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