The Wire

A new project led by scientists and economists and modellers will map the undersea waters around  Port Phillip Bay, Westernport Bay and coastal areas in New South Wales. The intention is to understand the real value of such areas not just to fishing but to tourism  and as habitat.

The three year project is the first of its kind in Australia and will be led by Deakin University scientists from the Centre for Integrative Ecology . It is hoped its findings will  provide evidence that can inform political decisions around the oceans, such as offshore mining and marine parks.