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Bushfire Smart
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Change of Conditions
Abalone Virus
Information on the virus currently affecting abalone populations in south-west Victoria.
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Merri Marine Sanctuary covers 25 hectares of coastline and is located at Warrnambool offshore from the mouth of Merri River. The seabed at the river mouth is a mixture of reef and sand, providing a range of habitats and diverse marine life. Deep canyons support a variety of fish including Parrotfish, Blue-throated Wrasse, Bastard Trumpeters, Magpie Perch and Dusky and Banded Morwong. Penguin colonies are found on Merri and Middle Islands within the sanctuary.
Sea life prospers in the cold, crystal-clear, nutrient-rich, oxygen-charged waters off Victoria's west coast. The coastline just west of the breakwater at Warrnambool is a perfect example of this thriving cool water environment. Rock platforms are covered in Neptune's Necklace, green seaweed that looks like a string of grapes. Numerous shells cling tightly on to the rocks to prevent them being washed into the sea by the strong waves. Middle and Merri Islands sit just offshore. They are the remains of an ancient sand dune that stretches from Pickering Point and built up hundreds of thousands of years ago. The canyon between the islands is packed with sea life. Kelps sway with the waves, colourful sponges dominate the overhangs and rock lobster hide in the crevices.
Fish include Cat and Draughtboard Sharks, various leatherjackets, Blue-Throated Wrasse, Bastard Trumpeters, Magpie Perch and morwongs. Penguins nest on the two islands and dolphins are frequent visitors.
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Heritage
Aboriginal Traditional Owners Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters.
Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria
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Fauna
Giant Cuttlefish (Sepia apama)
Curious and charismatic, Giant Cuttlefish are one of the most fascinating creatures you will discover when diving around the Merri Marine Sanctuary. Large and generally solitary, they tend to hide in caves and amongst seaweed during the day. Giant Cuttlefish are able to adjust their skin colouration at a split second to match their background. When feeding, they hover just off the seafloor, slowly stalking shrimp, crabs or fish. Giant Cuttlefish attempt to overwhelm their prey's attention using vibrant colour changes of yellow, orange or red. Two long tentacles shoot out when the animal moves close enough to make a strike. Colour also plays an important part in cuttlefish communication. After laying their eggs on reefs, female Giant Cuttlefish die.
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Looking After the Park
For the protection of the marine environment, a number of activities are prohibited within the boundaries of Victoria's marine national parks and marine sanctuaries. No fishing, netting, spearing, taking or killing of marine life. All methods of fishing, from the shore or the sea, are prohibited.
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Education
Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuaries Resource Kit – This education resources kit contains a comprehensive collection of many materials produced by Parks Victoria in relation to the Marine National Park system including lesson ideas for teachers and links to other resources.
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Nearby Parks
- Bay of Islands Coastal Park
- The Arches Marine Sanctuary
- Twelve Apostles Marine National Park
- Port Campbell National Park
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Guided Activities
1. Canoeing / Kayaking (B3)
2. Coastal Walking (A4)
3. Diving (B6)
4. Snorkelling (B7)
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Publications
Links to other websites 1.
Coastlinks Victoria
Brochures 1.
A new guide to Victoria's Parks: Parks Discovery
Park Notes / Maps 1.
Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries
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Merri Marine Sanctuary
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Marine National Parks - Planning
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Marine National Parks - Snorkelling and Diving
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Marine National Parks - Fishing
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Marine National Parks - FAQs
Management Plans & Strategies 1.
Minimal Impact Guidelines - Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries (200 kb)
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Merri Marine Sanctuary Management Plan
Books & DVDs 1.
Victoria's National Parks
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Melbourne's Great Outdoors
Boating & Ports Information 1.
Marine National Parks - Understanding the Boundaries
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Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries Boundary Coordinates
Marine Natural Values Study - Extracts 1.
Merri MS - Marine Natural Values Study
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