News

Shannon Hurley, a Nature Conservation Campaigner, highlights the critical need for protected areas to safeguard the endangered Bottlenose Dolphins of Port Phillip Bay. New research reveals the extensive habitat use of Burrunan Dolphins, raising concerns about the adequacy of current protections and calling for expanded sanctuary zones to ensure their survival and thriving populations. To find out more click here

As the year wraps up, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is here to help teachers bring a splash of ocean magic into their classrooms! MSC offers a treasure trove of ocean-themed Christmas teaching resources, including engaging quizzes, fun games, creative activities, and detailed lesson plans. Students can explore sustainability by learning about choosing prawns responsibly for Christmas feasts, craft decorative ocean-inspired ornaments for the tree, and uncover fascinating links between lobsters and outer space! Discover these exciting resources by clicking the link below

Join Shannon Hurley, Nature Conservation Campaigner from Victorian National Parks Association, for the second webinar in our Western Port Bay community series! At 7pm on Wednesday 27 November we explore the bay's wetlands and mangroves and dive into, the fascinating world of mangroves and their restoration, threats to this internationally significant wetland and efforts to protect these important habitats. If you are interested in being a part of this webinar you can sign up via this link: Sign up here

The Great Victorian Fish Count, the state’s largest marine citizen-science event, is just around the corner! Each year, participants record sightings of key fish species, contributing valuable data to the Atlas of Living Australia and helping monitor marine biodiversity. Since 2002, the Victorian National Parks Association has led this event, offering a unique way to explore Victoria’s underwater world while supporting scientific research. This year’s Fish Count runs from November 16 to December 15—grab your dive gear and join in!!! https://vnpa.org.au/programs/great-victorian-fish-count/

A new set of free, curriculum-aligned resources designed to enhance ocean literacy for Foundation to Year 6 students. These include a revised teacher's guide with over 25 activities, an ocean-themed bingo game, and printable student certificates to promote ocean stewardship. The resources aim to make ocean literacy engaging and accessible, with practical tools for both classroom and outdoor learning experiences. https://www.pruefrancis.com/science-3-4/

Australia’s RSV Nuyina has set sail from Hobart on a six-week mission to the Davis research station, marking the start of the Antarctic science season. Onboard are 100 expeditioners, two helicopters, a bright pink Antarctic tractor, and massive supplies – including 240,000 litres of water and 33 tonnes of food! This voyage sets the stage for an ambitious year of scientific research and infrastructure projects across Australia’s Antarctic and sub-Antarctic stations. Learn more about this exciting expedition here: https://www.antarctica.gov.au/news/2024/antarctic-season-begins/ Explore how to bring