Victorian habitat for the weedy seadragon under threat.

Sir David Attenborough has lent his support to a Mornington Peninsula community's battle to prevent the partial demolition of a wooden jetty, arguing it provides valuable habitat for the threatened weedy seadragon.

The Victorian government last year revealed plans to demolish the first 180 metres of the wooden Flinders Pier in order to protect public safety and before it falls into the water and became a navigational hazard or injured those beneath it.

In a letter to the Flinders Community Association, Parks Victoria argued that by removing the wooden jetty, it could focus on improving the concrete section of the jetty, delivering “the best outcome now and for many years to come.”

However, the Flinders Community Association’s Charles Reis believes the jetty should instead be repaired to ensure the rich marine life enjoyed by the local community can be maintained, including the threatened weedy seadragon, Victoria’s marine emblem.

Reis told ABC Radio Melbourne: -

“The weedy seadragon habitates the pylons that sit under the pier, and they feed off the coral…so there are microorganisms that live amongst the coral and the weedy seadragon feeds off those. And plans by Parks Victoria to remove those pylons seriously threatens the habitat of those weedy seadragons."

Sir David Attenborough’s handwritten letter of support (Courtesy of ABC, supplied by Charles Reis)

Moreover, Reis has the support of legendary conservationist Sir David Attenborough, who wrote to Reis expressing his concerns.

"I am so sorry to hear of the threat to the habitat of the weedy seadragon on the Mornington Peninsula," the 95-year-old wrote in May.

Sir David wrote that if he had an opportunity to draw public attention to the threat facing the "most wonderful creature" he would do so.

The acclaimed documentary maker's call has been backed by local marine botanist Neil Hallam, who said concrete or steel pylons would not provide the same kind of habitat.

"They're not as porous, the chemistry of the concrete is alkaline, it's not such a nice foothold, if you like, for these organisms to hang on [to put up with] the tide and wave surges and things like that."

Removal of the wooden pylons would not only destroy the habitat of the weedy seadragon but also take away the beginnings of a food source for other marine life.

"It's just the beginning of the line of organisms all the way up to seals and whales, they're all dependent on the organisms that use such things as vegetation around the pylons.”

These days, Reis said the pier was a beloved place for families to come and fish, swim and relax. He wants the chance to discuss the issue with Parks Victoria and see if a community fundraiser could secure repairs to the wooden structure.

"We're simply asking Parks Victoria, what would it take to save the Flinders Pier, to be restored back to what it was before Parks Victoria took over responsibility for it," he said.

Courtesy of HKALPO

Main Source: ABC