Coastline The Coast Action/Coastcare Newsletter ISBN 1329-0835 Edition 33 Winter 2005 Photo: Courtesty of NASA Communities caring for our coast “Act Local – Think Global” From the State Program Co-ordinator Welcome to the ‘Act Local, Think Global’ edition reminds us of our ancient connections with the of Coastline celebrating World Environment Day. global ocean environment. The eel is a In this issue we are exploring what is happening remarkable and often maligned fish that makes in Victoria with regards to protecting our ocean one of the most astounding journeys of the planet through local action – recognising the animal world traveling as adults to the Coral Sea contribution of individuals and groups in and returning as juveniles into our estuaries and protecting our coasts and seas. rivers. The connections between all of these environments are obvious when we follow the When we view our planet from space we see the eel migration, a fact well understood by the world from a new perspective. Instead of the land Gunditjmara and Kirrae Wurrong people of dominating our view we see that much of our western Victoria. Perhaps we too could also think planet is covered by oceans. Our cover image was of these eels as a reminder of the linkages that chosen to provide a global perspective on the exist between our activities in the land and what places we live, work, and play in relation to ends up in the global ocean. Victoria’s coastline, and to highlight the connections between our water catchments on This issue also includes a review of Coast Action’s the land and the ocean environment that inaugural Marine and Coastal Ecology Course, a surrounds us. new schools program investigating Bass Strait, and a sporting insight into the connections Our personal choices in everyday life, from the between land and sea through a catchment relay things we purchase in the supermarket, to the in Gippsland. Denis Cox, Coast Action Facilitator way we deal with our wastes, can all have an for Port Phillip, helps us understand the nature of influence on our ocean environment. Refusing tsunamis that have had such an impact on our plastic bags and using a shopping bag or trolley near neighbours. We also get an insight into an for transporting goods is a simple yet significant exciting project to ‘Reveg the Flume’ at example of making a collective difference for the Warrnambool, and discover how we can all be ocean environment. While it’s pleasing to see the involved in protecting our Fish for the Future. Victorians embracing this as a step towards reducing plastic entering our ocean environment, As you will recall from the cover story for our our collective actions are needed to address some Autumn 2005 issue, Lynn Murrell from Portland of the bigger challenges to the marine and was undertaking the first solo walk along the coastal environment, particularly in reducing the entire Victorian coast. This walk was completed broader impacts of catchments on the coast. on Saturday 16 April at a cairn that marks the New South Wales Border. After 103 days Lynn Coast Action/Coastcare and the Victorian Coastal showed us that one individual can achieve Council presented the 2005 Victorian Coastal extraordinary things through will power and Awards for Excellence in April. These awards are effort. His story and walk should inspire each of presented in order to recognise and acknowledge us to do what we can, taking one step at a time, outstanding contributions in protecting and to undertake our own journeys for our coast. As enhancing one of the worlds most unique and Lynn said afterwards, “Victoria has one of the diverse marine and coastal environments – our world’s most spectacular and diverse coastlines own! These heroes of the coast demonstrate that and we all need to do our bit to preserve this through protection and restoration of significant wonderful asset for future generations”. sites, areas and features of the coast – be they natural, cultural, historical, visual or built, there Congratulations Lynn from all the Coast are many ways that we can make a real Action/Coastcare team, including our 20,000 difference. We are delighted to also provide volunteers, on your outstanding effort to recent news of two Victorian recipients in the highlight our connections to our coasts and seas. National Banksia Awards held in June. Yours for the coast, Our story and song from Victoria’s south west Mark Rodrigue 2 Coastline Newsletter of Coast Action/Coastcare Winter 2005 A Sea Change for Coastal Managers – the Inaugural Victorian Marine and Coastal Ecology Course Getting mud between the toes and an immersion was identified several years ago in a training experience in Port Phillip Bay was all part of the needs analysis for coastal managers. It was given business of connecting with Victoria’s unique and life through the announcement of a range of diverse coastal and marine ecosystems. program enhancements by Minister Thwaites at the 10th anniversary of the Coast Action program Between 2 and 6 May this year, 30 people from in 2004. a broad range of backgrounds gathered for the inaugural Victorian Marine and Coastal Ecology Participants in the inaugural program included Course held at the new Primary Industries community members of consultative committees Research Centre in Queenscliff. and reference groups, including Marine National Park Advisory groups and Coastal Boards, Developed and delivered by Coast Action/ community representatives and the marine Coastcare, the purpose of the Marine and industry. In addition staff from Parks Victoria, the Coastal Ecology Course was to enhance EPA, DSE, DPI Fisheries, conservation NGOs and awareness of our rich temperate marine and Committees of Management also attended. coastal environments for those with responsibility Future courses will target teachers, community for protecting and managing these group leaders, conservation organisations and environments. The program aimed to provide a accredited tour operators working on coastal comprehensive and shared understanding of public land or in marine areas. Victoria’s marine and coastal ecosystems through workshops, lecture presentations, field As one happy punter wrote in his evaluation – experiences and research opportunities. “This has been great. This should be the ‘101’ course for marine and coastal managers that Utilising the knowledge and delivery skills of many come to the coast with a largely terrestrial of Victoria’s leading marine and coastal ecologists background.” and scientists, participants spent each day built on themes including Victoria’s Marine and Coastal Coast Action/Coastcare is keen to build on the Biodiversity; Coastal Ecosystems (estuaries , successes of this course and has undertaken to mangroves, saltmarsh, and dunes); Intertidal and deliver further courses regionally in the future. Subtidal Habitats (rocky reefs and seagrass For more information or to inquire about future communities) and Offshore Environments (shelf programs please contact Coast Action/Coastcare communities, benthic and pelagic systems of open on 9637 9776, [email protected] or water) that fall under both State and visit us on the web at www.dse.vic.gov.au/coasts. Commonwealth jurisdiction. The final day of the program focused on the human interactions including stewardship, management and issues for the marine and coastal environment. The program builds on the suite of capacity building programs developed by DSE, which include the highly successful Alpine Ecology and Box- Ironbark Ecology Courses. The Participants of the inaugural Marine and Coastal Ecology Course on need for a course of this nature the shores of Swan Bay. Coastline Newsletter of Coast Action/Coastcare Winter 2005 3 Fish for the Future – Communities Help by Reporting Illegal Fishing By Damia Ettakadoumi, Department of Primary Industries Over fishing is becoming an increasing calls result in an immediate field response, problem all over the world. Our information assists in planning future patrols and appetite for seafood is in danger of enforcement operations. depleting the fish of the seas and In the first 19 months of operation, 2082 calls oceans and their ability to restock were made, and as a direct result of the themselves. It is good to see that at a information received, over 160 Penalty local or individual level we are able to Infringement Notices have been issued. A take steps towards responsible and number of significant investigations have also sustainable fishing practices. been undertaken, and at least 30 prosecutions When it comes to protecting our fisheries successfully achieved – some of those prosecuted, resources for the benefit of all Victorians, like the illegal calamari squid anglers, have had Fisheries Officers need the community as an ally. their boats and equipment seized. Members of the public can help ensure all Victorians have fish for the future by sticking to This should make other poachers think twice recreational fishing regulations and reporting about taking more fish than they need for a feed those who break the rules. and help protect our fish for the future. Three anglers recently caught more Calamari For more information www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing Squid (a popular target for many other anglers) or call the Customer Service Centre on 13 6186. than they should have, and were seen doing How to report illegal so by an astute member of the public. The fishing activity in Victoria onlooker, who witnessed the illegal activity on If you suspect illegal fishing activity, call 13 FISH Mornington pier, made a call to the fisheries (telephone 13 3474) to report it. Helpful offence reporting line 13 FISH (phone 13 3474) information includes: to express his concern. • Time and date of activity; As a direct result of that call, DPI Fisheries • Whether the observed activity is continuing Officers swung into action and apprehended or has finished; three people, who had caught in excess of 300 • Place of activity; squid.