Port Phillip Baykeeper » Special Places

Angel Wings – uniquely boring!

BayKeeper — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:48:48 +0000

If you’re a very slow moving creature, finding a feed while avoiding being eaten would take some pretty quick decisions. “Should I stay or should I go?” just may be your very last thought. So our mollusc mates have developed some pretty amazing survival strategies. But Pholas australiasiae aka Angel Wings takes the prize for being the only one that is truly boring!

'Angel Wing' at Werribee River

While most bi-valves can bury themselves in sand and mud, this thin-shelled animal is remarkable for its ability to bore into stiff clay or soft rock. Perhaps it does so to keep away from predators, and presumably find food at the same time? The Baykeeper shoreline shell surveys have found this species on only a few beaches and in small numbers. Greatest numbers have been recorded at Werribee River, where the shells were a leaden grey colour compared to matt white shells found at St Kilda.

What’s going on there?

‘Underwater Wonders’ book – it’s a gem

BayKeeper — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:28:30 +0000

Most people are simply unaware of the rich diversity of colourful creatures that live in Port Phillip Bay. Freddy Leong’s new book ‘Underwater Wonders of the Mornington Peninsula’ is out to change all that… and at $20 a copy, it’s a steal!

Freddy Leong - bringing the Bay to you

Freddy’s book lets the photos do the talking, with each of the 110 full colour photos simply naming the featured species, and where it was photographed. This beautiful book will inspire a lot of people to realise the Bay is not just a pool to go and get cool.

If you’re passionate about the Bay and want to show people why, this book is just perfect. It’s worth noting that Freddy didn’t wait for a government grant to print the book. He took the photos, did all the design and graphics, and put his money where his heart is. Congratulations, and thank you Freddy… you deserve all our support!

‘Underwater Wonders of Mornington Pennsula’ is available at Port Phillip EcoCentre, corner of Blessington & Herbert Street, St Kilda.

For more information visit aquaticpix.com

Find a shore thing on a beach near you

BayKeeper — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 02:02:15 +0000

Most Australians remember fun days at the beach: beating the heat, building sand castles, catching frizbees and waves, and listening to the ocean in a seashell.
Perhaps that’s why it’s called the Lucky Country!

Thanks Douglas for sending the photo above. Anyone who takes a closer look on their favourite beach might find one of these and more. Each beach has its own story to tell. What sort of animal lived in this shell? How do they earn a living? Where do they fit in the food chain (what do they eat; and what eats them)? Do they know that by digesting and cycling nutrients they maintain healthy water for us? What do we do to the water?

Baykeeper will continue exploring beaches around the Bay in 2010 and invites you to join the growing movement to better understand, enjoy, and protect our coastal playground. Baykeeper activities in January (listed in the ‘events’ page of this website) are presented as part of the Coast Action Coastcare Summer by the Sea program.