I have been sailing, fishing, snorkelling, and SCUBA diving along the coast between Oliver's Hill and Mount Martha for over 45 years.

This particular region of Port Phillip is quite unique and beautiful with the backdrop of ancient volcanoes and a foreshore of prehistoric lava flows. This has formed some wonderful reefs that support marine life and serve as a breeding ground for some of the bay's fish species. The increased pressure from Victoria’s population growth and the rise in bay activities have placed enormous pressure on these reefs. For these reasons, I would like to propose a marine reserve targeting the shoreline reefs. Over these years, I've witnessed first-hand how human activities have negatively impacted this precious ecosystem. Marine life is dwindling due to pollution, climate change, and overfishing. According to Victoria's Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP), there has been a significant reduction in biodiversity across Victoria's marine environments.

Many people believe that reports of good fishing stocks mean the bays are in good health, while that is partly true, it does not tell the full picture. The small pockets of reefs close to shore show a different picture; they are under constant pressure of shellfish removal and overfishing. Reef fish are territorial, unlike snapper, tuna, and bay salmon; they live in the confines of their reef. Now with social media and the increase in population, increasing numbers of people are taking from these reefs. It's unsustainable, and the impact will eventually be felt by the wider fishing community as these areas are breeding grounds for many of the bay's species.

An example of this would be the Ranelagh Beach reef system. The reefs at Ranelagh are quite unique. In the 1960s, the club engaged the Australian army to detonate explosives in an attempt to clear four of the nine reefs for safe boat passage. Only partly successful, this reformed the reefs to be quite unique and beautiful. It's an underwater world that has brought me joy and wonder, but it's also a world that has seen significant decline. This is an area I have dived at since I was 15 years old (I am 59), and I continue to dive there to this day. Where once I would see dozens of eagle rays, I have only seen 1 in the last 3 years. Where we would see dozens of different species of leather jackets, now only one or two can be found.

My hope is to protect the shoreline reef areas that are constantly under pressure from being stripped bare of shellfish and small marine life. The impact on boat fishing would be minimal, as most of the spots are too shallow and dangerous for watercraft. I have observed the success of reserves such as Ricketts Point Reserve and Port Phillip Heads Marine Park. These areas seem to work well, with large populations of snapper at Ricketts, and fishing allowed on the outer boundaries of the reserve. I have already started a petition regarding one particular reef in Mount Eliza; however, there are many areas along the coast that would also be ideal for a Marine Reserve. We can play a part in protecting this beautiful and unique coastline for our children so they may enjoy it as we have. 

Chris Dymond