Are Marine Protected Areas working in Victoria? Southern Rock Lobsters show that they are

Overview

• Southern Rock Lobsters are an important indicator species for the health of the Great Southern Reef in Victoria.
• Recent analysis of their numbers indicate that Marine Protected Areas are working, and helping to protect many different species, especially in Discovery Bay.
• The local extinction of the Southern Rock Lobster in northern Port Phillip Bay underscores their importance, as sea urchin populations are expanding rapidly and are needing immediate management by Parks Victoria.