By Danielle Davey
Photo: Jack Breedon
A team of filmmakers recently captured the ultimate pre-launch teaser for their upcoming documentary: the discovery of a glow-in-the-dark shark. Set for release early next year, the film is part of the Western Port Down Under project, a marine conservation campaign committed to sharing the stories of the unique wildlife beneath the surface of our local waters.
According to Rosebud marine biologist and campaign founder Sheree Marris, the Australian swellshark is just one of the strange and spectacular species encountered during the project. “Every dive reveals something new and exciting,” she said. “It’s like the gift that keeps giving.”
To clear up any misconceptions, the swellshark itself isn’t a new find. What is new is the discovery of its ability to glow.
“Imagine learning that a shark we’ve known about for decades has been hiding a secret superpower all along,” Sheree said. “Unlike a deep-sea anglerfish, it doesn’t produce its own light. Instead, specialised molecules in its skin absorb blue light and re-emit it as an electric green glow that’s completely invisible under normal conditions. Scientists are still unsure why, but interestingly the glowing patterns are different between males and females.”
Sheree has pulled together an equally enthusiastic and experienced group of people to join her on the project, handpicking a team of passionate filmmakers, scientists, storytellers and community champions who share her vision.
Together, the team has documented extraordinary species most people have never seen or even knew existed. Port Phillip was the focus of an earlier initiative of Sheree’s titled Melbourne Down Under, but Western Port is a completely different ecosystem.
Despite its unfavourable reputation as Port Phillip’s muddy cousin, beneath its surface are colourful sponge gardens and marine life normally seen in much deeper water. The Western Port region supports globally significant seagrass meadows, mangroves, internationally important shorebirds and underwater reefs found nowhere else on Earth. By the end of the documentary, it’s expected people will see Western Port in a completely different light.
Committed to developing a curriculum-linked primary and secondary school campaign to supplement the film, the team is currently raising money to launch an interactive book and a digital map. The Living Book and Wonder Map will provide immersive experiences, serving as a portal to remotely explore the bay.
The project’s resources will continue to be available long after the team disbands. The films, photography, educational resources and digital content will be freely available to schools, community groups, tourism organisations and partners to help inspire people to discover, celebrate and care for Western Port for years to come.
“The story belongs to everyone,” Sheree said. “’We’ve shown what’s possible with a handful of passionate people. Imagine what’s possible when an entire community decides that Western Port is worth celebrating.”
To support the campaign and keep the focus on Western Port alive, ambassadors, volunteers, fundraisers and changemakers are needed. For details and to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.westernportdownunder.com.au; for social media updates, check out @westernportdownunder on Instagram and Facebook.
