NRE Tas launches ‘virtual dive’ of remote and ‘spectacular’ Bathurst Channel within Port Davey

Teeming with unusual marine life, Bathurst Channel is almost completely inaccessible to the public – but that’s now changed after a new ‘virtual dive’ was launched.

Members of the public can now do a virtual dive into the Bathurst Channel, an estuarine system that is globally unique both physically and biologically, through a new virtual tour. Picture: NRE Tas

Would-be marine explorers now have the opportunity to embark on a virtual dive into one of the most “unusual and spectacular” marine environments in the state.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) has launched a ‘virtual tour’ of the remote and inaccessible Bathurst Channel, located within Port Davey in the south-west of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

The dark and cold passage is known for its tannin-stained waters and breathtaking marine life, including invertebrates, seaweeds, and corals.

Members of the public can now do a virtual dive into the Bathurst Channel, an estuarine system that is globally unique both physically and biologically, through a new virtual tour. Picture: NRE Tas

NRE Tas zoologist, Dr Michael Driessen, said not many people were aware of the stunning Bathurst Channel.

“The remote location, challenging cold conditions, dark water and hence dark diving conditions mean that very few people can appreciate this highly unusual and spectacular community first-hand,” he said.

“The virtual tour and video we have developed provides the opportunity to experience and understand the important values of this marine community, which is inaccessible to pretty much everyone as it requires advanced diving skills in a remote location.”

Members of the public can now do a virtual dive into the Bathurst Channel, an estuarine system that is globally unique both physically and biologically, through a new virtual tour. Picture: NRE Tas

Dr Driessen said he hoped the new glimpse of the Bathurst Channel would promote the ongoing protection of its precious natural values into the future.

“Better understanding of the amazing natural marine values is likely to increase people’s support for protecting and managing these unique systems into the future,” he said.

The virtual tour of the Bathurst Channel was funded under the Commonwealth government’s Australian Heritage Grants Program and was a collaboration between NRE Tas and the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS).

Members of the public can now do a virtual dive into the Bathurst Channel, an estuarine system that is globally unique both physically and biologically, through a new virtual tour. Picture: NRE Tas

IMAS Associate Professor Neville Barrett said there were eight short videos included in the tour, outlining the main biological features at a variety of sites within the channel.

“It’s an awesome place that we are very privileged to visit, and through the virtual tour we hope that more people can enjoy the beauty of this remarkable marine system and the joy of exploring many locations along Bathurst Channel,” he said.

Port Davey is the only large estuarine system in southern Australia free of significant human impact, with no roads or river impoundments. It is effectively uninhabited by people.

However, climate change poses a threat to the area, as do invasive species, inappropriate boating and diving activities, and potential onshore development.

To take the virtual tour of the Bathurst Channel, visit seamapaustralia.org/map/#efc7c2c7-0055-4307-a84e-76a3d30aa898

For an overview video of the area, go to parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/southwest-national-park/port-davey-marine-reserve

Originally published as NRE Tas launches ‘virtual dive’ of remote and ‘spectacular’ Bathurst Channel within Port Davey