Imagine standing on the edge of Churchill Island Marine National Park. This park is a treasure trove of marine life and history. It is located south of Rhyll. The park sits on the eastern shore of Phillip Island. Protected from Bass Strait’s strong winds and waves, it is one of three Marine National Parks in Western Port.
Churchill Island Marine National Park spans 670 hectares. It protects a diverse range of habitats. These include saltmarshes and mangrove fringes. Cobble and shingle beaches also fall within its boundaries. Extensive sheltered intertidal mudflats are vital here. Seagrass beds, soft sediments, and deep tidal channels complete the picture.
These habitats support a wide variety of life. Algae, invertebrates, fish, and birds thrive here. They depend on the park’s sheltered environment. Tides greatly influence the Churchill Island Marine National Park. They expose and submerge vast mudflats and seagrass beds. These areas become foraging grounds for migratory waders.
The park is part of the Western Port Ramsar Site. It is also part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. This recognizes it as a crucial wetland for migratory birds. Saltmarshes and mangroves offer roosting sites. Seabirds and shorebirds find refuge here.
Much of the Marine National Park features subtidal soft sediments. Shallow areas boast dense seagrass and algae beds. Fish like stingrays, perch, flathead, and gobies inhabit these areas.
Deeper sections of the park hold a surprise. Here, you can find dense populations of lampshells. These ‘living fossils’, also known as brachiopods, are rare and unusual. They live on subtidal sediments and in tidal channels. These channels also provide habitat for various fish and invertebrates. You might even spot the sea pen Sarcostyles grandis in abundance.
Birdwatching is popular at Churchill Island. Many bird species feed, roost, and breed in the bay. You might see birds that have migrated from across the world. Canoeing lets you explore the mangroves and estuarine conditions. Yachting is also popular in the bay’s calm waters.
Snorkelling and diving reveal more. On calm days, explore seagrass meadows. Look for crustaceans, fish, and other marine animals. Keep an eye out for the pot-bellied seahorse. Maybe you will see weedy sea dragons too. These are Victoria’s marine emblem.
Remember that a Special Protection Area exists for natural values. It covers saltmarsh and mangrove areas. This extends from the high-water mark to the edge of the intertidal vegetation. This area covers a small portion of the Marine National Park. Public access is prohibited here.
The Churchill Island Marine National Park’s story goes back further. In 1801, Lieutenant James Grant cultivated the first European garden here. He planted wheat, corn, potatoes, and more. This marked Victoria’s first European crop. Later, Samuel Amess built a home here in 1872.
Today, we protect this special place. The management plan directs the park’s future. The Western Port and South-east Melbourne Conservation Action Plan guides environmental efforts. This ensures that Churchill Island Marine National Park remains special. Future generations can continue to enjoy its natural and cultural heritage.