Environmental Activities Aroundlnverloch
oActivity sheets for children oldentification charts oMaps olnformation for teachers and parents oSelf guided nature trails
Produced and published by South Gippsland Conservation Society I
hoduced and Published by South Gippsland Conservation Society Society Inc. Environment Centre P.O. Box 60 Inverloch. Victoria. 3996
@ South Gippsland Conservation Society Inc. ISBN 0 959205047
Full copyright is held for all S.G.C.S. Inc publications. The S.G.C.S. Inc. grants permission for any activiry sheet contained within this publication to be reproduced for use in schools or other groups undertaking environmental studies. It must be reproduced in its original form only and may not be altered or tampered with in reproduction. For all other sections of this book permission must be sought for reproduction of any part of text or aflwork.
First published: August 1992
Front cover: RocKpoorrNq BUNURoNo coAsr Contenls Environmental Activities Anound Inverloch An Information and Activitv Book for Schools and Families
Introduction 2 a About the Area J History Aborigines 4 European Settlernent and Recent History 5 Geology 6 S hellfish Protection Regulations 7 The Bunurong Marine Park 8 Care for our Environment 10 t Planning your Outing l1 Reading a Tide Chart t2 t How to use this Book IJia
Activity Information Rockpooling I4 Shell Fossicking 16 Beachcombing 18 Birdwatching in Andersons Inlet 20 Coastal Walking and Hiking 22 Coastal Dunes and Shifting Sands 24 Exploring Mudflats, Mangroves and Saltmarshes 26 Seasonal Visitors and Occasional Happenings 28 Keeping our Beaches Clean 31
Maps 32
Self Guided Nature Trails Ayr Creek Nature Trail 34 Toys Backwater Nature Trail 36 A Bush Adventure 38
Activity Sheets
Further Suggestions for Activities Notes on Activity Sheets Further Information and Contacts Biology for the Non-Biologist Introduction
This book has been prepared by members of the Beachcombing Guide for South Gippsland South Gippsland Conservation Society. It is Cosstal Areas. This chtu't illu.::;:e. and names hoped that it can be used and appreciated by over 30 interesting beachctrm'r:;:- ::,i,rre s children and adults learning together. It is washed up on our beaches. The C...:e icscribes appropriate for use by school groups and how these discoveries are oitc:-. . : :',::l (.i a families. It combines information with activities plant or animal and gives inrcrc.: - -: -:Jrjon and does not require special scientific or about each. environmental knowledge for its use. Rockpooling Around the Bunurong. , . l- '--. The Society, through its Environment Cenffe, page booklet is a field guide, illusrr":,. - -- '.. has been assisting residents and visitors to the giving information on the differenr p.:: .. - area, including holiday makers and school animals found living on our rocky' shtr::. groups, since 19111. During this time we have prepared a number of publications on the local Bunurong Coast&l Reserve. This 20 p ige area. booklet gives general information on 1oc.ri Aboriginal history, white settlement, geolorr. A Guide to Inverlocft. This is a map of the flora and fauna of the Bunurong coastal area. I: coastline from Mahers Landing (4 kilometres east includes species lists. of the town) to Cape Paterson, with brief notes about places to visit and activities appropriate for Andersons I nlet: Waders and Wate rbirds. certain areas. This 60 page book is a comprehensive work on the birds found in the Inlet. It includes Shells of the Inverloch Areu. This chart information on the natural history of the area. illustrates the common shells found in the local where and when to obsen'e birds, their uriglation area and gives some infonnation about the live paths and feeding habits. shellfish. The Society has been involved in organising field Eagles Nest, Bunurong Coasl . A coloured excursions. For many years members organised a DOSter. summer program of walks conducted during the six weeks of the Christmas holidays. The Environment Centre has also responded to requests from schools to help run field activities, prepare worksheets and give talks. The Envilonment Centre has several educational displays, concentrating on local natural history. With an increasing pressure on our limited voluntary services, the Society has now produced this book which we hope will rnake some of our local knowledge available to many people.
This book combines information for both adults and children. The information for adults is in the general text and is not aiways appropriate for children. It does not include sections on flora and fauna of the area as these are already well :) :, documented in other Society publications. Ju Children learn more easily through experience, z which can be simply observing or performing some activity in the natural environment. The o(tivitv sheets in the book are designed for
F rniddle to Llpper primary school levei, but can be ( adapted for any age. Adults ale encouraged to (s read the book and explain relevant facts to the children in conjunction with doing the activity. AbouttheAreq
This book refers to the coastal area around Inverloch, including parts of Andersonsl Inlet t30 L ct i'''t and the Bunurong Coast. The area which we consider local and accessible can be seen in the maps on pages 32 and 33.
Andersons Inlet To the east of the township lie the usually calm waters of Andersons Inlet. Inverloch lies at the enffance of the Inlet. Across the water can be seen the vegetated sandspit of Point Smythe. The Inlet is the estuary of the Tarwin River. The dunes of Venus Bay form a barrier preventing the river opening more directly to the sea. The Inlet is relatively shallow, and at low tide extensive mudflats are exposed. These mudflats are intersected by a deep channel which caters for the tidal waters and water entering from the Tarwin River and smaller creeks. The channel meanders to the mouth creating shifts in the sand bars and troughs. This constant movement has been responsible for the changes to Inverloch's coastline since its settlement. There is a lot of evidence of human attempts to alter its course. As the shifting sand threatened human structures, stone and redgum walls were erected, levee banks were built and piles of bluestone spalls were dumped.
Andersons Inlet is an important area for wadels and waterbirds, some of which are migratory species which travel to the northern hemisphere. A threat to the feeding grounds of these birds is Rice Grass (Spartina), an introduced plant which is colonizing the mudflats.
Bunurong Coast The Bunurong cliffs stretching from Wreck Creek, 4 kilometres west of Inverloch, to Cape Paterson, consist of sandstone cliffs up to 40 meffes high, broken by thickly vegetated gullies. At the base of these cliffs are rocky shores with caves and rock pinnacles, interrupted occasionally by sandy coves. The rock stack, known as Eagles Nest, provides the dominant landmark. The area is largely in its natural state with little development evident from the scenic coastal road. There are carparks and beach access at several points along the road. The area extending 1 kilometre out to sea from the high water mark along this stretch of coast, is now paft of the Bunurong Marine Park.
I : " Andersorts Inlet" i s t he rrunte nnst u,idelJ used by local resident s, nups uttd publi catiorts. I-lov,ever , Ihe government place names register records its correr:t name of Anderson Inlet. Aborigines
The Aborigines who lived in the country between sources, availabilitr tri :': i::. : .'.:e J to barter the Bass and Tarwin Rivers were the Yowenjerre, for tools and stone s ritJ ::: the most easterly clan of the Bunurong people. ceremonies. Aborigrne S SJ:.-:: They used local stone to fashion tools and well known routes betrree : '-. occupied a large area of land from the Strzelecki These routes could be mlrr:. Ranges to the coast. They created tracks linking fire if necessary. swamps and other places where food was plentiful. Fire was also used to create p;.:..:: i . - where game such as kangaroos ::: . .: To the east of the Tarwin River the traditional be easily hunted. Kangaroos r: i\i. -. inhabitants were the Jatowarawara, a clan of the also provided the animal skins u h.,: ., Kurnai people, who occupied the Gippsland area. to make clothes and blankets. The Yowenjerre and the Jatowarawara often mingled, maintaining a friendly relationship and Some of our local coastal plants would it"'. : :,:: - intermanying. The Yowenierre had access to used as a diet supplement. Pollen frorn rhe stone from local quarries and stone from other banksia flowers, the berries of the Coast Be e;; Bunurong people which was needed by the Heath and the bulbs of several native annuals. Jatowarawara, to fashion tools including axes. It Bull-kelp from the sea and Spiny-headed N,latrusir is known that the people of the Tarwin River area from the bush were used for making bags. used stones from the Mornington Peninsula. It is also believed that one of the basalt quarries was According to most accounts the number of about 1 kilometre out of Inverloch. Bunurong people was in rapid decline by 1840. The decline was most possibly due to conflict After 150 years of European settlement the with European whalers and sealers in the early remains of coastal middens and occasional tools 1800s and the introduction ofdiseases such as and artifacts found in swampy aleas are all the measles and syphilis. evidence we have of the Aboriginal occupation that may have spanned 40,000 years. The The low-impact lifestyle of the Aborigines meanr middens can be identified by the presence of that the land could suppott only a small blackened sand with burnt and blackened shells. population, but the resources of the land were These are usually exposed in layers in an eroding ingeniously used to sustain a healthy lifestyle and dune and are uncovered and covered periodically ensured a renewable and plentiful supply of food according to the changing nature of the dune and other necessities" system. The State Government's Coastal Policy Studies of the middens will show what sort of (Victorian Government 1988) highlights the food was eaten. In this area it was predominantly importance of the preservation of Aboriginal shellfish; such as limpets and warreners gathered relics along the coastline, noting their from the rocky shores. The relatively shallow significance in developing an understanding of depth of the middens, and the separation of the the Aboriginal culture. fire scars by clean sand, would indicate their stays on the coast were short and intermittent. Aboriginal middens are protected and must not be disturbed. If you locate what you believe to be Within Andersons Inlet, ducks, swans and their a previously unknown site, it would be eggs, and fish were palt of the diet. The area appreciated if you report this. Information can be surrounding the Inlet before European settlement sought from the Department of Conservation and would have been extensive swamps, providing a Environment2. rich source of food also.
The Yowenjen'e possibly were numbered only in the hundreds and lai-gely living in small family -eroups. They were nomadic people and their movement most probably depended on food
2: Depctrtntettt ttf Conservetion and Eny'ironmenl , hereafter reJerred to as DCE Europeon Settlement in 1835 the land along the coast between the Bass At this time, smaller properties were taken up on River and the Tarwin River was claimed by the Bunurong cliffs. In the early 1900s E.G. Samuel Anderson. Fitzgibbon (a town clerk of Melbourne at the time) built a fine house on the cliffs. The house In 1840 he undertook an expedition in the hope remains today. When the Powlett coalfield was of finding land suitable for cattle, and on that opened up, coal was brought to Inverloch and erpedition noted a large inlet that was almost shipped to Melbourne. blocked by a sand bar. Later that year Governor Latrobe sent Assistant Surveyor Townsend and a Once Wonthaggi was settled, and a rail link for survey party to map the Inlet. Townsend, in his coal transport established, Inverloch returned to a journal, described Andersons Inlet as a "blue quiet coastal resort and fishing village. A track la_eoon" indicating it may have been cut off from was cut from Cape Paterson to Inverloch making the sea. They made their base camp at the spot the Bunurong coast accessible. Holiday huts w'here Inverloch now is. Inverloch was then sprang up in sheltered bays. The first of them was named Andersons Inlet, for Samuel Anderson, built at The Oaks in 1934. The last few of these and Townsends Bluff, for the Surveyor iliegal dwellings were demolished at Shack Bay Townsend. Between 1841 and 1846 the Surveyor in I9ll. Smythe named Point Smythe, Eagles Nest and Petrel Rock. In 1914 the Inverloch Foreshore Committee of Management was formed and for over sixty years When land selection took place in the 1870s, the managed the coastal alea. During this time two coast played a major role. Boats using jetties at enclosed bathing places, changing sheds and \{ahers Landing and Inverloch blought supplies wells wele provided in the town alea, and later and left with the fanneLs' ploduce of potatoes, camp sites and toilets. In the 1960s, the butter. hides. wattle balk and wool. Committee granted occupancies on the foreshore to a number of organisations including the In 1883, Andersons Inlet Post Office opened, but Bowling Club, Angling Club and Yacht Club. In six years later, the name was changed to 1911, the former Department of Crown Lands Inverloeh, after Loch Inver in Scotland (Inver'- and Survey took over responsibility fol the "at the entrance to", Loch - "lake"). The school coastal iu'ea and has administeled it since, rias established in 1886 and in 1897 the although the Government depar"tment has had two \{echanics Institute and Public Libraly were name changes; the Department of Consewatiorr, built. By the end of the 1800s, Inverloch was Forests and Lands, and in 1990 the Depar-tment established as a fishing port and holiday resoft. of Conservation and Environment. \,lost visitors still came bv sea although some travelled by horse. The tourist interest in the Bunurong coast has grown recently. In the late 1970s the entire coastal road between Cape Paterson and Inverloch was sealed and the Bunurong coastal area was named at the suggestiorl of members of the newly formed South Gippsland Consewation Society. The name derived from tlie Bunurong Aborigines, the former occupiers of the area.
Two of the nature trail walks irr this book discuss some of the man-made historical coastal features still visible along the town beaches.
The presence of some exotic plants at Shack Bay and The Oaks, ale remindels of the gu'dens planted neal the shacks once there.
LE FT; FATH ING ENCITSURE, INVERLOC H, EARLY lSoOs' FROM I,VOORAY-L SHIRE HiSTCRICAL SOCiETY, PHDTO BY G.FORO Geologry
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The cliffs of the Bunurong coast are composed been exposed to the ocean. At this time the sea mostly of Cretaceous sandstones, part of the level was slightly higher than today due to the Strzelecki sandstones of eastern Victoria believed decline of the last ice age. Point Smythe would to be between 140 and 105 million years old. not have existed. Caves have been carrred into the cliffs and erosion along other fault lines has created sorne As the sea levels fell again the sand dunes of interesting formations. Venus Bay and Point Smythe were formed, cutting the Tzu'win River off from the sea and Eagles Nest remains as a prominent rock stack on creating the Inlet. There is a continual shifting of the shore platform after erosion along a fault line silt determined by the varying water flows of the across the adjacent headland. The extensive rock Tarwin River. platforms have formed after the sea has pounded at the base of the cliffs, undercutting it and Dinosaur Fossil Remains causing it to collapse. It takes with it remains of The most important early discovery of fossils in animal bones and vegetation and all the Victoria was made by a government geologist, components of the sedimentzu'y sandstone. Over W.H. Ferguson, while mapping part of the coal thousands of years these platfonns become bearing sandstones of the Strzeleckis, early in the moulded into the pools and nooks and crannies i900s. He discovered two bones in the Eagles we see today, with the rock containing small Nest area, one a tooth from a lungfish and seams of coal, petrified wood, fossils and iron another a claw from the foot of a camivorous coatings. The petrified stumps and branches of dinosaur. This became known as the "Cape trees are easily recognisable at the Eagles Nest Paterson Claw" and was Victoria's only dinosaur rock platform. There are also areas of fossil for over 70 years! In 1978 the search for conglomerate rocks, large concletions of more fossils was undertaken using Ferguson's ironstone and dykes of volcanic rock. Coal seams map, locating the site of the original dinosaur are a prominent feature in the carbonaceous bone. A fossil was soon found and the site mlldstones around Flat Rocks. continues to be visited regukuly and is noted for its significance. In 1978 a part of the upper arm Andersons Inlet is, in geolo-eical terms, a new borre of a dinosaur was discovered and rn 1979 an feature. Abor.rt seven tliousand years ago the ankle bone of an Allosaurus was found. We now present northern shore of the Inlet, including know that these long extinct creatures roamed Townsends BlLrff and Nolans Bluff would liave our area some 105-140 million vears acol Shellfish Protection Regulcilions
The activities of humans have begun taking their What the Law Means :o11 on our coastal environment. There are of The term "shellfish" applies to all living ,-ourse many obvious examples including erosion Crustaceans and Molluscs (see page 64, scientific of dunes, pollution, and landfilling of important classification of marine animals). se a nursery areas. Not so well recognised is the Cevastation and destruction caused by people "Protection" means that shellfish must not be raking shellfish for food and bait. This not only removed, unless exemptions apply. depletes a ceftain species but affects the whole balance of marine life. It upsets fragile The regulations (Shellfish Law) protect shellfish ecosystems, whete a link in a food web might in areas referred to as "recognised shellfish mean other species will be affected also. Shellfish habitat". These areas are designated as "between are an important food source for many fish and the high tide malk and two metres below the low birds. Removal of shellfish by humans, for eating tide mark". As two metres below the low tide or as bait, can cause local populations of species mark is a long way off shore, it is a very wide to disappear'. area. Also included also are estuaries, rivers and creeks that are affected by the tide. These areas The Shellfish Protection Regulations aim to are refened to as the Shellfish Protection Zones. prevent the over exploitation of shellfish communities by people. In recognition by the There are signs erected at intervals along our govelnment the Shellfish Law now provides local coastline to indicate the zones. protection for most of the shellfish on the coastline close to Melbour-ne coveting almost all The Exemptions to the Law areas of the coast from Barwon Heads to Cape Within the Shellfish Protection Zone. Liptrap, Venus Bay. In Marine and Coastal Parks and Reserues these regulations, as well as other * All Crustaceans are protected and cannot be restrictions, also apply. taken except for crabs, sandfleas, Bass Yabbies (Ghost Shrimp) and limited numbers of Southem Rock Lobster. Size limits and restrictions on the method of collection also apply for some species.
* All Molluscs are protected and cannot be taken except for squirters, octopus and cuttlefish and limited numbers of squid, abalone, scallops and pipis. Size lin-rits and restrictions on the method of coilection also apply for some species.
* You may only collect the exempted species of shellfish for bait or food. Any other activity, such as collections for study must have a permit from the Director of Fisheries, Department of Co n serv ation and Environme nt, 240 Victoria Pde, East Melbourne, 3002.
* If you wish to collect the exempted species for bait or food, you should check bag limits, minimum size and allowable methods of collection. Pamphlets and information are available from any DCE offices. Ihe Bunu Morine Pork
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The Bunurong Marine Park was proclaimed on The Park is divided into two distrnc: zt.,es The the 1Sth December l99I.lt includes the area Sanctuary Zone of the Park has the h,:::>: -:.,:- between high water mark to one kilomeffe out to of protection. Conservation zones t'lan'. :. : sea. There is a proposal for a Bunurong Coastal Sanctuary Zone and these are referred io ;: t-: Park which would include the public land area Western and Eastern Conseruation Zones. immediately adjacent to the Marine Park. These two iinked areas would be known as the Park Regulations apply to the Bunurong Marine Bunurong Marine and Coastal Park. Park under the National Park Act. Regulations under the Fisheries Act have been proclaimed for The Bunurong Marine Park stretches along the the Sanctuary Zone. The Conservation Zone coast for about 17 kilometres from Coal Point regulations will be introduced in late 1992 (see (west of the hamlet of Harmers Haven) to Wreck table below). Creek (west of Inverloch). For the purpose of this book only the section from Cape Paterson to the Pamphlets and information on the Park are eastern boundary is shown in the map (opposite). available from the DCE (see page 60). There are no developed nature walks within the park, The protection of the Bunurong coast marine area however, there are car parking facilities along the has come in recognition of the high conservation coast and access to several of the beaches. There value of the extensive intertidal rock platforms are no beaches with access specifically designed which contain a huge diversity of marine plants for people with disabilities. and animals. The rock landscapes in the subtidal reef area are outstanding as are the rugged sandstone cliffs within the proposed coastal park.
Aclivity Soncluory zone Conseryolion zones' Amoteur- Angling No Restricted $ceorfishing No Restricted Abolone fishing No Restrlcted Rock Lobsfer fishing No Restricted Angling or speorfi shing competitions No No Collection of plonts ond onimols No No Removol of rock, sond etc. No No Commerciol - Abolone fishing No Yes Rock Lobster fishing No Yes Mesh netting No Restricted Other commerciol fishlng methods No No Booting Yes Yes SCUBA diving ond snorkelling Yes Yes Educofionol excursiors (no collection) Permit Permit Scientific reseorch Permit Permit
'Flshing regulotions for tha Western ond Eostern Conseruotion Zones wlll be put in ploce durlng 192, Detoiled informolion sheels on fishing restrictions ond permits ore ovoiloble from DCE offices. Sonctuory Zone regulotions ore in ploce.
Reproduc ed with permis sio n from DC E d U'I cl otl {l Inverloch J' .BEI e tilffiu m h GI s/ BUNURONG MARTNE PARK fibtL' P--.' 0Km50 ||rl--H-! ,F TIIE CAVPS [JMF +oV^o To Wonthaggi /io^**n EAGLES Tle Coues THE NEST OAKS STIACK BAY trm GIHFI / Leqend CE mtr FEIF mis,?gn ts ffa Proposed Bunurong FflI Coastal Park Eogles Nest Beach of, co rgles Nest BUNURONG MARINE PARK f---r= Conservation ir lii---.r - l Zone tt T---:r--] li ./ t,i Sanctuary Zone t]ll Facilities Recommended activity siles L/ f;l Car parking n Suding beach Toilets rl Swimming beach $J d HI lrl Picnic areas a Diving locations ryt L Playground E Lookout point tn tLJ Boat ramps ti:l Caravan Parks kilometres 3
0.5 1 1.5 Note: Beach access lrom some ol the carparks may be steep and Prepared by Drafting Services, Yanam Region, Novembef 19s11 diflicuh for carrying heavy gear or lor people with limited mobility Reproduced with permission from DCE Cqre for our Environment
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All the land along the coastline is reserued for Never collect live animals, unless it is for the public use and all flora and fauna are protected. purpose of food or bait, and then you must be With such a spectaculiu'and diverse coastline aware of the Victorian Shellfish protection accessible around Inverloch, many activities are Regulations which apply to our area and the possible: snorkelling, rockpooling, diving, restrictions within the Bunurong Marine park. If swimming, sailing, walking, boating and fishing you ale shell collecting always check that your to name a few. These activities will, to different shells do not house any live animals. degrees, take their toll on the environment and its inhabitants. Even an activity as passive as Algae, the plants of the sea, and seagrasses are walking can create environmental damage if you often washed up in great quantities on our shores. go trampling over sand dunes. It is important to These die and decay and provide a constant use only defined tracks to gain access to beaches. source of nutrients in the ocean, upon which our marine life depends for its survival. The removal Apart from looking unsightly, a piece of rubbish of seaweed from the beach is interfering with a you leave on the beach could spell disaster for cycle that is natural and essential. marine life. It is not unco--on to find a dead penguin" strangled by a piece of fishing line or a Perhaps we should we;l remember the saying bird starved to death because " it could no longer tak e o n ly p ho t o g r ap hs, I e at' e o n l . -r- fo otpr i nts" move, its feet bound with plastic.
Always remember that everywhere you go ls a special home for some marine animal. When rockpooling always leave animals exactly where you find them and gently replace any rock you pick up in exactly the same position. Many sma[ maline animals live on the underside of rocks or lay their eggs there. If you leave rocks upturned you expose these animals to dehydr-ation and predators.
10 Plonning your Ouling
There is a wide choice of different coastal It is important that you choose activities such as habitats to visit within a few kilometres of the ones we have prepared in this book that have Inverloch. These include mangroves, sand and little if any impact on the environment. These mudflats, rocky shores, inlet and ocean beaches, activities should be carried out in places that are u indswept cliffs and sheltered sand dunes. easily accessible, both from the point of view of lessening the damage to the environment and Likewise there is a choice of activities within being safer for the participants. these different habitats ranging from simple be achcombing hunts and shell fossicking to Certain requirements and knowledge about studies of ecosystems and food webs. The types hazards will be specific to each habitat or activity ol activities chosen must be suitable for the but there are some general guidelines. chosen habitat. GENERAL GUIDELINES
l. Clothing should be suitable according to the weather. In summer protection from the sun, includes wearing sunblock cream and hats, and in winter protection from the cold and wind includes coats.
2, Footwear: mnners with good treads are important for any activities on or around rocks. It is also sensible to wear similar footwear for activities on the sandy beaches because of the danger of objects like broken glass and fishing hooks.
3. Make yourself familiar with the area. Are there any dangers? What should you do for conservation's sake?
+. You must be aware of any regulations and restrictions which vary according to the area you are using andlor according to the type of activity. These will also be different depending on whether you are a small family group or a school group (see sections on Victorian Shellfish Protection Regulations and the Bunurong Marine Park, pages 1-9). You will notice some activities require permits. A11 educational excursions rvithin the Bunurong Marine Park require a permit. Check with DCE for current information.
5. The Inverloch DCE, office appreciate if schools notify them in advance of any coastal activities. They like to know the areas used by schools and the number of students involved. These statistics help in present and future management of our area. (This applies where permits are not required.)
6. If you are planning a long hike make sure you tell someone of your plans and notify them of your safe retum. For any activity always stay within a group.
7 . It is a great idea to take a rubbish bag with you. An empty milk carton, open at one end, is an ideal container for broken glass. Apart from being hazardous to us, fishing lines and plastics do kill our marine life.
8. Always check the tides when planning an activity but remember that conditions can change according to the weather. A strong south westerly wind can produce a bigger swell and raise the tide higher than anticipated. Large waves can sometimes come in unexpectedly over the rock platforms.
11 Reoding olideChqrt
You can either obtain a tide chart or read the tides The tide times on the chart are for Port Phillip in the newspaper. Tide times are printed for each Heads and you must add or subtract to these day in the daily newspapers or for the week in times according to the "Tidal Differences" table local newspapers. Tide charts are printed for 12 on the tide chart. So, for the Bunurong coast east month periods and are essential for schools to Point Norman at the entrance of the Inlet, we planning field excursions in advance. In add 10 minutes, For Inverloch's town beach Inverloch, charts can be obtained from seruice which is within Andersons Inlet we add 20 stations. minutes. We have to keep in mind that the tide takes about 3 hours to reach Tarwin Riverl so the The day and date of the month appear in bold further east in the Inlet from Inverloch. e.g. print on the left hand side of two columns. There Screw Creek or Mahers Landing, the later the are 3 (occasionally) or 4 (usually) sets of tides. numbers for each day, corrcsponding with the two high tides and two low tides. The light hand Remember during daylight saving time you must column (m, for metre) gives the height of the make adjustments also - add t hour to the times tide, generally around 0.2m-0.6m for a iow tide listed. and 1.2m-1.6m for a high tide. The variations depend on the moon phases. which are shown on It is often preferable to read the tide chart the charts also. The left hand column gives the backwards and find a suitable tide and time of time, in maritime time 0001-2440. (Refer to day and plan an excursion on that date. sample tide chart printed below.)
TIDE TABLES t'ORT PI-]ILLIP HEADS An example: SEPTEMBER 1992 You are hoping to run an excursion to Flat Rocks to coincide with a low tide and have two possible dates, Friday 4th September and TIMES AND HEIGHTS (METRES) OF HIGH AND LOW WATERS Thursday 10th September. You must allow for Time m Trme m Trme m Time m travelling time and will only be on the beach
i between 10 a.m. and 2 n.m. Are either of these .l 0240 1.61 | 0812 036 9 3613 ? i3117 333? J Xt 253:d?, ?2) days suitable? 19 t444 1 57 WE 1432 0.74 Tg 1502 1.aO gg 1519 0.58 2042 4.12 2]09 1.10 2105 0.2? 2222 1" Friday 4th September 1992 t 0330 1 63 0321 0.48 {O 0339 1.47 0354 O. L 0857 A 4A 10 ?33; ? i3 18 3333 J 11 26'lC ??33 ? 33 E 1523 1.56 r6 160' 0.71 | FR r536 1.38 54 t63z 0.46 21?9 0.10 ???2 1.1 1: 2136 0.20 2336 1.38 4 0510 1.53 FR i021 0.50 low tide at 10.21 a.m. 3 331; l?3 11 ?i:3 ? 1?i19 ?3ll ;!1,27 ??ll ?:39 IH 1602 1 s3 FR 1717 O.Ogi Sa 'OrO '.ssl 3g t7a2 A32 1642 1.47 2213 0 12 2330 1.16i 2208 0.20 2256 0.11 low tide at 10.56 p.m. 40 rr.l 0039 1.52 Therefore low tide daylight hours is at 4 ?31? ;33 il2 ?:?? it!20 ?33? J i3 28 33?: J during FR 164? 1 4/ j 5q t8r2 0.53i SU 1646 1.31 yg r245 1. 10.21 a.m. + 10 min. 10.31 a.m. 7?56 0.1/ iSU 2244 0. ?o 1 837 0.19 = I l I R 0600 1 45 0544 1. rql t.oz u 1101 055 i1 3 33;: [1?121 1112 0. 59 29 3]33 o.44 54 1723 1.40 59 1248 1.301 MO 1726 1. 27 19 t330 r.49 ?.338 0.24 1853 0.44 zJlo \) 22 1 928 0.10 Thursday 10th September 1992 i,143)t) r.b0 6 ???t 13? n1 i22??Z? l:33 30 393? o.44 l0 0321 0.48 su 1806 1.31 yg 1322 1.35 i TU 1815 r.23i WE 1414 1.51 1929 0.35 I zots TH 1031 1.18 low tide at3.2I a.m. ', 0422 o 32 gsle 1601 0.71 I 0743 1.28 115 3]i3 l l? lzg l:;l y6 t 228 0.67 i TU 13s5 1.38 I yy6 t2a6 O.6s 2222l.1I low tide at 4.01 p.m. 1 .23 | ,nn1 n ,o r''g 1856 t-'" | 'gtg Therefore low tide during daylight is at 4.01 + 10 min. 4.11 p.rn. 8 3ll] ? 33 116 331? ; ii izc u; utl = rl 1321 072 I wE 14?9 1 40 i rH 1355 0.64 195/ 1.15 2033 0 24 2048 1.18 I I Clearly Friday 4th September would be your choice" MOON First 4lh - 0&39 Last 20rh - 0553 PHASES: Full 12th 1217 New 26th 2040
L2 Howto usethis Book
Beginning on page 14, twelve environmental envilonmental studies ale taken more seriously in activities including three self guided nature primary schools. Where once 'nature study'was trails are described for the local area. We have an opportunity for outdoor education it now forms .:rcluded as many activities as possible for the a basis for a science that is integral to many --oastal area adjacent to the Inverloch township so careers. Developers are now required to prepare ::.lat you are not always relying on ffanspoft to get environmental effect statements, govemments are :o a particular place. more sensitive in their management of public lands, and local councils are having to plan with For the various activities, w,here oppropriate,we regard to the natural environment. :ri'e detailed: . General information about the activity A section has been included in this book . Where to go (including map reference) "Biology for the Non-Biologist" on pages 62-64. . When to go It is simple but introduces some basic concepts . What to wear/take (apart from the obvious) and terminology. It is appropriate.to use correct . Conservation values associated with the terms for children as this then provides a basis on activity and information on permits and which their future studies are built. It should also regualtions help adults to interpret other texts which are only . Hazards accessible to those educated in Environmental Science or Biology. Many basic conservation There are sixteen Activity Sheets for children principles can be shared with children through re_einning on page 40. Notes and solutions (where thoughtful and sensitive discussion. ,ppropriate) to the sheets are on page 58. There are many good publications on .rlthough this publication, like all S.G.C.S. envilonmental activities. The Gould lrague have :ublications, has copyright, we grant permission a number of publications, which are pafiicularly :,r teachers and leaders of groups undertaking good as they are published for school aged :nvironmental activities, to reproduce the activity children and produced in Victoria. Be wary of .reetS for student use. For this reason this book overseas or interstate publications which may :as been produced so that the activity sheets are include information and pictures about the natural .\J size, that most commonly used in photocopy envhonment, including animal and plant life alien ::-rachines. Only a limited number of activity to Victoria. It is out of context to give a child an .reetS have been prepared as many are available activity sheet on coral rcef fish when she/he has ::rough other sources. We also believe that been studying crabs in the Inverloch rockpools. :;tivity sheets are better prepared by a teacher for Information on pages 60 and 61 give sources for : particular student group. We hope that by relevant materials and contacts. :roviding the background information in this rook teachers feel confident in preparing their We would encourage school and family groups to ,r\\n excursions and activities. visit the Environment Centre in Inverloch. The Centre has a number of displays, including local \lany of our activity sheets are designed to be shells, local beachcombing finds, a representation :one indoorr. Generally young children love field of an Aboriginal midden, a constructed cross 'tudies and are so enthused by this practical section through a mudflat area and a wildflower trperience that it would spoil their delight to be photographic display. It also has a childrens' ,-rrping with paper and pens, pzuticularly at the 'tottch corner'and a marine tidal tank display. :e ach. There are some simple tasks to be Voluntary help is not always available but .-ompleted in the Jield requiring a smali amount of sometimes a local expert will be on hand to give a ,i nting. Consistent with what the majority of talk or help with an excursion. \ oung children enjoy, there are a number of fun rctrvities, including puzzles, colouring and craft The information in this book should be used in * ork. All these activities in some way conffibute conjunctiort with current DCE pamphlets :o their environmental knowledge. detailing restrictions on some actit,ities and perntit requirenrcnts. \\'ith environmental issues becoming increasingly :rominent in current affairs and environmental :rudies growing in popularity in secondary and :eniarv education. it becomes imoerative that
13 Rockpooling
Rockpooling is one of the most popular and Other rocky shores within the town beaches are exciting activities for children. There is an around Point Norman (Map I; J 8 and K 4). These opportunity for a whole range of activities to be are exposed periodically, covered and uncovered enjoyed here, from simple observation and with the ever shifting sands. They have therefore appreciation of the plant and animal life to not been colonized by many rockpool animals or studying animal behaviour, understanding an plants and are not suitable for rockpooling. ecosystem and looking at food webs. In fact, rockpooling is so fascinating to children that When to go often all that is needed is to provide the setting. Visit the rock platforms within an hour or so of Children's natural inquisitiveness will do the rest! low tide.
Around Inverloch, the rocky shores are more What to wear correctly called rock platforms. They are formed Wear footwear that protects your feet and does where the sea has pounded at the base of the cliff not slip easily. Sandshoes with a good tread are for thousands of years causing it to collapse. suitable. Over many more years the base will be shaped by the waves and nooks and crannies will remain. What to take The soft parts wear away, the su'irling stones and Take a magnifying glass to study the plants and debris grind into the larger rock to form the animals a little closer. An underwater viewer is rockpools. The rock platform is at sea level, and also an asset as it is best to disturb the rockpool is covered and uncovered by the tides, and they as little as possible and animals wili behave are often called "tide pools". The entire area is differently when removed from the water. called the intertidal zone. Conservation There is a huge diversity and abundance of plant Thousands of people visit the rock platforms each and animal life on the rock platforms. A rockpool year. The rock platforrn communities are very gives a glimpse of this life as each has its own easily damaged. Care should be taken not to community of organisms, all interacting with trample seaweeds. Animals should be observed each other and subject to non-living factors such and not handled unnecessarily. If turning up as temperature, exposure by the tides, salinity, rocks, care should be taken not to dislodge the rain and sunlight. Some plants and animals can inhabitants. Always put any animal or rock back withstand these harsh conditions and live quite e-ractly where you found it. If you are exposed, others more vulnerable, shelter under rockpooling within the Bunurong Marine Park rocks and in crevices or amongst seaweed. with a school group. you require a permit (contact DCE). Where to go The rock platforms at Flat Rocks (Map II, G 8) Hazards are the most easily accessible and extensive along Tread carefully avoiding slippery (often due to the Bunurong Coast. They have very abundant algal growth) and jagged rocks. There may also and diverse plant and animal life. The rock be fish hooks, broken glass, rusty metal pieces, or platforms at The Caves (Map II, H 7) and Eagles sharp shell fragments, embedded in rock crevices. Nest (Map II, I6) are also popular. Be awale of the tides and weather conditions and the possibility of unexpected large waves" The The rock platform extending west along the Blue Ringed Octopus is known to live along our beach, reached from where Venus Street meets coast. It is usually sheltering in dark crevices, Ramsay Boulevard (Map I, I 11) is within the under overhanging rocks or in old rusty tins. Be town environs and is thus accessible even if careful where you put your hands. The Anemone transpoft is not available. Although not as diverse Cone Shell and the Striped Sea Anemone are also in plant and animal life as the Bunurong rock known to sting. platforms, there are an abundance of crabs, anemones and different gastropods and, at certain For a veryt dffirent activit-y go rockpooling at times of the year, elephant snails and spawning night! Hov'ever, take e-xtra core at this time. sea hares.
I4 v, N F 3 u Q t U z F (, 3 z lrj co z \b 3 z o
z v g g
l5 Shell Fossicking
Here we are referring to the fossicking along the twisted spirally, as in a snail or whelk. Sea slugs tide lines for entpty shells. Children love to are also gastropods and, although they appear nor collect shells for various reasons. Shells can be to have a shell, they do haVe a small oblong taken home and incorporated into indoor shaped shell which is concealed beneath the skin. activities, such as making wind-chimes, decorating boxes, making shell creatures or Many of the bivalves of Andersons Inlet, such as collected as specimens and named. The collection mud arks and pipis, are burrowing animals. Ther of empty shells along the Bunurong coast is are Jilter feeders as they ingest sand and mud prohibited in some areas and restricted in other through a siphon and, as it passes around the areas. body, detrital food will be filtered out. Wastes are then expelled through a second siphon. Bivalves Shell collecting for museums differs greatly from will protect themselves from predators by sealins this activity. Museums house perfect specimens the two shells tightly together. However, some of shells from marine animals. These specimens predators are adapted to penetrate this method of are usually collected as live animals. Museums, defence! Shells of bivalves are often found such as the Inverloch Shell Museum, display washed up with a neat hole drilled through the shells from around the world collected in this shell. Some gastropods, such as the Sand Snail. way. These collections are important for which makes the familiar tracks seen in the reference and study and often show rare sandflats of the Inlet, are carnivores, preying on specimens. Shells usually appeal'more highly other molluscs, particularly the bivalves. The polished because they have been collected with Sand Snails hold their prey with their muscular the animal still living, whereas the shells you find foot and drill a hole into the victim's shell, on the tide lines will be empty, often old and through which they insert a proboscis, so that the weathered. To collect shells with live animals as animal's body can be eaten. Likewise many for a collection or a museum you need a permit. gastropod shells found washed up around the rocky shores of the ocean beaches will show The empty shells we find washed up on our signs that they too have fallen prey to other beaches were once home to marine animals gastropods. which we refer to as shellfish but are correctly named Molluscs. These animals have usually Where to go died of old age or disease or have been eaten by Most coastal areas will have shells, but the type birds or other marine molluscs. of shells found will depend on the immediate habitat. The shells found in the Inlet will be those The most abundant Molluscs are the bivalves and of animals that live in the sand, gastropods. The bivalves are animals which have mangrove/mudflat environment and shallow two distinct shells (or valves) such as tellins, warmer waters. Many of these are bivalves. cockles and mussels. The gastropods have only Shells found near rocky shores will be one shell. Sometirnes this shell is very simple in predomir.rantly small gastropod shells from the structure, like that of a limpet, or it may be animals that live in the rock pools.
J azzler I.IALENT stPl{oN i'?'7ni''-li ,l srPHoN savtd
:TWO SHELLS .?RO-f ECTING THE ANIMATS SOFT SCPY EYE TE TACLE OPERCULUM WH€N THT ANIMAL RFTMCTs FoaT MouTl{ /-uusct",ex INIO TT5 SHELL .'TIIEO?ERCULU!/. ' - USED FAg DrcTINE LMOVING F@T CLO5Es LIKE A..'OOKTDA HOUSE,.
A BIVALVE, LIVING IN M UD ANP SAND A GAyrRoPoD,NtTH ANTMAL CKAWLIN&
16 Shells on the sandy ocean beaches will often be appropriate clothes. On the Inlet beaches the trom animals living in deeper ocean waters. numerous bivalves means you will need to wear good footwear to avoid cut feet. The most accessible beaches for shell fossicking ]IC: Conservation .\'fahers Landing - Andersons Inlet @Iap II, E 18) Always check that your shells do not have live .Point Norman to Inverloch Surf Beach shellfish in them. Eventually all shells and natural t\,lap II, E 10 - also on Map I, J 4) debris will be broken-down returning once again .Flat Rocks (Map II, G 8) into the ecosystem of living organisms. Only collect shells you want for a specific purpose, the \\'hen to go rest, leave where they are. There a-re restrictions Shell fossicking is most fun at low tide because on the collection of (empty) shells within the of the abundance of shells washed up and Bunurong Marine Park (contact DCE). Jeposited on the low tide line, but shells can be :ound at any time and often very high tides dump Hazards rlore unusual shells. Look along the various high The weather. Broken glass and fishing hooks, :ide lines. rusty tins and other dangerous items can often be camouflaged or buried amongst the natural debris \\'hat to wear/take on the shore. Watch where you tread and what .\s shell fossicking can make one forget the you are picking up. ,en_eth of time exposed to the elements wear
1,2,3/+/9 ARE B|VALVES @ 5 w 5, 6,7, 8,7q 11,12, L3,7+, 15 ARE EASTKOPODS @ffi 16a $b@
t EoRrNa vervento (veruus) SRTAAEP 'TOP SHEIL 9PlPl tt I^IARRENER (a w aW r u xn) LRAZDR SI.IELL 6Br-lcK ruenrr(or ceow) IOCI{OICE SEAWEED SHE[ l+Doe NTNKLE :'ANGEL W'N6 EOREK TIMBRICATED PEARL SHEI! 11 SOUTHERN WENTIJ-TRAT 15 BRpwN CoWRIE +BaKED MUSSEL AANEMONE CONE SHELL l6a,b CHIToN SHEIL5 rLursrKA7lor.E ?{KEN FROMTHE s.6.C.S.puBucATtoN- {the hye4OCh H-"eA. 'he.aS
LI1- We stroll along the shoreline watching the waves the oceans. On many beaches will be found the lap onto the sand, listening to the surf and beautifully preserued resl (body case) of the sea wondering at the beautiful shells. But what of the urchin. Within Andersons Inlet, the even more beauty and complexity of the underwater world, delicate test of the sand urchin can be found, as whose secrets are concealed. For the well as the strange looking germinating beachcomber, ocean debris strewn on the shore mangrove seed and often masses of dead soldier provides a glimpse. crabs.
Rough weather brings in large seaweeds, delicate When to go red algae, sponges, and parts of, or whole, Any time is suitable for beachcombing as it is oceanic animals, from the deep seas. They ale often most rewarding by looking along the carried shorewards until they are flung by huge highest tide line. Rough weather will often brinr waves out of reach of the receding waters. On our in some more unusual finds. highest tide lines these plants and animals are left to blacken or bleach, decaying in the elements. What to wearitake Along the daily tide line, fresher material is left, See under "Shell Fossicking" activitv. carried in from the shallower water. Conservation Thankfully in this area, most of the debris is Never take any live animal. Plant and animal natural wreckage, but unfortunately, thlough material is best left to decay and be returned as human carelessness or disregard, human garbage nutrients to the ocean. If you do wish to collect is disposed of at sea and evidence of this is also some things, be selective, only take what you strewn on our shores. absolutely must have! You can make a contribution in caring for our environment by Where to go taking a receptacle to collect any human rubbish Any beach will yield delights to the you may find. There are restrictions on the beachcomber, although ocean beaches can collection and removal of any dead plants and provide a greater diversity. Along the beaches animals within the Bunurone Marine Park from Flat Rocks west to Cape Paterson can be (contact DCE). found sea dragons, various shzu'k egg cases, cuttlefish bones and beautiful coloured seaweeds Hazards and other debris representing the marine life of See under "Shell Fossickins" activitv.
\\\,.'$. *fu,*t"6w:wgy'\l:.
18 6l
6u zVu zl oor I Birdwqtchin in Andersons Inlet The first impressions of the early white settlers to They are big, heavy birds with very thick bills. the area noted the natural beauty and the The adult birds are black and white and the abundance of bird life. Along the Bunurong cliffs immature younger birds appear the same size but many sea birds can be seen, but it is the mudflats are brown. in Andersons Inlet, with their rich food source of small marine animals, which attract migratory Silver Gulls, commonly called "seagulls" are and nomadic water and wadins birds in their much smaller and sleeker than the Pacific Gulis thousands. and are resident throughout the year. They are a medium sized grey and white bird. The immarure Each tide change offers a different feeding or Silver Gulls are white and mottled brown, with a roosting option. Pelicans and terns feed on the brown beak which will turn red as the bird high tides and roost on the low tides. Swans, matures. ducks, spoonbills, egrets and gulls feed on both high and low tides. Red-necked Stints, Curlew Unlike the Pacific Gull which is usually seen as a Sandpipers, Sharp-Tailed Sandpipers, Golden solitary bird or in pairs, the Silver Gull is very Plovers, Greenshanks and Curlews feed on the gregarious and will be seen in large flocks. low tides when the mudflats are exposed and Because of the scavenging nature of these birds roost on small sand spits, beaches and islands when feeding and their presence in large flocks. when the tides are high. their behaviour is interesting and easily observed. It appears that some individuals are more Changing seasons in turn produce conditions for dominant than others and there appears to be a lot a different array of birds as the migratory birds of bossing going on. It is usually easy to obserue travel to or from the northern hemisphere or New the winners and losers in a group. Zealand and the resident bird population wanders to and from their usual feeding locations. The frantic aggressive scavenging of the gulls seems in stark conffast to the behaviour of other While it is the vast sand and mudflats and birds in the Inlet which are so easily disturbed b1' shallow waters of the Inlet with their abundant our presence, whether they are spread out on the food source of burrowing worms, crabs, shrimps, sand and mud flats feeding at low tide, small molluscs and fish which attract the greatest congregated and resting while the tide is high, or numbers and diversity of waterbirds to the area, fishing the Inlet waters with great concentration our town beaches at the entrance to the Inlet also and skill. Whichever we are watching, the most have attractions for other birds. important consideration with birdwatching is to be patient and very quiet. It is best to choose a Although the Pied Oystercatcher happily feeds on vantage point and remain in that location for a crustaceans and pipis further down the Inlet, the time. rock platforms at the entrance to the Inlet are home to large clusters of Beaked Mussels and To obserye the waders and waterbirds in large other shellfish which are eaten by its close numbers, and at close range, you must choose relative the Sooty Oystercatcher. The comorants your watching points and times of observation also are seen here, usually in pursuit of small very carefully. While feeding on the low tide the fish. Tems too, will be seen catching fish in the waders are dispersed throughout the vast mudflar relatively calm shallow waters. area and are difficult to obserue. On the high tide the birds will congregate ar roost sites and this is It is the gulls, however, which most frequent the when they are best observed" To observe town beaches. Usually with a diet of molluscs, particular species of migratory birds you must seabird eggs and chicks, canion and offal, they understand more of their migratory patterns (see will supplement this with food scraps; bread, page 29). chips, picnic scraps and even that which is put in the rubbish bins. This has given the gulls the reputation of being aggressive scavengers. Pacific Gulls are seen throughout the year, althoueh their numbers decline over winter. \\'here and when to go Spurwinged Plovers, Royal Spoonbills and 1. Toys Backwater (Map I, H 15) The eastern end Sacred Ibis are frequently seen in the paddocks irf the sand spit at Toys Backwatel provides a adjoining the Inlet. r ery good winter bird watching site. On winter righ tides a variety of roosting birds can be 4. Town beaches (Entrance to the Inlet) - Ayr observed from the canrark at the bottom of Creek - Jetty (Map I, I 8 - H 14) The majority of Cuttriss Street. birds seer-r here u'e gulls. Around the rock platforn-rs watch for terns, Sooty Oystercatchers l. Screw Creek (Map II, E 14) Screw Creek is a and cormorants. Birds can.be observed at anv :rdal creek which provides an excellent habitat time. :or waterbirds. The creek can be traversed from :re Inverloch-Talwin Lower Bridge by foot (not a What to take .i ell defined track) or by canoeing from the Essential are a parr of brnoculars and helpful is a :outh of the creek north. Flom tire mouth of the bird identification book or chart. --:eek it is always a delight to see Royal Spoonbiils, egrets, helons, swans, pelicans, gulls Conservation :nd the roosting cormorants perched in the While it shor"rld be obvious that there should be :angroves, with their wings spread out to dry. At no inteference rvith the birds, it is also important ,rnv time you will see sorre birds feeding or to give consideration to the habitat you are :rr o St1ng. entering. The places mentioned (1,2 and 3) all contain saltmarsh and/or mangrove habitats. -r. !{ahers Landing (Map II, E 18) From the These environments are very easily damaged if ;.upark a walk east up the Inlet will reveal a tran-rpled and should be negotiated by existing :umber of sandy spits popuiar with waders and tracks only. .i aterbirds for roostins on the hish tide. : ! a z \\N- . dt oF L J J $ Y a- 21 Coostol Wolki & Hiki The coastal stretch from Cape Paterson to Mahers at most times, although at high tide it may be Landing, east of Inverloch (entire Map II), necessary to divert along the foreshore in some contains a variety of coastal landforms and places. As the beach accesses are frequent in the habitats. Walking in this area can mean rock section there is no problem diverting. It would be walking, climbing steep cliffs (on tracks only), preferable though to walk along the beach at lon - walking on the sand and skirting saltmarsh areas mid tide when features such as the rock platforms and mangroves. Virtually the entire section is and the saltmarsh and sand bars are exposed. It is suitable for beach hiking, providing that the walk interesting to look across to Point Smythe and see is planned to coincide with appropriate tide the extensive mudflats and to observe where the heishts. tide is rushing in or out of the channel. Inlet Walking Inlet walking is best done at low tide. A favourite feature of the extensive sand flats is the great armies of soldier crabs. Thousands and thousand: of these crabs appear to move 'en rnasse' and if disturbed will quickly burrow, in a corkscrew fashion, into the sand. Map II gives some idea oi the extent of the exposed sand flats at low tide within the Inlet (see Legend of Map II). The exposed intertidal flats around Toys Backwater and the Ranger's Office (Map II, E 14) are relatively solid and are surfaced with clean sand. Any worm hole with its diggings deposited on the surface will show you how mud-like the subsurface is. Further east in the Inlet the exposed flats are often less solid and can be ven' muddy. As you walk east from the Ranger's Office, the Town Beaches beach will lead you to the mouth of Screw Creek The coastal strip adjoining the town environs (Map II, E 14). There is also a pleasant 200 metre from the Ranger's Office (Map I, I 17) to Surf walk through the foreshore from the Screw Creek Beach (Map I, J 3) is suitable for beach walking carpark to this area. 22 .\lthough Townsends Bluff then appears easily A deep crevice occurs on the Cape Paterson side rccessible across the intertidal flats, it is a very of The Oaks beach. Return to the beach from the bog-ey surface and the young mangroves in this road by The Oaks access track. There is a lot of rrea can be easily damaged. There is a foot rock walking en route and care should be taken oridge across Screw Creek just north of its mouth over slippery and wet rocks and rocks covered * hich leads into the saltmarsh and then to with algae. Extra care should be taken once the Townsends Bluff and beyond. The track through tide has turned, watching for swells. You will :he saltmarsh is barely recognisable and care need to be appropriately dressed for the weather .hould be taken in this very sensitive and have good well-treaded footwear. There are e nvironment, home to a great number of different no sources of fresh water along the route, so rlants and numerous crabs and gastropods. It is drinks should be taken. :tr)t recommended for groups of people and, .chools are asked to contact the local DCE if they There are some difficult sections on this walk and ,r ish to walk in the arca beyond Screw Creek. it is only aclvised for moderately.fit people and Irrlet walking can howevel be done frorn Mahers for children under strict superuision. It is not Landing (Map II, E 18). advisable for groups of children unless the adult leaders are familiar with the route. Bunurong Marine Park There are sections of this longer walk which are .\n approximately five hour coaslal walk can be suitable for groups and inexperienced hikers. :aken from Cape Paterson to Inverloch Surf Suggested walks at low tide: Beach (Map Il, J 1-E 10). lf a hike of this length ',r ere taken it is advisable that it be done as a one . Eagles Nest - Caves ,r av iourney necessitating a car shuttle. The . Caves - Flat Rocks i rews en rollte are spectacular, with the peaks of . Flat Rocks - Surf Beach \\'ilsons Promontoly on the south eastern skyline :r a backdrop to Cape Liptrap. To the nomh the A "Bunurong Coasral Walk" being developed by .:ills around Foster are visible. local community groups is in its early stages of planning (June 1992). The DCE should be \ssuming that you begin the walk at Cape contacted with regald to any walks which have Paterson, you will need to leave two hours before been developed since the publication of this :ire low tide. (Check that the tides are average or book. ]elow, that there is not an exceptionally high low iide.) There is only one section of the walk where r ou will need to detour onto the hinterland. -;ffi rK, F r tri..r$$ 6z e. "*ffi z "ilJ.t ;w' { (,) L) Coostol Dunes&Shifti Sonds Coastal sand dunes zu'e a feature of much of the The topic of sand dunes and shifting sands is an Australian coastline. They fomr a barrier between extremely broad one and it is difficult to illustrare the land ar.rd the beacl-r. They can cover a large the natural processes in such a modified coastal area, but in Inverloch people have built their strip as in the Inverloch area where only small houses and roads right across the sand dunes and iueas have been left in their natural state. they are not so obvious. We have also shaped the effect of natural processes on ollr coastline by Two nature trails described elsewhere in this buiiding walls, dumping rocks and introducing book feature many aspects on the shifting sand. plants. We have tended to stabilize our dunes and however two different locations are described coastline, sc-r that it is no longer the dynarnic here so as to offer a comparison, a sheltered system that it r,vould have been in its natural state. beach and an exposed beach. It is important to understand that there iil'e many A Sheltered Beach natural causes of erosion, particularly considerir-rg The dunes backing the beach between Ayr Creek that the sensitive primary dunes are so exposed. and Point Nonnan are well vegetated with lalge li In the natural course of events these prirnary native plants, including banksias, teatrees, Coasr dunes are scoured and eroded by wind and waves Wattle, coast daisies, Coast Beard Heath and in rough weather and then rebuilt again by the Prickly Box. The dunes are fairly sheltered here more gentle action of these elements in calmer at the mouth of the Inlet and the plants have been weather. However human activity has a far able to become quite established thus stabilizing greater impact and the simple action of people the dunes and guarding against erosion by wind. walking on the dunes is one of the rnost serious. The channel between the Inlet and ocean Once the dune is able to support some vegetation, however is constantly changing course scouring the impact of erosion is lessened. This single the sands and depositing it at different locations. factor has been the justification for the Both Point Nonnan and Point Smythe are introduction of Marrarn Grass which has been changing. During the past ten years the beach at planted on the dunes along vast stretches of the Point Norman has changed from having a large Vrctorian coastline" But iike the building of walls sheltered lagoon with huge sand surronnds to its and the durnping of rocks and large tyres it present state where the channel has shifted and impedes the natural forces that for so long were exposed a large rocky shore. At high tide the constantly shaping ancl reshaping our coastiine. channel can be seen to be cutting quite close to F L+1A the beach between Point Norman and Ayr Creek. A Sheltered Beach Wave action has taken its toll on the dunes Where to go despite efforts in the past when large blue stone Ayr Creek to Point Norman (Map I, I 8-K 5) rocks and tractor tyres were dumped to lessen the There is access via a car park at Point Norman impact of the natural forces. In this area the and also west of the Ayr Creek bridge. foreshore is narrow and the road constructed across the dune, only metres from where the sea When to go rs carving a new coastline (via the channel). Preferably between the times three hours either side of low tide. An Exposed Beach -\t the Inverloch surf beach the sand dunes back a Conservation u ide sandy beach. Here is a more exposed Care should be taken if you leave the sandy location open to the forces of wave action of the beach and proceed on to the dunes. Sand and open ocean and the unhindered winds. In a vegetation are easily dislodged where the sea has natural situation the dunes here would be in ever cut into the dune. Although there are no properly changing succession. It would be difficult for constructed steps or ramps in this area, tracks plants to establish on the foredunes with the ever through the dunes are well used and easily shifting sands. The evidence of sand covering identified. Use only these tracks. posts or fences left stranded above ground, and steps collapsing, show these constantly shifting An Exposed Beach sands. The planting of Manam Grass, an Where to go inrroduced plant, on the sand dunes has enabled Surf beach (Map I, J 3) Use the beach access humans to partly halt nature's course. leading over the dunes from the Surf Beach Car Park at the end of Goroke Street. At both locations it would be interesting to pose these questions: When to go Any time. 1.What are the main forces of nature shaping the coastline? Conservation 2.What impact have humans had on nature's Beach access is clearly defined in this area. Use course? only properly constructed tracks. Do not stray 3.How different would things be if humans had from the ffacks on to the dunes. not interfered at all? E ll t! a |! ts5 .n 25 L\rhlAlr tr \Pl\rlring Muclflctts, Mongroves In tlie lelatively sheltered Andersons Inlet the surface. Often encrusted with marine snails and low tides expose great expanses of sand or mud biunacles, these are the pneumatophores or flats, often leferred to as intertidal flats.It is a breathing roots, part of the extensive root systenr peaceful environment compal'ed with the of the mangrove. They are like a filtration and crashing waves of the surf beach or rock storage system for the plant, providing it with platforms. At first giance the area appears nutrition from soil which is often lacking in, lifeless, but the pitted surface gives some oxygen and very salty, and storing gases from the indication of the busy life beneath its sutface. air which they get when exposed at low tide. Apart flom the r-nasses of soldier crabs, there are Although the mangroves also have prop roots wonrls, shrimps and rnud crabs in abundance. corning frorn their main trunk the r"rnderglounc'l Anothei interesting but lesser known feature is network associated with the pneumatophores alsl the thousands of tiny transpal'ent tubes protruding help to anchor the plant in very muddy grouncl. above the surface. These ale the feeding tubes, or siphons, of several different bivalve shellfish Mudflats and rrangroves il'e usually separated species living in the sand. fron-r the land vegetation by great expanses of saltmarsh. This area is still too salty for our usua. Below the low tide rnark are great expanses of vegetation to grow. However, lots of grasses. seagrass. Seagrass is different to other sea plants sedges and fleshy herbs love it, even if they do because it is like a land plant witli roots, stems get covered in tirnes of high spring tides. Like the and leaves. It grows like bracken with mangroves it is teeming with crabs and madne underground sterns. The clead leaves of the snails. You n-ray have heard of the Orange-Bellie.r seagrass are often washed up on the beach irt Parrot, noted as a rare species. The saltmarshes huge piles. Behind the rnudflats arc the White ale its habitat. In the past, it has been these are as Marrgrove trees. Very high tides often waslt up which have been "claimed". using landfill to over these trees and leave debris. such as build ther-r-r up oLlt of the reach of those occasionai Eelgrass hanging in their branches, Like the high tides, so that many of our saltmarsh aleas mudflats life is hidden, although rnany animals zu'ourrd popular locations have disappearcd. can be found living on the trees and below the surface. Further into Andersons Inlet there are extensive saltmarshes. Close to Inverloch however, we The nrystique of the rniingroves is enhanced by have Toys Backwater, which remains relativell' gnarlecl protuberances cc'rrning frotn the rtrudd5' natural, despite pressllre by sorne local residents Y (.) 9 o F or' 26 &Soltmorshes :rr have it filled and landscaped as carparking and Conservation rrcnic areas. Toys Backwater adds another At present there ale no defined tracks or rtraStal habitat which is easily accessible from the constructed accesses to these habitats. it)\\'fl, &hd brings our ntigratory and wader birds Boiu'dwalks ar-rd tlacks are planned in the future ,r ithin easy viewing. for Toys Backwater and Screw Creek. The man-sroves and saitmarshes in particular are very \\ here to go environrrentally sensitive areas. Pneumatophores .Tovs Backwater: saltrnarsh habitat, sandflats. and snrall tleshy plants can be easily damaged, r \'Iap I, H 15) and anirnals suffocated, by trampling. It is not . Screw Creek: saltmarsh. lnangroves, rtrudflats. recommencled that groups go into these areas \1ap II, E 14) without pfoper instruction and supewision. . \lahers Landing:saltrnarsh. mudfl ats. \Iap II, E 18) At Toys Backwater sandy tracks skirt the saltmarsh and iead on to the sandy spit and .lere is a lot of anirnal lit-e below the surface irr beyond to the sandflats. Screw Creek can be .ese habitats r.vhich is difficLrlt to visualize. The reached by road and a short bush track or via the l:rr irorrrnent Cenue has a constructed cross beach. For groups it is best to obsewe the .:ction showing, among other things. the anirnals rnangroves from or near the bridge just up from r burrows and holes. the mouth of the Creek. Care should be taken at these locations not to disturb any birds, either \\ hen to go roosting in the mangroves or on sandy spits or, -o\\ tide. Check the tide chu'ts ancl choose a feecling on the rnudflats. . en' lorv ticie (less than 0.3rn) to naximise the :ir-jovment of these habitats. Hazarcls The tide comes in much rnore quickly over the \\ hat to wearitake rnud and sandflats than on open beaches. Watch \'.ru may have to consicler your footwear if that you do not get cllt off and sn'anded on sand . i:iting mangroves, as you are likely to sink well bars in the Inlet. :rto the rnud. 'Take binoculars if yor"r are .:rterested in the view or birds. Y !t t! d\ !Jg ,*:* :s v. () ${, 6.d riR ::'ffi *s iJP*; $ i3' fr * )r IFit r*! 't*'s s$ e: {r iS 2: ';d s, q: E 27 Seosonol Msilors & Occqsionol No, we are not talking about the tourists or the It has become a popular rnyth that Paper Nautilus odd da3,s when Inverloch's population can swell appear once every seven years, but this is not by the thousands. Our natural environment too true. Strandings of Paper Nautilus have occumed has its visitors, some which visit regularly to lay more frequently in the past four years than in the their eggs or feed on the abundant food sources. previous ten. Paper Nautilus were found in June Others, which we see only occasionally, maybe 1988 and again on two occasions in April hnd thrown off course by the unpredictable weather June 1990. With each appea.rance the Paper or rough seas. Here is some information about a Nautilus were only washed up on one or two few of them. tides and were therefore only found over a period of a few days. The Paper Nautilus One of the most exciting sporadic occur:rences on Where to look our local shores is the appeat'ance of the Paper Paper Nautilus have been found on all beaches Nautilus shells. Sometimes the empty shells ale from Inverloch into Andersons Inlet. They ale found tossed high up on the tide line and one generally on the high tide line. wonders how such delicate shells have suruived intact. Often the shells are found filled with eggs When to look and housing the female animal. This makes us It is said that the occurrencb is due to three realize that it is only the ravages of nature with an factors: unfavourable weather pattern that has stranded l.Winter west wind drift cument, moving from these animals, showing us one of the open sea's south west Bass Strait to the southern Victorian many fascinating secrets. coast. 2.Prevailing westerly winds. The Paper Nautilus shell is unlike most other 3.Stronger than normal tide flow. shells which provide a home for animals in that it is an egg case. The shell is made by the female In shorl, quite unpredictable! Argonaut, an octopus like animal, to lay her eggs in and protect them. 28 Hqppenings Victims of Stormy Seas Waders and Waterbirds Some oddly "out-of-place" animals appear on our Sorne waders and waterbirds can be found on our shores. These are ones from ffopical waters, shorcs throughout the year, but others are pafi- rvhich include the brilliantly blue coloured By- time residents, from other parts of the world and the-Wind Sailor and Portuguese Man-o'-War. an'ive in certain seasons. We call these rnigratory These animals from tropical waters are caried birds. Most arive in Australia from Mongolia, south by curents. During summer months, after Siberia and Alaska. During the northern strong prevailing winds, large numbers are blown hemisphere's summer the birds take advantage of shorewuds and strewn on the beach. Mostly they the abundant food sources in their breeding are dead. The Portuguese Man-o'-Wal has a large grounds and then migrate south, avoiding the gas filled float with stinging tentacles which may freezing winters there, and arriving for our spring rrail the float for several metres. The sting is and summer. dangerous to humans. Care should be taken if this :nimal is found. They are very commonly Many of these birds from the northern ,r ashed up on the south west coast, but only hemisphere anive in September and some as irccasionally end up on our beaches. early as August and leave again in March or April. The juveniles migrating with the adult \\'here to look birds do not always leave here after their first High tide line of ocean beaches fror-r-r Point migration and stay over our winter. Andersons \orman to Cape Paterson. Inlet is particularly important as a feeding ground for the juveniles of some species. This makes our \\'hen to look area important to the future suruival of many of Unoredictable. the rnigratory species. Other migratory birds make a trans Tasman crossing aniving from New Zealand, to spend our winter here. Other birds also visit our'shores although they are , PORAUGUESE MAN-O.h/AR not as predictable in their anival and departure. These birds are residents of Australia and their migration will depend on seasonal weather conditions and food availability in other parts of the country. Migratory bilds from the northern hemisphere i. and New Tnaland anive for the abundant food soulce that the vast areas of intertidal sand and mudflats of inlets and bays offer. In Victoria, Western Port Bay and Port Phillip Bay (near Melbourne) and Corner Inlet (near Wilsons BY-THE- WIND SAILOR Promontory) offer the largest feeding grounds, but of equal significance are Andersons Inlet, Inverloch and Shallow Inlet (near Wilsons Other Victims of Stormy Seas Promor-rtory). These include cuttlefish, penguins and seals u hich are generally dead. The S"G.C.S. publication, Andersons Inlet: Waders andWaterblrds, describes each species of Where to look miglatory bird found in the alea. It records its Ocean beaches from Point Norman to Cape global range, its periods of residency in the Inlet, Paterson. a description of its habits and where and when you are likely to obserue it. \Yhen to look Usually in winter. Visitors frorn the northern hemisphere which you 29 tJ ul t\ ^\v IE:E ll I a '>v\a g I s \ . (ofn ,,r+0 Ur ' -f'Jo' h Fi $-' z ziilfi < b) , uxt =J #n P 9;* . J O + + $-fr o !' FBRS * JP L Es e$ifr $$ 2 buv- $k {ql 3 n i6 ;$Em I n q & ',JtP.o'J;r' L fl1: \ lr{ {*.i!Fl$i$g; - a q ' r4sr gtourvne> g lA 5 ui & Nueorre rt 5 $ i t E t H s : 5 g 9 u-aq/N€:-- F{ U E 5 o:i N- 7 z ,6r- $;;u:iA$ita: rl- lo It S, :ffi\'\E HN: -rt I I I I = I lb I I I a l lu l\ lo lI lH I'Fi l lt2. rJt+tn tbtT lstgttol ll I lz I l5 | l+ | l5 | lb I lir | 781 L A A g MAP II 8 p v'r/ SALTMARSH ruo/ox f4ANGROVE5 * rnoNllaecr c c ffi KocKy sHoREs D V sANDY covEs.sBEAcHEs . . SAND FTATS AT LOW TIDE E BUNURONG MARTNE PARK BOUNDRT F G: &a e -$tz.\\+ tr \b H CdcPaterson 2r% "'9 fEltrfs B4y i *,y,w_*.e ()12 KILOM ETR ES lrll ,- B_] tr2t5t+t5t6t7 rO rg t ro | lt t t2 | lu | *t r IF t 16 | L7 r 16 f- AyrCreek NqtureTroil (Map I, G 13 to I8) This trail will take you to Ayr Creek, west of the the rocks harder and hence more resistant. township. The walk is along the shores of Likewise the cement in the mortar helps the Andersons Inlet. The features discussed are mortar resist the weathering agents. indicated on the map. The round n'ip (frorn the Environment Centre) will take 40 minutes at a !Further along we have a rock platform, leisurely stroll. You start by making your way r)exoosed at low tide. There ale numerous directly to the beach from the E,nvironment animals found in the rock pools and crevices Centre. The beach is reached through either the here. The activity sheet on rockpooling in this Wyeth-Macnamara Park or "The Glade". IJ ltou book will give you some idea of what to look fo:. take a plastic'bag v,ith you, yot4 can collect but watch out for anemones, rockpool shrimp:. rubbish on the woy - lets clean up our elephant snails, chitons, small fish called blennie . environntent as w,e enjol: it! and many crab species (one large crab which is very common is the "green meanie", introduced I You will notice after you get on to the beach to Australia. probably riding on the hulls of Ithat there are some stone retaining walls. The ships). A seasonal visitor (Februaryftlarch) to walls nearer the jetty are constlucted from this spot is the sea hare which emits a dark purple bluestone blocks. They were built in the 1930s. dye wlren alarrned. Remember, do not disturb the Andersons Inlet is constantly changing, these animals. Turn all rocks back to their original changes being driven by currents, winds, storms position. and floods. The sand will build up at one spot on the shore one year, then the channel may cut in at f Some other visitors to these rocks may be the same location the next yezu'. These stone rt checking the rockpools in search of food. You retaining walls were built when people were will often see Sooty Oystercatchers on the rockr worried about the channel movins in and erodins shores, black birds with bright red beaks. Around away the foreshore. these rocks the oystercatchers are looking for mussels and other rockpool shellfish. as well as J Further along the beach therc are more stone 2 retaintns walls built in the 1930s. These were built from sandstone. How are these walls different? Do you notice the mortal between the stones stands out a Iot more? The softer sandstone has been eroded by the gritty sand which is blown by the wind or swept along by the sea. On the intertidal rock platforms you may obsewe a similar effect where cracks occur in the : flat rock. The rock along these cracks has eroded J less, leaving then-r slightly raised, and giving z them a pavement appealance. The minerals that 2 concentrate along the cracks (by leaching) rnake J+a/ -:lbs. The Sooty Oystercatcher has a close Buried under the sand dunes behind the beach :.arive, the Pied Oystercatcher (Pied means here are the stumps of the old change sheds. The : ;ck and white), which prefers sandy beaches original stumps are exposed when rough seas ,:l tidal mudflats. You will often hear the remove the covering sand. .:-uching cry of either oystercatcher, usuaily '. -en they're flying. There were still four poles remaining until recently. This surviving pole is made use of by { Instead of stone walls, piles of bluestone rock the cormorants of the Inlet. You can almost be rJ have been dumped here to prevent erosion. guaranteed that there will be a Pied Cormorant '\ nich do you find rnore attractive/ perched there at high tide. Unlike other water- birds cormorants do not have waterproof On the rock platfonn herc you will see the plumage, so they must dry their wings after each dark purplish Southern Mussel growing in big time in the water. This keeps them airborne. A - :rnps. While it might be hard for them to prominent spot like this pole provides an ::'.1rect themselves from the oystercatchers, they excellent perch for the cormorants to spread their .,.' h.*'e a very good nrethod to protect wings in a drying ritual. Cormorants are -.:mselves from waves and rough weather. Have sometimes mistakenly leferred to as "shags". . .'.r any idea what it is? (Hint: look at where they ::: attached to the rocks - is it the flat exposed (f This spot marks the end of our walk. Ayr ::ions'/) 0 Creek runs occasionally depending on the rainfall. The concrete culvert which carries Surf ] The pole in the water is the only rerrraining Pau'ade over Ayr Creek replaced an old timber / evidence of a bathing enclosure that was bridge in the 1980's. The rickety one lane bridge --ated near the mouth of Ayr Creek. is remembered fondly. A track winds upstream .' o enclosures were built at the start of the along the creek for about 500m. - intury as bathers were fearful of sharks in the -: .e t. One was located neiu'the Invelloch jetty You can retul-n to the Environment Centre along : rJ was built by the community fol communal the beacli or by following Ramsay Boulevard. As 'e . The Ayr Creek enclosure however was a an alternative you can continue along the beach :--ore private conceln. It was constructed, alon-E beyond Ayr Creek to Point Norman (500m), Surf .,. rrlr change sheds, by some of the u,ell-to-do Beach (1.5 kilometres) or Flat Rocks (2.8 -.., tpl€ who lived on this side of town in quite kiloinetres). .,:rsrantial holiday homes. It is alleged that on :: outgoing tide etiquette dictated that you leave .. - \\ater for fear it had been contaminated by the ')rnoners swimming up the Inlet in the other - ,'losure! i |1ii ;:rr::"r$r' . -r F sN*N\ q\o'' .fl*-\l\Sas.. F *ffi.-, M- t! \r :"{M 3 -,..%. z s 2 E d,I F. J lo\) 35 Iioys Bockwqler Nqture Trqil E ESTTANADE '2;-2{ ^) ffr:-la:q_YJ:)\ SToTJE l^/Al-!- -.* _l\*'-.jft!ff""_o Ll-; -;> \\, rrt/ \ i/ ,\l,i .\ i/ ,r)/ e.AcK.vtATFE- \\! !! .oyisvED wttll -) WAT€F-c]N'+ VeF1ftGWnrE -= CAKPAKK * BOAT KAMF efty (Map I, H 15) This trail looks at an interesting part of sea level. This rise may not be apparent from Andersons Inlet located not far from the centre of casual observation of the primary sand dune town. We start our walk at the jetty. To get to the ahead or the tidal backwater behind it. This jetty you follow the Esplanade for about 300 section of the Inlet's shore is in fact building up, metres from the Environment Centre. The walk is and is being progressively colonised by coastal a round trip of 30 minutes, at a gentle pace. Help plants which are suited to exposed situations. clean up the environment by collecting rubbish along the way. J Look across towards the Esplanade to view 2 the extent of Tovs Backwater. This area fills 1 From this vantage point on the beach scan with water on u u"ry high tide. Many residents I across to the Point Smythe Coastal Reserve remember when it was a perrnanent, deep on the other side of the Inlet. In 1841 backwater where boats were moored, and the Government surveyor George Smythe named this existing frontal dune was then only a sand bar. point. The backwater became known as Toys Backwater because local resident Alan Toy moored his The landform that is Point Smythe is quite young, pleasure boats there. These rowing boats were in geological terms. Around seven thousand years available to the public for hire. ago sea levels were higher. Point Smythe was not there and Andersons Inlet was part of a much The backwater had the inglorious title of larger Venus Bay. The sea came in much further 'stinkhole' because of the stench which wafted and sudden rises in the topography around from it. A large drain emptied stormwater from Inverloch indicate the old coastline (seen easily the eastern side of town into the backwater. In from the Cape Paterson road near Flat Rocks or later years as the backwater began to silt up, it north of the Tarwin Lower road near Mahers had fewer decent flushings, causing intermittent Landing). The flat sandy areas of Inverloch like stagnation. Lohr Avenue would also have been part of Venus Bay. We now see the foredune well colonised by Coastal Teatree, Coast Wattle and Coast Beard However, during the most recent ice age (20,000 Heath. The gradual process by which dunes build years ago), the seas were much lower and a land up by the accumulation of sand carried in by on- bridge existed between the mainland and shore winds, and the subsequent stabilisation b1' Tasmania. Then it was 200 kilometres to the plant colonisation, is known as sand dune beach! Presently the sea levels are rising again. In succession. Behind the dune is a substantial recent times global warming caused by human saltmarsh which we will examine more closelr' activity (the "enhanced greenhouse effect") has on our return route. led to a disturbing acceleration in the rise of the 36 I The Inlet shoreline is far from static. There is stage the water went right up to the wall, and the J clear evidence here of the intrusion of the sea wall was in fact used to moor boats. Around you .nto the sand dune. As the force of the waves is the typical saltmarsh plant community :emove the sand, established trees collapse onto containing Australian Seablite, Beaded :he beach. This erosion may continue its inward Glasswort, Chaffy Saw Sedge, and the occasional :ssault, or conditions may alter and we will see Swamp Weed. :re front part of the dune re-establish. These rerrow coastal margins are unpredictable in their The distinctive Yellow Sea Lavender with its xhaviour, and the sea walls observed along the' rosette (ring) of spoon-shaped leaves has small ,-Lrast here represent our misguided attempts to try yellow flowers in summer. The endangered .:rd modify the dynamic nature of this coastal Orange-Bellied Parrot, a winter visitor from >\ Stem. Tasmania to the south coast of the mainland feeds on the new tips of the glasswort. This is one A T\, plants colonising the foredune in this reason that saltmarshes have sisnificant .l vicinitv are much vounser. This makes the conservation value. :*ne here more vulnetuUt" 6 erosion. The .:abrlity of the dune depends on the binding (l The snail tracks in the sand are made by the :rect of the dune plants. These sensitive plants O air breather snails. The larger holes are made ,,, ould be easily destroyed by trampling, leaving by yabbies. The plants and animals in this ::e dune unprotected against erosive action of the community are especially adapted to exist here. ,i rnds. The lesson here is to stay off the dunes Generally you won't find them anywhere else ::id let these plants carry out their important except for this zone between the average high :rrural functions. spring tide and the absolute highest spring tide. Some sections of a saltmarsh may be covered i The sand dune finishes here at what is called momentarily each day, others may only be ;) a sand spir. On the hieh tide some of the covered two or three tilnes a yea.r. -riet's waders and waterfrrds congregate here as ::e tidal flats, their primary feeding habitats, are Q The sandy rises here are being colonised by :-..roded. Ahead you will see the distinctive -/ a mixture of saltmarsh plants like Marsh .::rdmark of Townsends Bluff. At the base of the Saltbush and 'pioneer' dune plants such as the 3 juff is the mouth of Screw Creek, a tidal estua.ry mauve flowered and vigorous Sea Rocket (the .red by mangroves. The mangroves of fruit of this plant is shaped like a rocket). The indersons Inlet are the second most southeriy native Hairy Spinifex and the introduced Marram . "-currence of mangroves in the world (the most Grass are also found here, binding these young : rutherly is in Corner Inlet). Explore the tidal sand rises. The Hairy Spinifex's greyish leaves ..:ts around here. You should find (depending on are furry and its stems creep across the sand. The .:.e tides) armies of blue soldier crabs scurrying Marram Grass has been planted extensively . get out of your way. The curious tracks of the around the coast to stabilise dunes. It is taller than j.;rd Snail (Moon Shell) left as they burrow spinifex and occurs in grey-green clumps. .-rng just under the sand's surface may lure you :. lursuit. ( \\'e will return along a sandy track in the Itl backwater. This section is now a saltmarsh , - rmunity. Amazingly hardy plants which can .::ate very salty conditions share the saltmarsh ,, :: \ ery specialised animals. Many saltmarsh - :riS are succulenls (have fleshy, swollen ::'' i j). The extra water in these leaves helps ;:r cope with the salt they absorb. ] \bu will have noticed the extensive wooden / :etaining walls. These were built by the :-rrnal foreshore committee in the 1950s. At that A BushAclvenfure 74a.b i,n J/',an/rat?L ethb Jr-A/aud. AADt"y',AeL €"a/4h, / (Map I, E 16) DIS USED AR'I+EKY P,AN&E /he nalivc crasslanA ,// zs eastZs/ b ac.est lus//aa/,rra ta4rlss t, J -,, 91 ald44er ua//r aTartzd ova/. '-:"--,tl Potiz/*andlleu ,' 6 posk(olA (ence) \ I o o 'o O o O ,\o o--, INYER,LOCH -TAKWIN IOWER KD. 6 rtt lrl g \)E lennis Coqrl's INYERLOCH PARADE Within Thompson Estate, which is a public I The Thompson Estate Bushland is recreational area managed by the Shire of I predominantly a woodland, with three main Woorayl, is an area of natural bushland. While types of eucalypts. Around you now is the you have probably spent most of your time in Messmate. As opposed to a 'gum', which Inverloch exploring the coastline, beaches, dunes exposes a smooth ffunk, the Messmate falls into a and cliffs, you may not have seen very much of group of eucalypts called the 'sffingybarks'. The the natural vegetation of coastal heathlands, bark type is unmistakably fibrous and stringy, swamps and woodlands and the animals which persistent to the smaller branches. Its goblet favour these habitats, which once covered the shaped fruits appear in large clusters. area where Inverloch now is. The Thompson Estate bushland gives us a glimpse of this. Beginning at this spot, make a point of searching the upper branches of the eucalypts for Koalas. It In recent years Thompson Estate has been is not true that the Koala feeds only on the leaves claimed for various active recreational pursuits, a of the Manna Gum. In fact, they require a varied sports oval, a B.M.X. track, an archery range diet selected from a few eucalypt species. Each of (now disused) and tennis courts. On the the three eucalypt species in this area provide this remaining few acres the bush and its wildlife source. remain. Koalas consume about one kilogram of leaves a For more than a decade many local people have day, so if they are around there should be plenty lobbied to have this area proclaimed as a fauna of evidence. The droppings are dull green, about and flora reserve, however its future is uncertain. 2 cm in length. Check around your feet! Its present status is "Land for Wildlife". However no works have been done to ensure its protection. f Look at ground level. The large tussock of Unfortunately the once pleasant loop track which 2long firm grass-like leaves is that of the fraversed the bushland has turned into a labyrinth Spiny-headed Matrush. The name is derived from of narrow tracks and access routes. If you are its mustard coloured flowers appearing in clusters planning to lead a group into the bushland, it is and enveloped in sharp spines. A widespread well worth a preliminary trip to gain your plant, it was used by the Aborigines for making bearings. dilly-bags and the base of the leaf was chewed. The easiest access to the bushland is from the lThis is another type of eucalypt called the oval which can be reached from Cuttriss Street. rtSwamp Gum. These trees shed their rough The guided nature walk takes about 45 minutes. hard bark in ribbons to expose a smooth grey 38 ..rrtace. Their funnel shaped fruits appear in ( Here we meet our last eucalypt type, the - -usters of three to four. As their name suggests [f Peppermint. The tree takes its name frorn the ::.e \ are typical of swampy flats and poorly particularly strong odour of the leaves when ,::eined soils. As is common here they often have crushed. This small to medium tree has a fine :1 understorey of Swamp Paperbark. weeping foliage. Notice the prominent oil dots on its leaves. Here the dominant understorey of the n'oodland now stands almost alone. The Look at the understorey plants. There are a >.,amp Paperbark with its creamy coloured variety of wattles, peas, heaths, and various : ..$ er arrangement like a bottlebrush is a climbing plants. In spring you will see a few : cnrber of the Melaleuca family. Strangely orchids and in autumn and winter a spectacular \1e laleuca" comes from the Greek words array of mosses and fungi. '::relos" meaning black and "leukos" white. r:pirentl! the first trees recorded and narned F7 A, this point diverge from the track onto the :J been burnt. Our common name "Paperbark" I open area of the disused archery range. :,,rre aptly describes this plant with its pale, soft Despite some exotic grasses there is still an :::ery bark. abundance of native heathland plants and native grasses. Without the competition of large trees - :rr tail shrub is comrnon on wet ground near these srnaller plants can sulive in this crowded . .:..ulps and streams and is still well represented situation very happily. There are teatrees, blue r..)ns roadsides and paddocks around Inverloch. lillies, flag lillies, and many annual wildflowers such as Milkmaids and Yellow Stars. Therc are -,rtrk here amongst large clurnps of summer flowering Kangaroo . : Swamp Grass which is easily recognised with its reddish ?:perbalks for an brown flower spikes. rirclv looking ball ..,. igs and leaves Cl At the waterhole, close your eyes for 30 :tt)ut 25 cm across. O seconds and listen foj'the sounds of the l.le se are the nests, bushlife around you. You will probably hear ' rlreys, of the several diffelent birds and sounds of life in the .'..:rctail Possurn, watel hole. ., '.ich favours sites of , ,,,re ly spaced trees. The water hole is an ecosystem itself. There are :..lrstails al'e algae and plants around and in the water. Insect - ,;tumal; as with so lalae and water fleas feed on this vegetation. -t -:nV of our native Their waste products accumulate on the bottom : :mals. The bushland and are recycled by bacteria and micro- -::e provides a great organisms. So much is happening in and around ::ortunity for some the water hole, with many of the organisms being _: rt spotlighting. You' re sure to see the so minute we cannot even see them. We can, , .>LlrrrS, but watch out for owls. bats and however, see Water Fleas, larvae and frogs that ''':::llPinl mice too' provide a valuable source of food for the many birds and animals in the surrounding woodland. i The cypress-like, pyramid shaped trees here rJ :r'e the Wild Cherry (or Cherry Ballart). It is 'fhis dch food source, coupled with the :a,r' parasitic on the roots of other trees availability of drinking water and shelter of the :.:ecially eucalypts).As its fiuit matures, its dense bushland offers a perfect home for our '.,.i increases too, eventually becoming larger wildlife. 14 -:r the fruit and forming a fleshy, red, pear ,rii7o]=*-S+ + :re . These "cherries" were eaten by Aborigines '^-)-" +, i ,- -: e arly settlers. In the early days of Australian --.-.- z'7- I ' ,z- l'.' :::ie rnent this "chen'y with a stone on the ././ J , 'il .-.:ide" was cited as evidence of the bizan'e state . in the new land! --.(r-- ,'' 1. ':fairs ' il t 5Y SUnYARofi/e 71..e are /2 o/12"/s /o/.n,'/.to//ec/aa3t eoe'-/eacl'&2t:/::7ez '4oa' cot77'2aa*a 7" co//,er/ro'z' {4-.lt )r" 1ro,, 3or- 7o2fr '4' ,/3" )/au cau/"/ 7e/ 50 7o/z* ^rn\5 Phea5a',"- e)'re\l ?-\" Abol; shell' 2 7"rnF st9r\ 6\a -.4 /a' \' ,:s#?:y; st po,h/s P\)e?L{rd z-A1h g).t{=ft t iC r C oru z ey,od I 1- rr?uq I|t,UC luot') ,\ Y 11"-l- I "-> 1""1salJ q\u\.oe sfLrrco I ., 6r,,r.,, autt J . .'/ '€ a7-\2 \vfi+a0 - a':1't9.{sio2 ES, r. / lau,s auo3 "*"'ffi ci,rrrl nstz//t r'o 'H24)t/;/ t''ol. .)-' il,L,/;2!/' ,r,uf^r,u,4'ttu 5/auQo /o a/; tz2n' 's ^ut// 2tz az.fu' 7''_''-,u/.re' vJQg /a - 4'"ts2 # l)?//') f"'r/q s7>a'/7a 7/ //Q/4/t.tlo) 07r11 uS b'tTtttta4a6Z't/)Oa /; drt 'OYA/Wrg _ Ssrs:hh hh Sa''d ll''e se^ j::4;','W,t;"j}f,lE , Pleqse lislen lo me TsdH ;I:.ii.:i;dffi t Ss,rs hhhh t1i Sai/ f'he sc a llt Or pottun.) t'tr be :# ?leose don'l du^p jour liller $/ ?leos" show mc .ro.^ carz Leave nolh',nj lfl lo"lyr''"|> -fo show yo"u've been Vhere . M@ffiKsWv o/ou zi't// .aee/ a 6rV lo7 4- co,/ec/ttz7a;zd a -so,/t/ caay'az)e. /o- g,,/ass azl eller sZa,.7 o/)".ral 12-/.o- .o//t-7/ores or /./-te lozTs r"-7r.k zz7 /4e ra/,6)tA- ..e.i' / /ou.,/, a.,ytl/z'1t /"- l,/,2-A .o.',//"te ,4a humbcr I lvmbe? | avfibcf , oa)EcT colleelcd OAECT rollecLd OBJECT eollzcted DRINK CANS ?t as-iflc BorfLE€ PTASNTI C BAGS EEER, BOTTLES ?ecs oF BRoKEN G,As.s OTHEK GLASS CoTNAN€R5 PLA5TIC sTRAWs stx?AcK ?lAsnc RttJ65 FISHINE LINE -Tb?s BoTTTETo?s.s K r..-F CI&A?ETTE BUTTS FooD h.,R.,avT=*t Ro"E / sTR r^/6 TSTAL the vnos[ common \pe'lqoe- oP tiller Pound is /a.e. NOW,SORT YOUR UTTER INTTO THESE 3 ffTFSORIES,COUNT ANP RtrORP: lolal number ,. tValyRA LLY R.E CY CABLE r. z. BIaDF-.9'RADABLG CoNMER I1ALLY RECY1ABLE e qlass,a/um,n,,,a z, r.som.plasli{ e p'aper. NON RECYCA9L€ z.?. manl plaslics,and olher 5. " sXalhd*ic p,oduek. Most- op lhe l'tTe. we pou"d was (oat of the 3 cale3orrbs) {aR.oDuc€=jD EY THe.soLrfH 6;tPPs4 NtrJ CoNsqavaqflog saerel,rTNjc,allvrRcNt\r\ENJr<€}rre€.FA.kX 6cZ TNV€RLOC Fl -:qa6 42 +'42at- zs il I zz '/'2'41 l1//7t.t, '/'4e o/ o ,/ooy'l, /a/ l.zzztcT"- ,tzzacy' ,bz7Vez, o,rrcl'1o7' cam /" /rurzd Lat/zea up azt ,//e .3zz//.a27 Coas/. /zna5'tzy,! rztay,4, t*' ctn cz)r "rp17:2 ,Zol., l^/fia.r AN|MAI.S DrE -rHE SEA,/ aNLY T?+€- HARiDtsl ffr213, SOCH AS SHELLS/ 'N E&.A=4 SURV(VE -Tb BE WASHED UP ON TTE BEACH. SKELET?hIS, AND.TTIE.F, ,/ pr-ay btZygnOnte peT.qtyE'Ar"D M4-1-6 si -rrt € B€ACfrcoMB rNa FINDS (4r r*e- tscT?ox 6e -f!+ls fee<.) "TD THE ANlA,lAt-S TI-{EY C>M€- FRoM. , €-.13 I t,, rf .r RUSTT CATSHAKK f. WA KKENEK SEA URCI] IN C H IroN LEFISI{ SP,KULA F-'cur :w ouT AND PAgrE -filq_ oEl)ELTs ?E-ruFFJ Be.LrlVl AL,F&+ T++{s LlN6' NExT- To THIANTNAALTH ey cAMe FaoM t"ffrtu-.^\.'. 7'ne'--!J \ - ir r;1.- 1:l llJll- --. io i { fl-; iAffi&i', / i zrvo lt\1ilffi - .\E€#i/'ffiffi)iQp ffi-' nq\'T--- / \ 1\ qgfg$p.;, 'r m.j - -.{y{**_-- }r'\!,N ,, ttr4 VS/hl t -i:-DLTPED EYTt+€- g()\-ir+t 6(f-?s(.A.ND aor.E€-EVATTor-J SoCtE:r:/,Tr.r<.,€ruUr "'l!'r:rg ,, , l* is lorl,t li& m At&rsa,pTnh+,4re vasl jsulflLyls at-e l- erToseA and nlan! w&r ond w^htbit* seb"+ fn a fuA. I I MUDFLAT 5M ORGASBOAR i D GAME Tb 7la5 4$e gawe-, you 4ake on 114e role { +hre. dt(ferc'n+ birds. L, A Re'D-NFc/x;ED STtNr,eah'uq V strrr,ll snails, @ in *he"shore zane: 2. An EASTERN cuRtEVt ea+fi4i 3 burrowitt4 ctab,ar+ in llv-ktd(ta+ zcrc,t: 3. A RotAL S?ooNgr,.L ea+tlug- 3 swsll fish, * in lhd'shaltant wakr znn!. .You, hr* iuus+ ftid and e,at +hetr fodrwhirh goor ogorw* has nryrked on hVlwr grid t sin th" same eeme, Your o7p"ro^I4 blt4s mu*f f td anA edt +het, (od, whbh J6" have *ii*cA on Sa,rr 5rid. er,-ple:::::":,^7.:,2,":r?yi[,::j;,]""-r" T^b'* in lurns h call oqt a qriA rn-ference, E*h ',(',P furn lell furry.tr opporcvrt ++"\++"1 lnve fo*dlon d an anwala^x B-] 3vr or ni*E. Cft;; ot+t e.trh arttiral as'* e q \rt &,und. *d llou will nsd -b l@f +oo. 91C_ +d* 4 .p, f*A .s a- zy'te. Ftr o 7e /r*/ o?/e h ///4c/ arz{ eal-----, itr* /he' ez(r re srzzo2Vasho ad ruizs/ yl:.+ rnffdtr,or ffik" A I t__ C DE G HI _ __J ?RdDt)ceD BY 1 +1e- soUTH cor.EF_RlA'riONJ ( 6tpf=L,4\b Soctaly ENC, ENylFoNMEt Jr E \JTe/? O. BOx 60 ZN t l€< 1sXffi 46 LV llr'-rJ=^NI ,-t x,-{3 ,l'-D)tiat -!N?wNo>lANz rNf: NC-)uv^>3sNo, M o n;vee-tAU 'f HQ- Sc't rfi+ &r P?=l ,ANr) olSe.1gV, c T I v I T Y L. s.ff', r*<3c€{..{fi5**=tc-,,!i Wh"". Ao l)'n wearrnJ w^e ail live?. h I$e 7u..lel. R.e9a \t)/- n"iie A. \Y?o.6F I'm small +,mg relalve A (\J is t^ Yhe c.om?osr c \J Sooct T ? @ l)rn usually vnder frie roc,k t 4 o brcwn s"owee) .o{leJ segl-u net ------v f,*r'- I b ii :"r sho1"d + s|i& [\ht lo lhe rocksl. T oul *.,"o btue-riryd.- b- &woi"h lo. Y it^e!;:\1,':rn'" :;:f r; "6.iv Y 2. I ro*" @ p-?ln,lor,:, b ....o o{A"rs .1usf lovz mq shefi; ^", >\ A c T I v I Y v" W$".?1;fti A2, D' E3, F5/;, G7, Gn, H7O, H7, ITr I J8rJ6rK5r L4 6rP2rS?. riow, ioi 6i& a(,A2.. t:*r:in*,o*i,',23m'trs ZA*:"5 fronllteW'hat4"Iq, e :,".no| lhe well known landrnark oP th" Builrronq Marine ?ark lhal you have drqwn J .:. E/'rfl€ so.'4u GIFF=L p5 CoNS€=vATrc^l €'cclFrrTNrzENVt t wrr$ $Ys-r€R ^t e ssaG9 T A o g' R E T A w K E D U D e o A L I A T B o s s rf 'UF T T o A c n U D F L A T s u U o x o 5 H P A t{ K T o ,v o E A L s H L E L E H 5 , F Y L L E J E E H s K A T E c A o E T w B B L E o E E L L D H f, H A 6 o A L w c L tl L 5 E A s T A B c K E U T P , A U c , E B E E K it n T o M fv D fU F B c , D L ? A E ? P D I o A e v P , E A o c T E U s w f, H Y f, T H E H o L T )( s , g E A c H o L s w L E o , w E H c o L R E v r{ , L F D F z , R E T 5 Y o s E H F AIR FIN MUDFLATS SHELL ALBATROSS FISH MANGROVE SKATE BEACH FUN NEPTUNE SEA STAR BOAT GAME OCTOPUS suN BULL KELP GOOSE BAKNACLE OYSTER TIDE CARE HOLE PI EK UNDERWATEK CRAB HOLIDAY PLANKTON I,{ATER DAY OUT INVERLOCH KELAX WHALE DOTTEREL TELLYF'SH ROEKPOOL WIND EEL Lll-'IPET SAND ZEBRA FISH l'Rar>ocED B'/ r*e- sou111 G(PI=L^ND &'N=€RVA1ie4 soCtATl,INc.,ENVIRoNN\E!.{r C€}.$8.7o.tu<6o ?.lyaelocH 50 i9 -"tir.r?i -/taJ) 't{.:. -!41"_a;11va2)<'ii .;4- if.{=wf\r.)z r4N=-rNi.^i=trq,r N(JjLyr\.:r?=Noj) QNv > l)j,.tr29 -:4.1; ta is,nu%t parafiws?nry noi fF ro ,ptl? walpq y'FW Jopcs 4rpwot v PyA noh q'a7zztd attad 7rft fuWw,qJ Fq +4twffiWv wo brnonung a/t+ Mtut4 noh t4/1wt lucq \ry ^tvoll lnoqe +t1o plu l-- ACROSS DOWN 1. I need looking after, I cover two thirds of the 2. A marine mammal sometimes found in our planet. waters. 4. The activity where we search the tide lines for 3. We live in the rockpools and our shells have the sea's "ffeasure". eight sections. 8. Areas of land where native plants and animals 4. The name of Inverloch's Marine Park. ale protected (2 words). 5. The scientific name for an animal like a 10. Seabirds, like gulls. cuttlefish, squid or octopus. 11. The opposite to a high tide. 6. I'm a bivalve and live attached to rocks in large clusters. 12. The Bunurong is a - - - - - Park. 7. I hold a giant kelp onto the rock. 14. Plants need me for photosynthesis. 9. I look like a tiny volcano and live in great 15. Should you wear thongs when rockpooling? clusters fixed firmly to the rocks. 16. I live on the rocky shores and have a peculiar 13. A town in South Gippsland at the mouth of sideways way of moving. Andersons Inlet. 17. The plants of the sea. 14. I am well camouflaged amongst the seaweed 19. Animals that are caught bv others for food are and my closest relative is the sea horse. called their _ 16. I belong to a group of animals called 20. Decomposers in the food web eat and Cephalopods and my internal shell is decaying plants and animals. commonly found washed up on the beach. 22. Because the water in Sctew Creek is affected i 8. Environmental Education (initials). by the tides it is called a creek. 21. I uncover and cover the rockpools twice each 23. Another name for a stalfish. 24 hours. 2J.I'm black and lightweight and hold the young 24.Iam a common bivalve, sometimes tiny with of some species of shark until they hatch. pretty colours. 30. Our rubbish, indusuial waste and sewerage 25. Another word for decay. all__ themarineenvironment. - 26. A fish, sometimes feared but here at 32. A feral animal which is a danger to native Inverloch, our types are only lmetre long and animals and birds. friendly. 34. Inside my shell are beautiful colours. I'm 2tt. If it weren't for me a fish couldn't breathe! "ear" shaped. 29" The abalone will _ any waste products 35 A slang tetm for a sudboard rider. through the holes in its shell. 36. A tough, thick brown seaweed. 30. A sunken part in the rock platform makes an ideal rock 37 North east (abbreviation). 31. Recedes (as in the tide going out). 33. The complex feeding pattems of a group of animals is called a food 'ri-i Frf la,tA\ I. ,-. Ar.]E-R\,Ati( te "4 tE'la' ,{Nr-. F.ri\,I(|ONJN-r,ENtT a€.t.iT{?.X.'f:1 T=. Y 11. .TN\E?/[,(d 3776 C-o ii , F- c [ ; i-f L M N IO1/ ; L3 ; l+ 13 12 71 1n g ? 6 7 3 z )1 r__l I II_lltN-o USE THE GRID BORDER TO DECODE THE HIDDEN MESSAGE BEI.oW ag , K+ , Pg ,Fl+, D3 , M5, A7 , F2 ,l22MZ o.f5,A5 P+\CL,D7,K5,N\O,BL,L1Z guft+ =:> BY 'ly.e CoxccFvA l-io J :,o.tgfvl P EssING 3E 5*"ll delicole seaweels are lhe besl h press qnA mounl.. like hhe bea"l$ul 'pink anA reA ones wash.d up on lhe 'beq.hes p.om Fhe oceon depths.Don'l'park t{se fhick ones n,rfh f/eshq Corall,ne, al3ae rnill o}k"^ bre",k rp'^,h"",'rf rs dry. YOU WItL NE ED ofreshf .l eolle"Ied solweed swrall r TatW bnsh a sfu!+ ol +hvk gF'Qyhion t*hiok'paw( or card o Sctssors a lok fo{s 8( nrnVoyur arrt , oq shafiow dEh or ttatl . o( a heavy book or bricks 3au2e ^llotA . Vse only lreshly callecledseawepd. i +t . Fill *he dsh wth waler and put 1 ',3 wt *he 4lass a^d pdpen lF q,j" . Rinse o^:t savd 4( i d^'l hdve 3lass,uLe'havy iard. o Q.il awo.1 or 1at1ld +t^ic* ?at4s. ^vri .Nogof I oa+ " +he seaweed on +o?. o Arranqe l4oor xnweed bq -r{ ryreat iq otrt wr*h a sril,all leuel Pai,n+ biush.You m4q vteed 1o feu^te a lrftb lttaler tr"o slop _l yiw teoweuA l^^ floahrtg' awoll . 't!]& qta55, Noy_slowlg,NOW sfowlq ryttwt W1lass, 7q oit o{ 14,1e fy work,^q and *s,tteil wi*lpx vtwwtdler'r&waler" Aeaag a^d' y*l With tho . f:q'{ \ Pcinl brash Ihe'xaweeA"G sft)g"clini^3'l1ifi +o 4he ?yr .-fTtf sliahtlq 'b (bnove 44q o(ess if rrdiJ Watef L , L^-1,- lt '^t. uoot->7 ol-tcx' - avd gauLotawaS fnod fil,e 1lass. . =-*--j-=::==t--l -=- . Now to wwkg,.a.'sea$eed sandwir-lli =-= 'i- == _"+ neWspapr I ='- tl 7,^( l& lo{<. o Cl'wvwe 40le vtewpap{ , and 4 npnsP^Pet i Oach d,arl ' tllnde.v and on *o7) ' I utnhl 9/lne e.a,weed 'is brrm.aex p& i A brown seeweed o rgJ a!9ce fhe A gran seawl{-se-nUcz NEPrqve.s ReA S,ea"tee4 Prom deepxeqa rue< gJv4.co.F( €fffi -"ttV *ref-r*t> aoFrsEgtATroN s4,cEIY, N}c z €l.JV l"oNMEr\tf Ce\trF€l 6ox6o 99 eb 1b:b€ P-rr-r731r{t'Og Xo{ oa'A-II\3J tr.r3nlNOrlAN?'2Na /A)arxn, N.rr-IvniFtr;ru,rJ qN\frsJ ^"tg o\ ",ri.6. we?) J)J<. fi)z -:-^--.- ,i,fi#Louq6nar4 !4,oo : (oo1 u,. FDrMbas passa.rd Frp aaror ;nd ;";'or uo1) Romv noi ralyws roaddtz prycqs p)qitnt''slowtuv'aqylaqw'away ivMo',aoi u6tp pya .^o1uoM noFi *oq waql z)uo.tro V vlat4l raolo) vo) no)\ atnptd.,4-2lr rvv=:o N=do. Joo6- vt w?q|\-..,,--'<2. ?sn ? tPolra^uJ- jJo uuaeo uado at4+ur.yrJ gtooc noh 1?\Nt.uvr ?rg araH*,,'i\ +no "saq+ fD avo/ "v.t09 vr4+ a.!. "vDqeolp) ' 4,4[tl awcs ,.tn.ylrl mm1a.d ?q+ anlt'Q^a a6P'z"' 3Y;tn1u4 f+roaq lllm Jooh bupr4 hoh^o't w? J"qtt^?t r.t?L Jl Puooru' l +vq+ 'ava4do|a? +s7q s. N 40+ 2\+ ao, ?nlq ?v- jo o+uo saln)xtd ?uttv',., "ubt44otl?l 'hll}'t/,u,a:lq 'a f' ?Datd D ar\b J\v (u ta?u J a rt ah abv\olt'o;b Y 'Joi ,a \ (1^szsolc ttt) ) ?'u t frif,ffiil:iiTL'f"*aq ,,'(Ro' ,'*,\ Jaal shpmlU (hrnnu aszr4ltoJ rcf) i 'sawan) aq Jo 6i$ oluo :stql alll sauDrd b ?la.rl a- :ur?t'tf zuo,1do11zt a\q ?)ad v anl? q:'1s dod alppod .F t "nla pvy2 sautotJ dfi yo Fo1 log,,l "nol "s "ff i, .N-S s$s NWBS@ NHSS, SSSA BNSflN Se N@ffi 'wtf,x 'wtrt x 'wttt 'y91&lv ?Jlrffatlt tf/'4 awqdolpc aryq, aJnfrtl o-e i;it| x et65?? ilryg,. ' ' aJnp ld O-g uN rn o 6 "ttlb^dvdanlh eafi. o+ votloltlwwt tnd,"Aaa'n aq'l srPl+s Jod agpod qg . jj$2,nt rrEawta$ uw)o ;ls,vau fiw n7A ttado 4tul.E\4n 1Pq'n gb@u,W0 ?,/ed0 eareails Once again we listen to the to be, that the Helmeted Shire of Woorayl via the Town Honeyeater, Gorrlla. Panda, Planner atlempt to justity lhe Flpnhenl trt. trt. are Under unjustitiable removal of yet threat of extinction due to more vegelalron. habitat loss but how many less Thrs time rts what was lhe obvious creatures have Prod Melaleuca and EucalyPt already or soon will become section of the Aye Creek only pictures in books or even PH. drai nage/open creek reserve. disappear without our 7c,d Will the Shire bre satisfied only knowing of their existence. when it has modified evei"y' We don't know because that To the editor, takes a specialist knowledge square millimetre o{ Inverloch I think that this bulldozing land whtch in the name of progress ?. of our envrronment pathetic. people to business is We don't very few care paying just Complete regeneration ol a aqu ire let alone orgain isaf like money so men destroyed area of bushland ions like ihe Shire of can bulldoze and, ldon'tthink takes longer than our lifetimes Woorayl whrch seem to revel that the countsil is crue just even with the best intentions. In an arroganl tgnorance very ignorant. Please other What happens to all ol the lile and indiflerence. kids write letters to the paper displaced by its removal ? lt Like Julian Lennon'salt or 10 the countsrl itself about doesn't just move into the next water wells in mY eYes'. iow rrnporlan' i' ts to tet the bit, that is chock -a -block wtth bush grow natura!ly. The f iercely competitive and envlroment In Inverloch rs lerr,lorial crealu.es arready ovel! and we shourdn l spoil stressed by reduced habitat. A looki at an aerral photo of Inveroch taken a few years \ ago shows rhe ,apidly s .4e.r'e, a7e //uo /e/.br:s atr)//ezt diminishing area natural of tl/e " et, //e bushland with most ot the rb //e'-Zrzyer/e cj a-s r remainder presently under ,c( //,)€ 7g' 97/en /s,,,t,-'tr... /rt:7 77 lhreat f rom either subdivision -2 / /17/'(/ Q lc t rT' ./z n7'.' /at I b/crt,4 or clearance 'to get a better y' view of the water'. .t/i/-trot bz-, //ry'o se L'/'/" a 4e tL/al /2, a d, aiz". {ne /e/ler INVEPUoeH 1-'a\ rurr//et, lq a 7 cVea, o,/.y' c/t/r1, //re oAe, by"rrn cr.y'u//. VC L?TEE 7/tc //tts/trz/tan Erz"7s cz-e DrraA{rf'l ('k1,(/ tzzuc,4 czs //te /,rorr{s./ HAT CAN YOU DO?I Herc, s Sonvlhitq qou could red in a local pqPer NEW TOURIST FACILITIES- FzRESHzRE ro BE oLEARED carpark and playgror.rnd is proposed fol tl" Inverloch foreshore only n-Iinutcs A ncw will from the busy shoPPing ccntrc. Naiurit bush, including teatree and banksia trces be clcarcd I'rom the forcshore ncxt to thc'Glade'. "This is great", said a local resident' ,'NoL only do u,c get l"norc carlrark, clearing the foreshorc rvill givc a great view of tlte r-^^^l- {-^*. rl.a ,1.,,,. r.cnrrr-" ih.Thc u..iAre,A is lookcd al'tcr bVby thct locai Dcpartment of Lr"*rr"^i;;;'tn.'rlr""--lL"ri";;i' land Conscrvalictn and Envirotrmeut An Inverloch Rangcr said, "I don't want to sec thc that" clcarccl . but if Invcrloch \\/ants thesc facilitics I sr.rpposc that is . 5\- ib" *" r"ed the hnL-;.;pZ* /b" /'e aeel ,udh/r p ,,$t'- C iF q"t. B lhere soqewl'ere e/se the^/ cqn fu */ed / /" lhe bush /-hthc1 / i.,*, .Slittl-.Do h/e be sau;lrq pl3cv- ol/,". peop/e a7/ee /4ri/h /ou /lvnZl arelour dil obo_ut wl4a+,5ou.1hinkr*f,rn AFter Vy have ^* 1 &c_iaon ! i ttn&,"To+le zdihr"or PnAw A ?osrEK ti 1fue gour views. l___ |A|r,'.,.€f.,F;!,TH€.3..ji]rt}.-I['1.:'{ANi).(.}.l...ERvA1ir|',.?ict€-lY]N..-FNv|R.)NN1F't - - : :ossibilities of creating your own Games - : " -ri-rrlrrlertally related activities are endless. Crab Walk Races j:en - love treasure hunts and many variations Miming Choose a habitat and children are could be made. There are required to mime an animal from it e.g. a ' -,.'e -sames - :.erous craft ideas which could be adapted rockpool. You could mime a crab, fish, anemone, " -,i material that children have seen or Who am I? Twenty questions. One child thinks . :"-red on their outdoor activities. However, if of an animal. Other children may ask questions - reed some ideas, here are some from us. e.g. Do you live in a rock pool? Do you eat algae? To which the child can only answer "Yes" {-'raft Activities or "No". After twenty questions hopefully '.liking shell jewellery This can be done by everyone knows who you are. -':1r threading shells onto thread or buying the Memory Game "At the beach today I saw ....." . ..li ior earrings and pendants from craft and each child adds another, after reciting all the -::,r CentreS. previous words. .and pictures These can be crcated on stiff card Feely Boxes Place an object in a coloured box. A , ' ,S a craft glue. The sand is sprinkled over the small hole is cut so that a child can put their :: ilue and the excess shaken off when dry. hands in and feel the object. Its also good to be ,,,louring Hare's Tail Grass (also known as able to shake the box and smell it. Children could ' : ".\sv tails") This common grass on our make their own and classmates would have to ::rhore is not a native plant. They can be guess what is inside. : ::ed into coloured inks or vegetable dyes. Board Games Children are great at devising .nell Decorative Containers Shells can be their own board games with a given theme. They - -:need into decorative patterns and glued on to can be given a large sheet with a grid drawn on to . or wooden boxes. It is best to use a tile set them started. . :.1-.i[t. r...ite \Iaking Using the shapes and forms of Shell Wind Chime -':nfle animals. '. [,-rbiles Make marine animals such as jellyfish, - . crabs from coloured paper, cellophane, :l: etc and hang on a thread from a wire coat - _:. Jer. ..air eed Craft Make cards and pictules with , :.sed dried seaweed. -'l eaving Using a small wooden frame with nails :ich end, the warp can be prepared in carepullq o,.d slowlq Qs rv.ang shells break - eosffq.aasilrt. l/rslYts bes[best IalaVvork WorK ri.tn 6atrs,wtrl.l,iat!.w\lh cnecne . -:mercial string or wool, but the rest can be perston a.d fhe oll.'rer h'otdinq the shel/ ,hJ..\J drillinq . :e in natural materials including dried seaweed h"Ty tn pastfton. - : sticks. r-J '/ ,\ \ '\1se ut and Shell Creatures There are a huge "}7|:.+- a piece "f ::-etv of shells and banksia cones are plentiful dr',Ptrwi:oA here - :ne foreshore. Use tile cement for shells and ,.,d glue for woody cones. Small plastic "eyes" .,:. be bought in bulk from craft stores. : .',;ernber: Collect only what yott will need and se SIrrnq or rh;ck pisfr'ng line " . itrtused natural material shottld be returned. 'Fridge Magnet Crea[e ct ptc]ure it N pair*' or pell pen here - rruf knof obove a"d beiow ]hehole.lo hold slell v place 6- slorf ftom lhe boll"m ';s7 pipi shells lef+ on lhe beach bu shell and work vp. - rsherinen w ho use lhe shellftsh for 6a,l 57 NOteS On ACtivify SheetS (Fo,Teochers & Leoders) Bunurong Beachcombing Treasure Hunt "lesson" to rockpooling. It is looking at species At:tit'it1t sheets I and 2, page 40,11. diversity and animal behaviour. It is a different Children love treasure hunts. Two sheets have approach to merely looking and identifying plants been prepared to reduce competition for the same and animals. obiects and to yield a more diverse collection if you wish to have a display later on. Only one Mudflat Smorgasboard Game example of each object should be collected Actit,ity sheet 7 , page 46. except of course for rubbish which should all be Using three of our common waterbirds and their removed from the beacir. The treasure hunts are feeding habits in Andersons Irrlet, this game is a ciesigned for use at the ocean beaches (Point variation of the well known "Battleships and Norman to Cape Paterson). Remernber: no Cnrisers" played by two people, which many collection in the Sanctuary Zone of the Bunurong older children will be familial with. Fol younger Maline Park. children, use the gdd, ask thern to fill in "their food" for each of the birds and then cali grid Inverloch Litter Survey references, as in calling numbers for "Bingo". If a Activ'iry* sheet 3, page 42. pencil is used the grid can be reused. Perhaps l'his activity uses the skills of data collection and after a visit to obsenve the birds in Andersons categorising objects. The terms biodegradable, Inlet, children could create their own game, role recyclable and non-recyclable will need defining. playing other bird species. Hi-uhlight the difference between animal and plant materials breaking down to be retulned to Limpets Journey the ecosystenl as opposed to many of our Activiry, sheet 8, page 17. manufactured products which will not This garne explores the behaviour of a limpet breakdown, or if they do, rnay pollute. The within a rockpool ecosystem. Children are great illustrations suggest other hazards. Care should at making up their own board -qames. They could be taken when collecting litter. Bags of rubbish do this, by choosing any animal in any habitat can be deposited in the bins provided on the and exploring its behaviour and relationships to foreshore, or if large quantities are collected, its sunoundings to determine the moves of the including recyclable materials, they can be left at galne. the Rangers Office. Alphabet Beach Gander Bunurong Detective Ac'tit,ity sheet 9, page 48. Act[r'ity sheet 4, poge 13. As simple or difficult as you choose. For older The pictures of the animals and the objects to children encourage thern to recall some species match are not in correct proportion. names or environmental studies termir-rology. Answers can be found in the S.G.C.S. pamphlet, Beachc'ontbing Guida for South Gippsland Activity sheet 10, page 49. Coustal Areas. The Environment Centre is shown hele in its original premises. For five years the Centre Different Habitats occupied an old butchel shop in A'Beckett Street, Actit'ity sheet 5, page 14. which has since been demolished. It featured a This sheet introduces the concepts of habitats and wonderful painted mural above the verandah and ecosystems and basic scientific data collection. It always had sea-rrulls lined up on its roofl will encourage the user to obsenve the differences at many levels between different habitats. For Solutiott: c R A E young children it is best to compare two very o R M T different places e,g. Thompson Estate Bushland H I () N and a beach habitat such as the rockpoois. For t{ t, K L A E older children two more similar habitats can be L M 7 r compared e.g. mangroves and saltmarsh. a c T (t 7 S A N E .4 o N E Rockpooling B A L N E Actiyitl: sheet 6, page 15. This activity is designed as an adults directed 58 ':,iSid€ Fun - Word Search Pressing Seaweed - '. .n sheet ll, page 50. Actit,ity sheet 14, page 54. The use of the word "seaweed" is generally accepted as the common name for macro marine algae. Algae can be microscopic or as big as the giant kelps. Some algae are freshwater, some marine and others live in damp places. The three main groups of algae which we know as the "seaweeds" from the beach are red algae, green algae and brown algae. When pressing seaweed be aware that smaller and thinner seaweeds will take a lot less time to dry out than large thick seaweeds. Some fleshy seaweeds could take weeks and weeks of changing the paper daily! Many seaweeds after drying will stick to the paper they were arranged on. Thicker seaweeds tend to lift off when dry and have to be glued in place. Seaweed can also .!:i()ll .' be preserued, for classroom display by soaking in ' :erv Message: "Don't collec't lit,e shellfish." a solution of 7 parts glycerine: 3 parts sea water (+ small amount of disinfectant to stop mould : ieture Puzzle growth). Leave it soaking for about a week and :,irysheet12,page5I. then hang or arrange flat to dry. It will look .t:i. t.ttt : "fresh" for years. c:; Open Ocean in 3-D Activity sheet I5 , page 55 . Discuss relevant animal behaviour before commencing this activity. For example, the octopus, crab and crayfish would all be living neal the rock, the sea dragon nea.r the kelp. If the objects drawn are too small for children to cut out, they can draw their own. There are some Open Ocean in 3-D, constructed by young rossword and Hidden Message childlen on display in the Environment Centre. :.,. tn' sheet 13, pages 52,53. . -tti.ott: What can you do? Activiry sheet 16, puge 56. For any age group, this activity will stimulate children to think about an issue and to consider the environmental impact of human needs and desires. The place, "The Glade" at Inverloch (Map I, G13) is real, but the issue is purely hypothetical! '.,ltlen Message: "Eilinction is forever." 59 Further I nformqlion & Conlocls South Gippsland Conservation Society Inc. Inverloch Information Centre and Shell Environment Centre Museum Cnr Ramsay Boulevard and the Esplanade POBox60 In 1980 the Inverloch community purchased the Inverloch 3996 Jack Lewis shell collection after the death of this local resident. Over the years the collection has The Environment Centre, operated and staffed by been added to by purchases and donations of volunteers only, has a range of static displays and other notable collections. regular changing displays suitable for children. Voluntary helpers who have excellent local These displays were combined to become the natural history knowledge are sometimes Inverloch Shell Museum, which has always been available to give talks to primary school giroups. displayed publicly in conjunction with the The Centre stocks an excellent range of books, operation of an Information Centre. The display posters and charts, as well as cards and gift items. is acknowledged as being one of the best in the Underwater viewers are available for hire. world. Open to the public - v,eekends, public holidays For more than a decade the museum and and school holida-vs information centre was operated by volunteers" In I0 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1992 the shell collections were transferred to the Open to sc'hools and groups on weekdavs by Shire of Woorayl who then employed an aytpointntent information officer and curator of the museum. Phone John Simpson (056) 7 42 671 Open to the public l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Department of Conservation and Environment It is advisable for schools and groups to ring for - Victoria an appointment. .DCE Inverloch For further information contact Inverloch Foreshore Shire of Woorayl (056) 629 200 or Eastern Camping Area the Information Centre (056) 1 42 7 06. The Esplanade POBox2l Gould League of Victoria Inverloch 3996 67 High Street Phone 1056\ 141236 Box 446 The Ranger's Office is open Il a.m. - 12 p.nt. Prahran 3181 dailv. Phone (03) 51 1701 or 51 4109 .\'arram Regional Office Victorian Institute of Marine Sciences 310 Commercial Road (South Gippsland Weeroona Pde Highway) Queenscliff 3225 Yanam 3971 Phone (052) 520375 Phone (051) 825 155 The Institute operates two Marine Studies .Dandenong Regional Office Centres, one at Queenscliff and one at Tooradin. 205 Thomas Street Both centres run a wide range of programs for Dandenong 3175 primary, secondary and tertiary students. There is Phone (03) 706 7000 some excellent printed material available. Bike Hire The DCE is responsible for National Parks and Bunurong Bicycle Hire Marine Parks as well as the management of all Bicycles available all year. Phone (056) 741 980 other public lands. They should be contacted for information on permits and regulations. They Camping and holiday facilities for groups have limited interpretive seruices available for . Uniting Church Camp (Map I, G 9) the Inverloch alea. . DCE Foreshore camping (Map I, I 18) . Private parks and holiday units. 60 Books Most of the books, charts and posters listed here I *ld League Publications are available at the Environment Centre, ,Shellfish Sun,ival. Caring for the Coast. inverloch, either for sale or on loan from the .Coastal Wildlife. Centre's library. South Gippsland Conservation .Plus a good range of activity materials, Society publications are available for purchasb at suwey charts and booklets in the survival the Environment Centre or by mailing an order to series. S.G.C.S. Inc, Environment Centre. : -ih Gippsland Conservation Society P O Box 60, .- ,:rications Inverloch, 3996. .Rockpooling Around the Bunurong (These publications are described in the .Andersons Inlet: Waders and Waterbirds introduction of this book.) , .-:orian Institute of Marine Sciences Books : '.:.rcations Environmental Activities Around Inverloch...$9.80 VIMS has published an excellent Marine Bunurong Coastal Reserve...... $2.00 Life Resources Kit for use in mid-upper Andersons Inlet: Waders and Waterbirds ...$4.80 primary school. It contains teachers guide Rockpooling Around the Bunurong...... $2.00 booklets, student booklets, information sheets and work sheets on a wide range of Charts marine topics. It is a comprehensive kit A guide to Inverloch...... 50c and is highly recommended as a purchase S hells of the Inverloch Area...... 80c by schools. It is suitable for use in the Beachcombing Guide for South Gippsland Inverloch area. Coastal Areas ...... 1J0c Poster Posters Eagles Nest, Bunurong Coast ...$2.80 'rld League Publications (Laminated) $6.80 .Beuchcontbing .Contn1ln Shells Prices June, 1992. Add.20%for postoge and ,RockpoolLife handlin,q. ,Contnton Seabirds ,Common Farmland Birds i -rth Gippsland Conseruation Society : - rlrcations .Eagles Nest, Bunurong Coast Charts :. -rth Gippsland Consewation Society General References - rlications Bennett, I. The Fringe of the Sect ,A Guide to Int,erloch Coleman, N. The Ausn'alian Beachcontber ,Shells of the Inv,erloc'h Area Costermans,L. Native Trees and Shrubs of South . B eac hc' ontbt n g Gui d e for S out h Eastern Australia Gippsla nd C oasta I Areas Dakin. W.J. Australian Seashores Fuhler, B., et al. Seaweeds oJ Australia George, D. & J. Marine Life History of the Inverloch Area Lane, B. Shorebirds in Australia "', -rorayl Historical Society Publications MacPherson, J.H., and Gabriel, D.J. Marine .lnverloch, A Patchv,ork of Historical Molluscs of Victoria Stories Marine Research Group of Victoria. Cocrstul ,Looking Back at Irn,erloch I nt' ert ebru t e s oJ Vict oria 6l Biology for the Non Biologist Scientific language can be confusing for those who have not studied biology or environmental PHYLUM science pastjunior high school level. So here are a few simple lessons. Its a good idea to introduce I some scientifically conect terms and concepts to cLlSs young children so their later studies can build on the knowledge you impart now. I [-_l OWER Scientific Classification and --l Nomenclature (naming) F,AMILY You might want to know a little about the animal from the beautiful Paper Nautilus shell you have -----_l found. You look up "Paper Nautilus" in a reference book and this is what you get: ---T----l "Argonalft{t nodosa,like other Cephalopods, is a camivore, preying on other molluscs." Fig. I Great stuff if you knew what they were talking about and yet this is the sort of information you Scientific nomenclature (naming) is essential for get in any basic marine biology book. Well in scientists to communicate. Everything has a name layman's terms that sentence might read: within the scientific classification which automatically tells us a lot about the animal just "The Paper Nautilus, like animals such as squids from the two words making up its name. and octopuses is a carnivore, preying on other animals that are quite like it in that they have a Each living thing has a generic name (i.e. the soft body, sometimes with a shell, and have a genus, to which it belongs) and a specific name well developed digestive, circulatory and nelnous (i.e. the species, to which it belongs) system, animals like slugs, snails, abalone, sea hares, chitons." For example'. Argonauta nodosa -a------\ Our comprehension can be assisted if we know a generic name specific name little about scientific classification and (use upper case "A") (use lower case "n") nomenclature. This animal is what we commonly call a "Paper All known plants and animals have a scientific Nautilus", but it is lucky as many species do not name which is derived from its place in the even have a common name. scientific classification. It is a bit like a family tree with close relatives and distant relatives. The Lets put the animal in the scientific classification: classification works like this. Phylum Mollusca (Molluscs) A1l living things are classified into phyla (plural Cephalopoda (Cephalopods) of phylum). The phyla are further divided into Class then give us orders, classes. Further divisions Order Octopoda (Octopuses) families, genera (plural of genus) and species (Fig. 1.) Family Argonautidae (Argonauts) Therefore two animals in the same genus are very Genus Argonauta closely relatgd, but two animals in the same phylum but different classes are only distantly Species nodosa related. Generally when we say related we mean structural characteristics they have in common, So you can see here that the Paper Nautilus can and evolutionary links. Animals in different also be loosely called an octopus, a cephalopod phyla have little in common. or a moliusc. 6? CI,ASS AMPHINEURA Ecology and Ecosystems AmpAineuts The word ecology is dedved from a Greek word abau! b5o speues ol meaning "a study of the home". In ecology we icHfToNs study organisms and their surroundings, both l (biotic) (abiotic). living and non-living Biotic sunounds are all the plants and animals, L CL,ASS GASTROPODA essentially the community. Abiotic sunounds 6aslropods include things such as air, water, light and PHYLUM abaul 32,o6o spectee nclording temperature. We can also substitute the word I .ABALONE5 . L]MPETs envi ronment for surroundings" MOLLUSCA -i r5NAlLS tCoWKlEs HAKES 'o//uscs 'sEA 'TdTSHELLS An ecosystern can be described as a community of living organisms, in a particular L CLASS BIVALVIA habitat and their interactions with each other and their abiotic environment" I Stya/yes abou[ 1t,OoO specps inaluding )MUsSELs OCLAMS Nature can sometimes appear to be quite static" A C SC"ALLOPS 3 PIFI5 rockpool you visit this year may look much the same next year, And yet individuals in that I community have lived and died, and food and u-crAss cETHALoPoDA wastes have been cycled while the ecosystem Cey'2a4oro4t maintains a delicate balance. abr ,t', 4oa sp{ c les ncludr;g . SQUIDS $ NAUTIL } Food webs fface the various feeding C OCTO PUSE5 (n,.?ape. l'laulilu.) relationships within a community. Because they Fig.2 are capable of making their own food, plants hold a special place in any ecosysytem. They are Many of the familiar sea animals living close to called producers, manufacturing organic our shores like limpets and mussels are also compounds (food) from iirorganic compounds, molluscs. By looking at the division of Phylum such as carbon dioxide, water and inorganic ions. Mollusca into classes (Fig. 2) you will see that Most use the energy from sunlight to do this the Paper Nautilus is more closely related to the (photosynthesis), a few use sulphur or iron squids than to limpets or mussels. (chemosynthesis). All other organisms depend on producers, directly or indirectly, for the food they The division of some other phyla into different need, to grow and develop" classes (Fig. 3, page 64) shows where other animals fit into the scientific classification. These organisms called consumers, obtain their We've put Homo sa'piens in too. Which marine food by either eating producer organisms directly animal are we most like, a starfish or a sea squirt? (herbivores) or eating other consumers, dead or alive (carnivores) or both (omnivores). Another Habitat and Communities group of organisms called decomposers, are so You can look at an animal, you can look at where called because most of what they eat is broken it lives and where it gets its food or where it down into simpler substances and released back shelters from predators. This is called the into the environment. animal's habitat. But the animal is not alone, it usually has many neighbours, many animals and The Gould League publication Coastal Wildlife plants living around it, that it interacts with in describes and illustrates the concepts of ecology many ways. This is the community. and food webs. Also, the Victorian Institute of Marine Sciences Marine Life Resource Kit We can relate this to the studies in this book. covers most mar ine education topics. The organism: A Chiton Its habitat: Rock Platform Its community: All the other animals and plants living in the rockpools. 63 PHYLUM PHYLUM PHYLUN I PHYLUM PHYLUM POR'FERA COELENTERATA I P,{YLUM tvI0LLUSCA I enrHnopoDA ECH'N0DEKMATA STorgtes Coerlenterafu y'loZuscs I C'/0RDNrA Arlhmpeds €cAdnalerzs Cthodales 5,ooo spectes I | fuou[ l Aboul to,ooo soecies Ab9ul.4s,ooo sryres includin3z l 4bq"l.Bto,ooo s4.i*. Aboul'.5,ooo sDectes includin3t rhcrudrnS: | ,nctqd|nsi I I Aboul.16,0oo spectes | I includtnj: tncluflt6gz ' .SEA SPANGES I I $tctuotne cnLouRFuL SCYPHOZOA AMPHINEUKA cRusTAcEA | .a4^r, I rctASS AfiEROIDEA SU8 PI{YLUM ENcRusrrN6. sroruers) Je&ghs/t- lznphc'xacrc i iCrustaceancs rsrnn rrst (sarsrans) UROCHORDATA .CRAYFISH | | tCHITONS I I tl .SFaTULIpS I I.SHRIMP CTASS HYDROZOA tl I l-cL{SScRtNotDEA oSF.A SOU|KIS a P o RT uG U rr,tAN -o'- EARNACLES rsp.r frE htA< S GASTROPODA I l. I I LtLtES aBY-r}l.e- h/lND SAIIOR I ITCMBS I lrrr,ArHEn sreRs SUB PHYI.UM hstnpds I l.snrua HoPpERs tl VERTEBRATA cr"Ass oSNArLs (taxo rsrrf tl AI{I.HOTJ.A OAaAtoNES Ll-clAssopHtuRorDEA /erlebrztes ?HYLUM rCoKALs Lfcress ARAcHNTDA .tsKl7TLE sTAKs .'CDWRIES | .SEA ANEMONES CTASS CHol.lDRtcHTttyES BR|OZOA l4rzchrrils I l-c|Iss EcHtNo,DEA Cehlqre|wtsEsh SutTats ONSS B,VALV'A l.sPtDER9 and osconrrots I . sal uRcH,Ns a5f{A8K5 fiea llosses Scyairq f lr sANa eoLr.ARs . fiNGI,AY3 oCIAMS DtPLoPoDA Abouf 3.5oo secies fcLASs Lcuqss HoLoruvRotDE incltArn3: I . MUSSElJ IOMILTIPEPES LASS OSTEICI{THYES ) SCALW?S .s4 CUaUMEERS I 6ong n'sh aLAcEcr|RAts' LclAss tNsEcTA .sEA HORSES .ENCtrJsTt lG BRwzots C'ASS CE?HAI.O?OPA /nse& .PUFFER FISH Cephalopod-s .GRASSHOPPERS . OCrO?Us oHASPS d.ASS AMPHI6tA r SO0ID$ .BUTIERFLIES . NAUTILI AmpA;bians OTHEK PHYLA ANSS REPTIL'A /ortn azz& ftcptites ffonn-/tle flnintak CLASS Over Zqom syecres mcludinSt AYES .FLATWORMS Eids .T-,BE WaRMS .sAL,D fVaKMS 6t/q55 MAMMALIA . EAKTHWAKMS fiantna/s I.JORM AND I,VOKM-LIKE ANIMATS oMorufiREMEs ARE CLASS'FIED INTO SEVERAL OMAKSUPIAI.S DIFFEKE$T 4HYA, NHICH ARE o w uet-es f o ou H tto slsen Ls NOT NAMED INTH's C'IART a HUMANS - Homosa/cns Qt**"#,F^'!-1?rxl,tin'ats Fis. Acknowledgements Written by Jenny Watts Artwork by Jenny Watts, Marion Chapman, Sue Miller and Christine Larson Photographs by Peter Duck Typing by Mary Ellis Layout and design by Barb Phillippi,"Topline Design" The author wishes to thank Peter Duck, Donna and Gordon Fraser-Quick, Andrew Chapman, David Legg, Margaret Rowe, Bob Fisher, Nick Walton, Mary Ellis, Lis Williams, Louise Martin and Beryl Simpson for their contributions. Thankyou to Catherine Duck, Joshua Duck, Dana Fraser-Quick and their friends from Inverloch Primary School for their help in the preparation and trials of the activity sheets. All work in the production of this book was done on a voluntary basis. The Society would like to thank the Department of Conservation and Environment for a qrant to assist with printing costs. rsBN 0959205047