This week, as part of our 11-week campaign to celebrate Victoria’s marine environment, we wanted to look at threats to Port Phillip and Western Port Bays, sharing insights from the Victorian State of the Bays (SotB) 2016 report, the prelude to the Victorian SMCE 2021 report – currently in preparation by the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability. Despite their proximity to the city of Melbourne, both bays generally demonstrate healthy systems. Specific threats linked to population growth include variations in recreational use and variations in litter, nutrients, sediment and pollutant loads to the bays (which may lead to algal bloom events after heavy rainfall events).
Quick fact
Did you know that Victoria is one of only two jurisdictions in Australia (the other being the ACT) with an independent Commissioner charged with periodic State of the Environment reporting? Read about Victoria’s Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability.