You are here

Home > Park management > Environment > Ecosystems > Marine > Open water

Open water

Bottlenose Dolphin (photo: Mark Rodrigue)

1 year ago from Parks Victoria

Location: Open water

Australasian Gannet (Photo: Mark Rodrigue)

1 year ago from Parks Victoria

Location: Open water

Blubber Jelly (Photo: Mark Rodrigue)

1 year ago from Parks Victoria

Location: Open water

Australian Fur Seal (Photo: Mary Malloy)

1 year ago from Parks Victoria

Location: Open water

Play the slideshow

Many animals and plants live in the open waters of Bass Strait or the Southern Ocean away from the shoreline. These areas are affected by strong winds, powerful tidal currents and large waves.

Open waters contain small drifting animals and plants such as sea jellies, krill and phytoplankton, as well as the larvae of marine animals and plants.

Seabirds including penguins, gannets, gulls, and albatross, feed in the open waters for. Many of these species use the coast for breeding but spend long periods of time out in open waters. Marine mammals, such as Australian Fur Seals, Bottlenose Dolphins, and Southern Right Whales, also use open waters as areas to feed or breed.

Key Threats

  • Climate change effects including warming sea surface temperatures and increasing ocean acidity
  • Marine pests which compete for food or space
  • Poor water quality entering the sea from catchments
  • Oil and chemical pollution
  • Fishing or removal of animals and plants

Related links

Click to view the news RSS feed.

Point Nepean National Park Master Plan and Quarantine Station

14 Apr 2013

The Victorian Government has released the Point Nepean National Park Master Plan and announced its intention to run a commercial Expression of Interest to seek private sector investment in development of the historic Quarantine Station precinct. For further information and to view the plan go to www.depi.vic.gov.…

View all latest news

What's on

Click to view RSS Feed

Botanical Drawing and Painting Art classes

11 May 2013 10:00am - 8 Jun 2013 2:30pm

This course is an intensive introduction to Botanical Drawing and Painting. Develop observation skills and learn about tonal values, pencil and ink rendering, composition, colour, watercolour and gouache' Explore, develop and understand a variety of techniques to create your own detailed botanical studies. Time: Saturdays 11 May to 8 June, 5 x 4.5 hours = 20 …

Click to view RSS Feed

Monthly Flying Fox Count

22 May 2013 5:15pm-6:15pm

The bat count is held once a month at dusk when the whole colony of 10,000 -20,000 bats fly out to feed around Melbourne’s suburbs. New counters are very welcome and much appreciated. Experience is not necessary as training is provided on the night. Wear comfortable shoes for walking, dress …

Click to view RSS Feed

Friends of Glen Nayook Working Bee

26 May 2013 9:00am-11:00am

Join the Friends of Glen Nayook for a working bee. Morning tea provided.

Click to view RSS Feed

Botanical Drawing and Painting Art classes (advanced)

26 May 2013 10:00am - 23 Jun 2013 2:30pm

This course is an Advanced course for Botanical Drawing and Painting. Develop observation skills and learn about tonal values, pencil and ink rendering, composition, colour, watercolour and gouache' Explore, develop and understand a variety of techniques to create your own detailed botanical studies. Time: Sundays 26 May - 23 June, 5 x 4.5 hours = 20 …