Exploring the Bunurong Marine National Park with a new app

Friday 16 November, 2012

To celebrate the 10th birthday of marine national parks and sanctuaries, Parks Victoria and Museum Victoria have released a new app that provides information about the many inhabitants of the Bunurong Marine National Park.

The app has detailed descriptions, park information, activities, maps and stunning imagery covering over 300 species of marine and coastal animals and plants that are commonly seen in the park and nearby waters.

Roger Fenwick, Parks Victoria District Chief Ranger, said the app had been a labour of love for all those involved.

"As managers of the marine national parks and sanctuaries, we're very fortunate to have jobs that allow us to spend time with the community to help to protect our favourite places,” said Mr Fenwick.

Located about 6 kilometres south-west of Inverloch in South Gippsland, the Bunurong Marine National Park covers 2100 hectares and about 5 kilometres of coastline. Its coastline is characterised by striking rock formations, rugged sandstone cliffs, headlands, sandy coves and dunes.

Mr Fenwick said the park is one of the great snorkelling and diving experiences in Australia.

“The diversity of habitats support a rich variety of marine animals including seastars, featherstars, crabs, snails, Port Jackson Sharks and up to 87 species of fish. If you’re lucky you might even see Humpback Whales, Southern Right Whales or Subantarctic Fur Seals.”

The Bunurong Marine App is the product of broader partnerships between Parks Victoria and Museum Victoria.

"Parks Victoria and Museum Victoria have found this collaboration extremely productive, drawing on the skills of Museum scientists and park rangers and research staff,” said Dr Mark Norman, Head of Sciences, Museum Victoria.

 “It's great that we're able to share information and images and use technology to increase both our understanding, and public appreciation, of the natural world.”

The Bunurong Marine National Park App is available for both iPhone and as Android. The new app is a product of the Under the Lens Project, which promotes and studies marine national parks and sanctuaries around the state.