The Mount Eliza Marine Advocacy Group
a collective of local marine enthusiasts advocating for the
recognition and long-term protection of Mount Eliza’s nearshore reef system in Port Phillip Bay. Currently,
just 5.3% of Victoria’s coastal waters are designated as protected areas, highlighting a critical need for
expanded marine conservation efforts. Preliminary research and observations indicate that the Mount Eliza
coastline supports ecologically significant marine life and habitats. Our objective is to deepen scientific
understanding of this unique area and advocate for its formal protection. Under the 2025-2026 Beneath
Our Waves initiative, we are advancing community-led conservation through community engagement,
education and citizen science.
Our Goals.
Community Impact
• Contribute to increased data availability for marine planning and coastal conservation.
• Support and empower the community to advocate for its protection.
• Provide a replicable model for other community-led conservation actions around the peninsula.
Monitoring and Sustainability Success will be measured through:
• Number of workshops delivered, and participants reached.
• Biodiversity survey data collected and publicly shared through iNaturalist to support ongoing community engagement.
• Feedback from community participants and Bunurong partners. The initiative is designed for long-term sustainability through open access to data and materials, continued volunteer engagement, and partnerships with schools and existing marine conservation bodies.