The status of reef invertebrates in Port Phillip Bay in 2023-2024 was Fair and the trend is Declining. This status is informed by the latest available time-series data indicating mean density and species richness. The confidence score for this data is Low.
Reef invertebrate species can influence the growth and survival of organisms that form reef habitat. Invertebrate size, abundance and species diversity are some of the key elements used to assess the overall condition of reef systems. Due to the inclusion of Abalone in calculating the status of reef invertebrates, the decline in this status is most likely driven by the decline in Abalone species.
Photo Credit: Chromodoris tasmaniensis, on a pink sponge. Image by: Julian Finn / Museum Victoria, Rights/Licence: CC BY (Attribution)
The status was calculated using a Biological Quality Ratio from data provided by Reef Life Survey and the Victorian Subtidal Reef Monitoring Program. For more detail on how this status was calculated view the methodology section.
Data contributors & Acknowledgements:
Page last updated: 30/10/25