Friday, 20 November 2015 10:31
The
Boating Industry Association of Victoria and Melbourne Zoo's AGL Marine Response
Unit has successfully launched Operation Bay Watch, which is aimed at providing
50,000 more eyes to undertake surveillance for injured marine life on Port Phillip
and Western Port Bays.
The
launch received wide coverage with Channels 7, 9, and 10 News covering the story,
putting the issue on the public agenda.
Left: John Zammit, Vice
Commodore of the Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club in
Williamstown;
Mark Keenan, Coordinator of the Melbourne Zoo AGL Marine
Rescue Unit and
Steven Potts, CEO, Boating Industry Association of
Victoria at the official launch of Operation Bay Watch in
Williamstown.
Cameramen from Channels 7,
9 and 10 News on the bow of the boat,
capturing the action of a number of dolphins
who decided to join the media launch of Operation Bay Watch.
Click here to get the Channel Seven News Report and see the dolphins joining in, plus information on the campaign.
Dolphins swimming near the
boat on Port Phillip Bay yesterday
Mark Keenan, Coordinator of the Melbourne Zoo AGL Marine Rescue Unit said the
involvement of the Boating Industry Association of Victoria, with its direct link
to the boating community, would provide a major boost to being able to identify
the location of marine life at risk.
Steven Potts, CEO of the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV), said the protection of the Bays environment from plastic and fishing line to protect marine life, and the long term environmental quality of Port Phillip and Western Port Bays, is an important program that needs wide community involvement.
Join
Operation Bay Watch and Help Protect our Marine Life
Add
the Melbourne Zoo Marine Response Unit 1300 245 678 to your mobile phone.
If
you see entangled or distressed marine wildlife contact the Zoo's AGL Marine Response
Unit.
Take a photo on your mobile phone of the injured marine wildlife
and text it to the Zoo's AGL Marine Response Unit on 0447 158 676 with a description
of the location.
Follow up with phone call 1300 245 678.
Join
Operation Bay Watch and Help us Spread the Message on Facebook
www.facebook.com/BoatingVic
Media
Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Media Communications, BIAV - Mobile: 0417 329 201