New signage has been installed at the Grantville Jetty and Deep Creek car parks explaining how important mangroves are to our shoreline and marine life in the area.

Bass Coast Shire Council’s Environment Manager, Paul Smith, said the signage acknowledges the project to reconstruct the seagrass and mangrove ecosystems.

“Mangroves were part of the coastline and were once abundant in this area,” said Mr Smith. “However, thousands were cut down and burnt so the ash could be used to make soap.

“The removal of the mangroves is a major factor contributing to the erosion of the Grantville coastline.”

The signage aims to educate the public about mangroves and the reconstruction project. The Westernport Seagrass Partnership is managing the project which is funded by a Federal Government grant.

“Project volunteers hope to continue the mangrove planting program in May this year. The locations will be chosen after consultation with the Grantville Foreshore Committee,” continued Mr Smith.

“Plants will be planted in the shallows rather than on the beach. This should attract sand, potentially extending the beach.”

Ten local schools are already nurturing seedlings preparing for the planting.

“Schools are using copies of the sign to explain how mangroves not only protect the shore, but also provide shelter and food for many species of fish and birds,” said Mr Smith.

Bass Coast Shire Council is a proud supporter of this project and assisted in the development and establishment of the new signage.

  Environment Project Officer, Clare Landry with ‘Dr 
  Mangrove’ Tim Ealey and the new interpretive signage