Understanding the Western Port Environment: A summary of current knowledge and priorities for future research

Abstract

Western Port is a unique feature on the Victorian coast, a large, semi-enclosed embayment on an exposed coastline, formed by complex geological processes. Superficially similar to Port Phillip Bay, it is more complex than its western neighbor, with a greater tidal range, extensive intertidal mudflats, and two large islands (Phillip Island and French Island). The tidal flats are cut by deep channels, with several catchments draining (some artificially connected) into the northeastern and eastern parts of the bay. All of this makes for complex oceanographic circulation. Much of its coastline is fringed by mangroves and saltmarshes, and there are extensive seagrass meadows on mudflats and below the low tide level.