GeelongPort is seeking registrations of interest from the community, to become #BlueCarbonArmy participants on our research days.

For more information and to submit your registration please read below.

GeelongPort has partnered with Deakin University's Blue Carbon Lab to deliver a Citizen Science program aiming to connect the community to Corio Bay's coastal ecosystems and climate change research.

The program aims to help:

1. educate the GeelongPort community and raise awareness of sustainability practices,
2. collect publishable data on the ability of Australian coastal wetlands to mitigate climate change, and
3. positively contribute to health, wellbeing and connection between GeelongPort staff and community members.

GeelongPort is surrounded by significant ecosystems, and Corio Bay has a wealth of blue carbon ecosystems (saltmarshes, mangroves and seagrass beds) that are important for mitigating climate change as they serve as natural carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots.

The partnership supports the delivery of GeelongPort's Environment Strategy and key focus on responsible management and protection of Corio Bay. It will also help transform GeelongPort community members into citizen scientists who will help advocate for the protection and restoration of Victoria's coastal wetlands and contribute to local blue carbon research.

The program is seeking to engage 150+ GeelongPort staff and community members in the program.

GeelongPort is currently seeking registrations of interest from community members, #BlueCarbonArmy participants, to commit to one day of research over the next two years

#BlueCarbonArmy participants will join Deakin University scientists in a field campaign throughout Corio Bay to learn about coastal wetlands (aka blue carbon ecosystems) and how to monitor their carbon stores and climate mitigation potential.

Data collection will include:

1. survey of saltmarsh species,
2. collection of soil samples for carbon stocks analysis,
3. measurement of greenhouse gas fluxes, and
4. recording of saltmarsh elevation.

Results from this program will be used to quantify the gains from saltmarsh restoration and build the case for the restoration and protection of coastal wetlands for blue carbon offsets in Victoria.

Go to GeelongPort citizen science - Blue Carbon Lab for further details about the program.

Please complete the below form to register your interest for the Citizen Science Day taking place on Tuesday 17 October.