The new Friends of the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary group is seeking members and set for an official launch in February while spectacular underwater footage of the area has been released.
The newly formed volunteer group has been working with Parks Victoria and Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) to produce a short film showcasing marine life protected by the sanctuary.
Founding members of the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary group snorkelled with the cameraman and guided him to special parts of the sanctuary to produce underwater footage which showcases an array of marine life.
Parks Victoria’s Alicia Ivory said the film gives visitors a snapshot of what is beneath the waves in the sanctuary.
“Many visitors come for a photo and a look around the lighthouse but might never get a chance to get out into the water and see the marine life our sanctuary protects.
“It is a fantastic way to show people the different creatures making use of the area and what we all need to do to make sure they are safe and protected,” she said.
Watch the footage below!
90% of the plants and animals showcased in the video are only found along the southern coastline of Australia.
Ms. Ivory said these areas provide an important refuge for a number of rare and threatened marine animals and plants.
“Much of our marine life is found nowhere else in the world,” Ms Ivory said.
The film is accessible via QR barcodes on interpretive signage which has been installed above the marine sanctuary or directly via the GORCC website.
Visitors to the Split Point Lookout can take a photo of the barcode with their smart phone to instantly view the footage.
Manager of EcoLogic and Friends of Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary founding member Sharon Blum-Caon said the group currently consists of six founding members and new participants are welcome.
“We catch up for snorkeling, rock pool ramblings, social events, coastal vegetation rehabilitation and photography,” she said.
Everyone is welcome at the official launch to be held on 9 February 2013 and attendees will receive a free Friends of Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary pack including a T-shirt printed with an image of the sanctuary’s iconic Port Jackson Shark.
For more information contact Sharon on: 0412 257 802 or email tours@ecologic.com.au.
This story featured in the Surf Coast Times Green the Coast column.
For further details on volunteering along the coast, view the GORCC volunteer page.
Related blogs:
 Surf Coast hidden wonderland |
 Explore underwater Victoria |
 Volunteering on the coast this summer |
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Blog 