The Allan Labor Government is empowering the next generation to become marine biosecurity heroes through a new educational activity at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium.
SEA LIFE officially launched their Junior Marine Biosecurity Officer program today, which has been designed to increase marine pest awareness and encourage the reporting of suspected sightings to Agriculture Victoria.
The activity will lead young Victorians along a trail throughout the Aquarium, keeping an eye and ear out for information about invasive marine pests along the way and filling out an activity book.
Once participants have completed their activity book, they will receive a certificate that declares them a Junior Marine Biosecurity Officer.
Agriculture Victoria, in partnership with SEA LIFE Melbourne, will run the program throughout May - which is a busy period for school excursions at the Aquarium.
Marine pests are highly invasive, non-native animals and plants that can cause significant harm to Victoria's marine environment and once established, are nearly impossible to eradicate.
Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and it is collaborations alongside industry like this one that are vital in helping to spread the word about marine biosecurity.
For information on how you can help and Victoria's ongoing response to marine pests visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity.
To attend SEA LIFE Melbourne and complete the Junior Marine Biosecurity Officer program head to visitsealife.com/melbourne.
As stated by Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
"Protecting our waters from invasive pests is about ensuring future generations can enjoy our marine ecosystem and it can continue to support livelihoods."
As stated by Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Michaela Settle
"This activity will provide valuable knowledge to young Victorians in a fun and memorable way and equip them with the skills they need to identify invasive pests and become the marine biosecurity heroes our state needs."
As stated by SEA LIFE Melbourne General Manager Claire Burrell
"The Junior Marine Biosecurity Officer program provides a great opportunity to teach young people how to protect marine life and it is a program we would love to see rolled out across Australia."
