Northern Pacific Seastar Event – Mentone
The Northern Pacific Seastars (NPS) are back in the shallows, and we are ready ⭐️
Join us for a hands-on event tackling one of Port Phillip Bay’s most persistent marine pests.
WHAT ARE NORTHERN PACIFIC SEASTARS?
The Northern Pacific Seastar is one of the most significant marine pests in Port Phillip Bay, where it threatens native biodiversity and shellfish populations. Capable of producing up to 20 million eggs each breeding season, it spreads rapidly and feeds on a wide range of molluscs, crabs, barnacles, sea squirts, and other marine invertebrates. Its high reproductive rate, broad diet and tendency to form dense populations allow it to outcompete native species and alter the bay’s marine ecosystems.
HOW WE HELP:
Earthcare volunteers regularly remove Northern Pacific Seastars from sites along the eastern shoreline of Port Phillip Bay, from Port Melbourne to Mornington. Volunteers work in water and land teams to locate, remove and dispose of seastars, reducing local populations and limiting their impact on the bay’s marine ecosystems. When NPS numbers are low in the bay, our marine volunteers pivot to other tasks such as Undaria pinnatifida (Japanese kelp) clean-ups and general marine litter removal.
If you would like to receive regular updates on our NPS events, become a member and join our Facebook community.
EVENT DETAILS:
When: Saturday 1 August from 10am-12pm
Where: Mentone Beach in front of the Mentone Surf Life Saving Club, Beach Road (opposite Kitchener Street). Just look for our blue flags!!
Who: Open to citizen scientists of all ages! Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
What to bring:
- snorkel crew (snorkel gear + appropriate wetsuit)
- dive crew (all dive gear + Open Water Qual (at a minimum))
- beach crew (water + everything you need to be sunsmart)