Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability Vic

Each year, migratory birds connect ecosystems across continents – including here in Victoria. Did you know Phillip Island hosts one of the world’s largest colonies of short-tailed shearwaters – a bird that migrates all the way from Alaska? Protecting wetlands, coastlines and habitats helps safeguard these remarkable journeys.

The State of the Marine and Coastal Environment 2024 Report highlights the importance of Victoria’s coastal and wetland ecosystems for biodiversity, these habitats underpin species such as migratory shorebirds, which rely on healthy coastal environments to feed, rest and breed along international flyways. Link: https://lnkd.in/g-yugacQ

This April, puts the spotlight on community-led data that helps make our environment healthier. Citizen science plays a big part in supporting the Commissioner’s work to build stronger evidence for Victoria’s environmental health.

Scientific reviews behind the Commissioner’s State of reports rely on citizen science projects like litter monitoring as one of the main sources of publicly available scientific information, alongside peer-reviewed studies, government data and expert opinions.
Citizen science boosts the evidence base by bringing in observations from more locations. This helps spot environmental changes and new challenges that might be missed otherwise. Anyone can get involved – from tracking local wildlife to monitoring environmental quality or recording changes to help shape better decisions.

You’ll find citizen science highlighted under ‘Stewardship and Collaborative Management’ in both the State of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks 2025 Report and the State of Marine and Coastal Environment 2024 Report. These reports showcase activities like dune monitoring, weeding, revegetation, and community efforts to raise awareness about coastal values and issues. Check out the State of Reports www.ces.vic.gov.au/state-of-reports

Image: Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary. Credit: Parks Victoria

It's , Australia's national week long campaign to promote ocean awareness and appreciation. Guided by Ocean Literacy principles, it highlights major marine issues and emphasises our relationship with the ocean. Discover the health of Victoria’s marine and coastal environments in our State of the Marine and Coastal Environment report - https://lnkd.in/gmr2dmRn
This year's SeaWeek theme is , learn more at https://lnkd.in/gm7msCJf Photo credit: atosan

Get ready to roll up your sleeves— Day is happening this Sunday! Join your community of volunteers and make a real difference. Sign up at cleanup.org.au. Did you know litter and pollution are assessed in Victoria through reporting? Find out more at ces.vic.gov.au

Spatial technology can help us better understand and respond to biodiversity decline and other marine and coastal challenges here in Victoria. Earth observation will help identify and protect Victoria’s marine assets. Visit the Victorian State of the Marine and Coastal Environment 2024 Report for more info at www.ces.vic.gov.au

The Victorian State of the Marine and Coastal Environment 2024 Report unpacks the benefits of valuing the interconnectedness of nature – from catchments to reefs – to protect Victoria’s marine environment, precious wildlife and to maintain the health and quality of life for all Victorians -the ‘catchment to reefs’ philosophy.

The Victorian State of the Marine and Coastal Environment 2024 Report tells Victorian’s the current health of Victoria’s marine and coastal environment. View link: www.ces.vic.gov.au/stateofreports/smce2024report
Photography: Underwater, Port Phillip Bay

The Minister for Environment has tabled three environmental reports in the Parliament of Victoria, prepared by the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability.

Commissioner Helen Vaughan said, “These independent scientific reports provide Victorians with an important health check of Victoria’s natural environment”.

Based on peer reviewed science, these three reports - State of the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks 2025 Report, Victorian State of the Marine and Coastal Environment 2024 Report, and Melbourne Strategic Assessment Conservation Outcomes 2024 Report - provide recommendations to the Victorian Government. You can access the report links and view the recommendations in this article - https://www.ces.vic.gov.au/news/environmental-reports-released-2025

In recognition of we will share some of the findings from the Victorian State of the Marine and Coastal Environment 2024 Report via our socials, so keep an eye out this week!