While the heavy rains on Port Phillip Bay catchments didn’t wash out roads or force people from their homes they did have a major impact on water quality entering the Bay.

stormwater outfall at Werribee South, January 13 2011

The Werribee South stormwater outfall pictured drains a large area of market gardens. The colour of the water is similar to the colour of the local soils. What else is in it is anybody’s guess! Apart from silts, excess nutrients and chemical pollution, stormwater drains also carry plastic and polystyrene objects to the Bay…. long seen as a serious marine pollution issue, but widely accepted as “normal”.

Little Pied Cormorant at Port Melbourne, January 15, 2011 (pic Bill McKenzie)

The solution to the plastics problem should be almost cost free. Just don’t drop the stuff on the streets in the first place! Meanwhile, why not share the love and follow up Valentine’s Day (February 14) with some local community action on Clean Up Australia Day (March 6). Participation is highly recommended…. makes you feel good!

'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?