Merri Marine Sanctuary:

Merri Marine Sanctuary, located at the mouth of the Merri River in Warrnambool, covers 25ha of coast from the Breakwater to Thunder Point. Merri and Middle islands sit just offshore and are the remains of an ancient sand dune that stretched from Pickering Point thousands of years ago. Between these islands is a deep canyon packed with sea life. Such a diverse range of marine life can be found in the area because of the varying sandy and rocky habitats and cool, nutrient rich, oxygen charged waters.

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Diving Conditions :

The dive site is exposed to large swells and south-westerly winds from the Southern Ocean in winter, with currents carrying water from the west and south into the sanctuary. In spring and summer the Bonney Upwelling brings cold water and nutrients  to the coastline, with its predominant south-east wind and current flow.

High tides, storms, large swells and freshwater inflow cause significant sand movement. Modifications in the sanctuary and nearby, including the construction of the breakwater, have resulted in a significant accumulation of sand adjacent to the sanctuary.

 

Marine Habitat:

Within this sanctuary, kelp and colorful sponges create an alluring underwater world. Overhangs and crevices provide excellent hiding spots for marine animals including Giant Cuttlefish, Draughtboard Sharks, Parrotfish, schools of Zebra Fish and Southern Rock Lobsters.

The pot-bellied seahorse Hippocampus abdominalis is protected and frequently seen on subtidal reefs  in the sanctuary.

Marine mammals including southern elephant seals Mirounga leonine,  the Australian fur seal Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus, Australian sea lion Neophoca cinerea and the leopard seal Hydrurga leptonyx have been observed in the waters in and around the sanctuary.

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Access:

This dive site is very close to Warrnambool and is easy to access via the shore at Stingray Bay or Pickering Point, or boat under the right conditions (launching point at the Breakwater).

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