6 December 2021

The only species of mangrove found in Victoria, the White Mangrove (Avicennia marina), plays an important role for juvenile fish species by providing food and shelter. Mangroves also help to protect the shoreline from erosion by reducing wave energy; and helping to trap sediment to allow the beach to naturally build-up over time.

White Mangrove can be found throughout the internationally-significant Western Port Ramsar Wetlands, and a new project supported by the Australian Government’s Fisheries Habitat Restoration Program will contribute to the improvement of fisheries habitat by restoring White Mangrove forests.

Reel Big Fish – Western Port is being delivered by the Port Phillip & Westernport CMA, Bass Coast Landcare Network, OzFish, Parks Victoria and Mornington Peninsula Shire

Representatives from all of the partner organisations visited planting sites recently to discuss the rollout of mangrove restoration along the intertidal zone of Western Port. Thousands of mangroves will be planted over the next two years which will increase the extent of suitable habitat for fish species.

Another key element of this project involves engaging and supporting the recreational fishing community – with the ultimate aim of securing Western Port’s fishing future. A series of workshops and information nights are planned for early 2022, to showcase and learn more about the amazing fish and their habitat.

This project is supported by Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, through funding from the Australian Government’s Fisheries Habitat Restoration Program.

• 

• 

• 

• 

•