A new environmental group, Friends of Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary (FERMS), will launch this weekend with the celebrations to be headlined by a special guest speaker and fun activities on offer.
Special guest speaker Patrick O’Callaghan, a Marine Conservation Strategist with local and international experience, will make an appearance at the launch
Mr O’Callaghan has extensive knowledge and has worked in a number of roles including as the Program Leader, Education & Training at the Marine & Freshwater Resources Institute for over 10 years.
EcoLogic Manager and FERMS founding member Sharon Blum-Caon said the group aims to bring together those who are like minded and concerned about the preservation of ERMS.
“These people participate in meaningful on ground and in water actions/projects to preserve this environment.”
“Come along and join us – we promote understanding, passion and immersion in this amazing marine environment,” Ms Blum-Caon said.
The launch will take place on Saturday 23 March from 6:30pm onwards at Great Escape Books, Aireys Inlet with light refreshments on offer. The Saturday evening will be followed by a Rockpool Ramble and if conditions allow, an Ocean Snorkel on the Sunday afternoon at 1.30pm.
Everyone is welcome and those wanting to participate in the activities on Sunday must sign up first (either at the launch or by contacting Sharon).
Interested participants are asked to bring along snorkel gear. Otherwise a FERMS member will make a list on the night of those needing to borrow mask and snorkel, fins and/or a wetsuit.
For further information contact Sharon Blum-Caon on: 5263 1133 or 0412 257 802.
*Great Escape Books is located at 2/75 Great Ocean Road, Aireys Inlet 3231.
The aims of the FERMS group are to:
- Protect and preserve Port Jackson Shark habitat
- Educate school groups and the public about getting involved in protecting and preserving marine environments
- Increase the size of Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary in line with breeding grounds of the Port Jackson Shark (Apply for and secure research grants to support what we already know about PJS)
- Conduct Sea Search programs at Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary with visiting groups and the general public
- Create the opportunity for children and teach children about this environment (peer learning) and foster/encourage stewardship behaviours
- Monitor weed, virus and pest sp./outbreaks
More information about coastal volunteering in our region and how to get involved.
Related blog post:
 New group protects sanctuary |
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Blog 