App means local divers can record what they sea

A NEW app will help volunteers and citizen scientists better monitor Victoria’s unique marine life.

The new Sea Search app collects valuable information on Victoria’s 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 and research activities.

Volunteers can easily contribute and access information, enabling Parks Victoria to manage protected marine areas with the best and most up-to-date information.

The Sea Search program has been running since 2005 however, up until now, volunteers have had to collect data on paper in the field – then a volunteer or ranger manually enters the observations into a computer database.

The new app helps participants identify what they’re seeing – from sea snails to fishes, octopuses to sea stars, and penguins to seals – and then instantly uploads the information to Parks Victoria for review and public release.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said the information would help manage local marine environments.

“This new app is an exciting way for Victorians to help monitor our marine national parks and sanctuaries.”

Parks Victoria chief conservation scientist Dr Mark Norman said Victoria’s state-wide network of marine parks and sanctuaries was a world first and showcased an array of creatures and habitats.

“The app enables lovers of our coasts and seas to make a difference – observations of a native snapping shrimp or an introduced marine pest can provide critical information in managing and protecting these environments.”

The app has been developed in collaboration with the Atlas of Living Australia.

For more information, go to parkweb.vic.gov.au/get-involved.