Corner Inlet Set For Seagrass Project

The OzFish Victorian team recently spent some time out on the water with Corner Inlet Commercial Fisher Luke Anneda and Yarram Yarram Landcare Network (YYLN) member and local fisher Michael Hobson identifying key areas for seagrass restoration through our Posidonia Partnership project with YYLN and the WGCMA.

Corner Inlet is a large and shallow coastal inlet located in southeast Victoria. As a Ramsar Wetland, that is, a wetland of international importance, the area is renowned for its rich biodiversity, providing habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species, including migratory birds, aquatic vegetation and diverse marine life. One of the key fish habitats in Corner Inlet that make it a fishing destination is the Broadleaf seagrass (Posidonia australis). This vegetation plays a crucial part in the ecosystem by providing a habitat for the many fish, crustaceans and cephalopods that inhabit the area.

Getting a fish-eye view of the potential sites, baseline surveys were undertaken, including BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video) monitoring for local fish species, spotting flathead, whiting, leatherjackets, crabs and fiddler rays, along with a rapid assessment of the seagrass density using OzFish’s underwater drone, giving us some great insight into potential restoration locations.

With large areas of seagrass lost over recent decades, restoration projects have been underway for some time through the fantastic efforts of YYLN and the local commercial fishers. Building on the previous efforts, we’re bringing recreational anglers to the table, working with commercial fishers, the local community and catchment management authorities to help restore areas within Corner Inlet.

Victorian Project Manager Andy Foudoulis said, “The local knowledge of the commercial fishers is crucial in identifying potential areas for restoration. Luke has a wealth of knowledge about the local waters, and it was great to hear some of the historical changes from his perspective”.

“Rec and commercial fishers working together is crucial to the success of restoration in this region and benefits everyone, particularly our local fish!”, said Andy.

In the coming months, the OzFish team will be working alongside our partners to undertake restoration works in an area now affectionately known as the “doughnut patch”. These efforts with the local fishers (commercial and recreational), Yarram Yarram, WGCMA and other partners will create awareness of the area’s ecological importance, increase biodiversity and support fish populations resulting in a better fishery right on our doorstep.

Stay tuned across our events page and social media for updates on how you can get involved. Some events at OzFish are limited to ‘members only’, so register to be a part of the blue army now to make sure you don’t miss future opportunities to get involved.