The status of the Australasian gannet (Morus serrator) in Port Phillip Bay in 2021-2022 was Fair and the trend is Stable. This status is informed by the latest available time-series data indicating abundance. The confidence score for this data is Medium. Australasian gannets and other seabirds are important indicators of marine ecosystems due to their cause-effect association with microclimate and habitats and their ability to be detected easily unlike other marine fauna. Seven Australasian gannet breeding colonies representing approximately 500 breeding pairs are found in Port Phillip Bay. The largest colony in Port Phillip Bay is located at Pope’s Eye which was established in the late 1970s to early 1980s. Gannets breed annually between July, when nest building begins, and early April, when the last chicks fledge. The status was calculated using a Biological Quality Ratio. For more detail on how this status was calculated view the methodology section.
Photo credit: Prof. John Arnould
Data contributors and acknowledgements:
Page last updated: 17/04/24