A NEW app will help volunteers and citizen scientists better monitor Victoria\u2019s unique marine life.<\/p>\n
The new Sea Search app collects valuable information on Victoria\u2019s marine national parks and sanctuaries, and allows the community to get involved in studying Victorian waters.<\/p>\n
The app is a new, interactive approach for people who are interested in science and research activities.<\/p>\n
Volunteers can easily contribute and access information, enabling Parks Victoria to manage protected marine areas with the best and most up-to-date information.<\/p>\n
The Sea Search program has been running since 2005 however, up until now, volunteers have had to collect data on paper in the field \u2013 then a volunteer or ranger manually enters the observations into a computer database.<\/p>\n
The new app helps participants identify what they\u2019re seeing \u2013 from sea snails to fishes, octopuses to sea stars, and penguins to seals \u2013 and then instantly uploads the information to Parks Victoria for review and public release.<\/p>\n
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D\u2019Ambrosio said the information would help manage local marine environments.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis new app is an exciting way for Victorians to help monitor our marine national parks and sanctuaries.\u201d<\/p>\n
Parks Victoria chief conservation scientist Dr Mark Norman said Victoria\u2019s state-wide network of marine parks and sanctuaries was a world first and showcased an array of creatures and habitats.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe app enables lovers of our coasts and seas to make a difference \u2013 observations of a native snapping shrimp or an introduced marine pest can provide critical information in managing and protecting these environments.\u201d<\/p>\n
The app has been developed in collaboration with the Atlas of Living Australia.<\/p>\n
For more information, go to parkweb.vic.gov.au\/get-involved.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A NEW app will help volunteers and citizen scientists better monitor Victoria\u2019s unique marine life. The new Sea Search app collects valuable information on Victoria\u2019s marine national parks and sanctuaries, and allows the community to get involved in studying Victorian waters. The app is a new, interactive approach for people who are interested in science […]<\/p>\n