Victoria's bays and marine protected areas are home to an amazing underwater world teeming with life and rich and abundant ecosystems including sponge gardens, corals and fish. 

Latest research using innovative technology to understand our marine environment 

Parks Victoria runs an extensive science and research program and partners with universities and other organisations in projects that help understand how the marine protected areas are faring and learn more about their habitats and species.

Last year, amazing discoveries were made at Wilsons Promontory National Park as new technology revealed unusual marine communities that rivalled the Great Barrier Reef for the first time. Spectacular reefs containing colourful sponge gardens, corals, and abundant fish species are just some of the features recorded during the recent scientific expeditions.

The explorations used an “underwater robot” or Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and underwater video cameras to record the marine life in habitats from 30-100 metres deep. This technology recorded the spectacular marine life found in many of the deeper areas of the park for the first time.

Other research projects to monitor, survey and map the marine protected areas are currently underway and using cutting edge technology such as drones and submarines for the first time in Victoria.

Some top activities to discover our marine environment

Whether you are snorkelling, diving or going on rock pool rambles, there are many ways to discover Victoria's rich marine life.