SCUBA Low Rocky Reef (<2m), Scouts 10:31AM- Sand/Mud, Mixed Algae, Victoria 11:30AM Sponges, Sea Sqiurts & Others Blairgowrie Salesian 23/11/2018 25 6 8 16 High Flood 0 m - Snorkel Artificial Reef, Sand/Mud, College 11:30AM- Mixed Algae, Sponges, 12:30PM Sea Squirts & Other Blairgowrie Victorian 23/11/2018 1 5 5 16 High Flood 0 m Weak SCUBA Artificial Reef, Sand/Mud, Sub Aqua 12:10PM- Mixed Algae, Sponges, Group 1:38PM Sea Squirts & Other Blairgowrie Aquatic 11/12/2018 2 6 10 23 Mid Ebb 0 m Nil SCUBA Artificial Reef, Sand/Mud, Adventures 8:30PM- Mixed Algae, Sponges, 9:45PM Sea Squirts & Other Blairgowrie Ocean Divers 15/12/2018 25 5 10 20 High Ebb 0 m Nil SCUBA Artificial Reef, Sand/Mud, 10:00AM- and Mixed Algae, Sponges, 11:15AM Snorkel Sea Squirts & Other Brighton Scuba 1/12/2018 3 7 4 19 High Slack 0 m Nil SCUBA Low Rocky Reef (<2m), Scouts 11:15PM- Artificial Reef, Kelp, Victoria 12:15PM Mixed Algae, Sponges, Sea Squirts & Other Flinders Pier Victorian 20/11/2018 1 5 8 16 High 0 m Nil SCUBA Artificial Reef, Rubble, Sub Aqua 8:00AM- Sand/Mud, Seagrass Group 9:42AM Flinders Pier Melbourne 1/12/2018 6 5 15 18 Low Slack 0.5 m Nil SCUBA Artificial Reef, Rubble, University 9:00AM- Sand/Mud, Seagrass Underwater 3:00PM Club Flinders Pier Mornington 2/12/2018 4 5 12 18 Mid Ebb 0 m Nil SCUBA Artificial Reef, Rubble, Peninsula 9:30PM- Sand/Mud, Seagrass Scuba Dive 10:30PM Club Flinders Pier Mornington 9/12/2018 4 5 16 18 Low Slack 0 m Nil SCUBA Artificial Reef, Rubble, Peninsula 9:30PM- Sand/Mud, Seagrass Scuba Dive 10:30PM Club Golden Arch, Victorian 16/12/2018 2 19 8 16 Mid Ebb 0.5 m Weak SCUBA Large Rocky Reef (>2m), Queenscliff Sub Aqua 10:38AM- Sand/Mud, Kelp Group 11:11AM

Hurricane Victorian 29/11/2018 2 12 3 17 High Flood 0.5 m Weak SCUBA Artificial Reef, Sand/Mud, Wreck Sub Aqua 8:01AM- Sponges, Sea Squirts & Group 9:00AM Other Jawbone Jawbone 2/12/2018 17 3 3 17 Low Flood 0 m Nil Snorkel Low Rocky Reef (>2m), Marine Marine 10:00AM- Sand/Mud, Mixed Algae, Sanctuary Sanctuary 11:00AM Seagrass Care Group Mornington Victorian 18/11/2018 4 10 2 18 Low Slack 0 m Nil SCUBA Artificial Reef, Sand/Mud, Pier Sub Aqua 9:16AM- Mixed Algae, Seagrass Group 9:56AM Mornington Mornington 5/12/2018 2 9 5 15 Low Ebb 0 m Weak SCUBA Artificial Reef, Sand/Mud, Pier Peninsula 6:25AM- Mixed Algae, Seagrass Scuba Dive 7:29AM Club Mushroom Friends of 1/12/2018 12 3 10 16 Low Ebb 0.5 m Weak Snorkel Large Rocky Reef (>2m), Reef Marine Mushroom 11:05AM- Low Rocky Reef (<2m), Sanctuary Reef Marine 12:20PM Kelp, Mixed Algae, Sanctuary Seagrass Nepean Wall Victorian 9/12/2018 2 28 15 16 Low Flood 1 m Weak SCUBA Large Rocky Reef (>2m), Sub Aqua 10:38AM- Kelp, Sponges, Sea Group 11:23AM Squirts & Other Parkdale Parkdale 8/12/2018 6 5 5 20 High Flood 0 m Nil Snorkel Low Rocky Reef (<2m), Reef Reef Divers 1:10PM- Rubble, Sand/Mud, Mixed 2:00PM Algae, Sponges, Sea Sqiurts & Others Point Cooke Marine Care 8/12/2018 12 4 4 19 Low Flood 0 m Nil Snorkel Low Rocky Reef (<2m), Marine Point Cooke 10:45AM- Sand/Mud, Mixed Algae, Sanctuary 12:00PM Sponges, Sea Sqiurts & Others Point Port Phillip 6/12/2018 6 4 5 18 Low Flood 0 m Nil Snorkel Low Rocky Reef (<2m), Ormond Eco Centre 6:30PM- Rubble, Sand/Mud, Kelp, 7:15PM Mixed Algae, Sponges, Sea Sqiurts & Others Pope's Eye Sea All 19/11/2018 23 10 15 16 High Ebb 0 m - Snorkel Large Rocky Reef (>2m), Dolphin 10:00AM- Low Rocky Reef (<2m), Swims 10:30AM Artificial Reef, Sand/Mud, Kelp, Mixed Algae, Sponges, Sea Squirts & Other Pope's Eye Sea All 29/11/2018 19 5 15 17 Low Slack 0 m Weak Snorkel Large Rocky Reef (>2m), Dolphin 10:00AM- Low Rocky Reef (<2m), Swims 10:30AM Artificial Reef, Sand/Mud, Kelp, Mixed Algae,

Sponges, Sea Squirts & Other Port Australian 25/11/2018 2 4.6 5 17 Low Flood 0 m Nil SCUBA Large Rocky Reef (>2m), Arlington Diving 1:35PM- Low Rocky Reef (<2m), Instruction 2:28PM Artificial Reef, Sand/Mud, Seagrass Portsea Pier Aquatic 9/12/2018 6 4.5 9 17 High Flood 0.5 m Weak SCUBA Low Rocky Reef, Artificial Adventures 12:00PM- Reef, Rubble, Sand/Mud, 12:45PM Kelp, Mixed Algae, Seagrass, Sponges, Sea Squirts & Others Portsea Pier Bayplay 15/12/2018 7 5 10 19 Mid Ebb 0 m Nil Snorkel Low Rocky Reef, Artificial 11:00AM- Reef, Rubble, Sand/Mud, 12:00PM Kelp, Mixed Algae, Seagrass, Sponges, Sea Squirts & Others Portsea Pier Bayplay 15/12/2018 13 5 12 18 Mid Ebb 0.5 m Weak Snorkel Low Rocky Reef, Artificial 12:30PM- Reef, Rubble, Sand/Mud, 1:30PM Kelp, Mixed Algae, Seagrass, Sponges, Sea Squirts & Others Rickett's Marine Care 1/12/2018 22 5 4 17 High Ebb - Weak Snorkel Large Rocky Reef (>2m), Point Marine Ricketts 9:15AM- Kelp, Mixed Algae, Sanctuary Point 10:15AM Sponges, Sea Squirts & Other, Mussels Rye Pier Dive and 17/11/2018 5 8 10 17 High Flood 0 m Nil SCUBA Low Rocky Reef, Artificial Dive 1:00PM- Reef, Rubble, Sand/Mud, 1:45PM Kelp, Mixed Algae, Seagrass, Sponges, Sea Squirts & Others Rye Pier Scuba 17/11/2018 9 7 10 16 High Flood 0.5 m Weak SCUBA Low Rocky Reef, Artificial Culture 9:00AM- Reef, Rubble, Sand/Mud, 1:00PM Kelp, Mixed Algae, Seagrass, Sponges, Sea Squirts & Others Rye Pier Dive2U and 25/11/2018 4 4 7 17 Low Flood 0 m - Snorkel Low Rocky Reef, Artificial VNPA Wild 11:00AM- Reef, Rubble, Sand/Mud, Families 12:00PM Kelp, Mixed Algae, Seagrass, Sponges, Sea Squirts & Others Rye Pier Scuba 1/12/2018 2 7 4 17 High Ebb 0.5 m Weak SCUBA Low Rocky Reef, Artificial Culture 9:00AM- Reef, Rubble, Sand/Mud, 12:30PM Kelp, Mixed Algae,

Seagrass, Sponges, Sea Squirts & Others Rye Pier Academy of 9/12/2018 7 7 10 19 High Slack 0 m Nil SCUBA Low Rocky Reef, Artificial Scuba 10:30AM- Reef, Rubble, Sand/Mud, 11:30AM Kelp, Mixed Algae, Seagrass, Sponges, Sea Squirts & Others Rye Pier Scuba 15/12/2018 9 4.8 8 19 High Ebb 0 m Weak SCUBA Low Rocky Reef, Artificial Culture 9:53AM- Reef, Rubble, Sand/Mud, 10:39AM Kelp, Mixed Algae, Seagrass, Sponges, Sea Squirts & Others St Leonards Australian 24/11/2018 3 5 5 17 High Ebb - Weak SCUBA Low Rocky Reef, Artificial Diving 4:00PM- and Reef, Sand/Mud, Instruction 4:50PM Snorkel Seagrass St Leonards Australian 24/11/2018 3 4 5 17 High Ebb - Weak SCUBA Low Rocky Reef, Artificial Diving 4:29PM- and Reef, Sand/Mud, Instruction 5:17PM Snorkel Seagrass St Leonards Australian 25/11/2018 2 3.9 8 18 Low Flood 0 m Nil SCUBA Low Rocky Reef, Artificial Diving 4:15PM- and Reef, Sand/Mud, Instruction 4:52PM Snorkel Seagrass Tom's Reef Victorian 16/12/2018 3 25 5 16 High Flood 0.5 m Weak SCUBA Large Rocky Reef (>2m), Sub Aqua 8:29AM- Sand/Mud, Kelp Group 9:06AM Eastern Victoria Beware Reef Friends of 5/12/2018 4 16 7 17 High - 1.5 m Weak SCUBA Large Rocky Reef (>2m), Marine Beware Reef 11:00AM- Kelp, Mixed Algae, Sanctuary 12:15PM Sponges, Sea Squirts & Other Beware Reef Friends of 5/12/2018 4 16 7 17 High _ 1.5 m Weak SCUBA Large Rocky Reef (>2m), Marine Beware Reef 1:00PM- Kelp, Mixed Algae, Sanctuary 1:35PM Sponges, Sea Squirts & Other Gippsland Friends of 11/11/2018 3 7 8 17 High Flood 0 m Weak SCUBA Artificial Reef, Sand/Mud, Lakes Beware Reef 10:30AM- Mixed Algae 11:15AM Kitty Miller Phillip Island 16/12/2018 8 2.5 2 18 High Ebb 1 m Weak Snorkel Low Rocky Reef (<2m), Bay Nature Park 3:40PM- Kelp, Mixed Algae, 4:30PM Seagrass Meetung Friends of 15/12/2018 2 3 4 21 Low Ebb 0 m Weak SCUBA Artificial Reef, Sand/Mud, Moorings Beware Reef 12:45PM- Seagrass 1:45PM

Shack Bay South 18/11/2018 19 5 6 15 Low Flood 0.5 m Weak Snorkel Large Rocky Reef (>2m), Gippsland 1:15PM- Low Rocky Reef (<2m), Conservation 2:15PM Sand/Mud, Mixed Algae, Society Sponges, Sea Squirts & Other Somers Somers 1/12/2018 1 5 5 0 Low Slack 0.5 m Nil Snorkel Low Rocky Reef (<2m), Snorkelling 1:00PM- Rubble, Mixed Algae, Group 1:40PM Seagrass, Sponges, Sea Squirts & Others The Victorian 26/11/2018 2 33 20 15 Mid Flood 1 m Weak SCUBA Large Rocky Reef (>2m, Pinnacles Sub Aqua 9:48AM- Kelp, Sponges, Sea Group 10:21AM Squirts & Others The Victorian 6/12/2018 3 39 15 16 Mid Flood 0.5 m Weak SCUBA Large Rocky Reef (>2m, Pinnacles Sub Aqua 8:58AM- Kelp, Sponges, Sea Group 9:33AM Squirts & Others Wreck Friends of 16/12/2018 4 4 3 16 Low Flood 1 m Nil Snorkel Large Rocky Reef (>2m), Beach Harmers 12:15PM- Low Rocky Reef (<2m), Haven 1:15PM Sand/Mud, Mixed Algae, Seagrass, Sponges, Sea Squirts & Other

Level 3, 60 Leicester St, Carlton VIC 3053 | PH: 03 9341 6500 | EMAIL: [email protected] | WEB: vnpa.org.au All donations over $2 are tax-deductible. ABN 34 217 717 593