Become an ocean steward with Operation Crayweed

Operation Crayweed is working to conserve and restore Sydney’s underwater crayweed forests while contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. But restoring our oceans isn’t only about putting seaweed back into the sea. It is also about helping people understand, connect with and care for the marine environments on their doorstep. Join the University of New South Wales Sustainability team alongside Operation Crayweed for a fun, interactive workshop exploring the fascinating life of crayweed (Phyllospora comosa) and the science behind restoring its underwater forests.

On land, we’ll take you on a walk and talk through the crayweed life cycle and our touch pool will bring the underwater experience onto land, giving everyone the opportunity to see, touch and explore crayweed and some of the wonderful creatures these forests support.

Want to see a forest for yourself? Get in the water with us! Following an induction focused on making sure everyone feels safe and comfortable, participants can don a mask and snorkel and visit one of Operation Crayweed’s most successful restoration sites.

Whether you stay on shore or take the plunge, come meet your local underwater forests, discover the science behind their restoration, and learn how greater ocean literacy can help all of us become better stewards of life below water.

Plus: A Crayweed Photo Challenge! 
Help us give crayweed the “cool-kid” status it deserves. Bring your camera along! Using props or pure imagination, snap a standout crayweed photo with your own clever tagline. The most creative entry wins a free Operation Crayweed T-shirt. 

WHEN: Friday, 6th of November. This event is WEATHER DEPENDENT. It might be cancelled/postponed to the following Friday 13th if conditions aren't good. Please register for the event with an email address you regularly check, as we will announce whether the event is postponed.

WHO: All welcome! We have capped the event due to limited staffing capacity, so please RSVP.

WHAT TO BRING: Your camera if you want to participate in the photo competition. We will be on the rocky reef, so please wear appropriate footwear. There is not a lot of shade at this site so please wear a hat and sun protection, and water/snacks and bring gardening/working gloves if you want to handle the crayweed. If you wish to get in the water, then please bring your snorkelling gear otherwise we will provide a limited set of gear available for you to use. Handling crayweed may stain your clothes, so it's best to wear dark or work clothes.

WHERE: we will meet down by the Rob Walker pool (https://maps.app.goo.gl/ja3rk96SRon6mn8z8)

Street parking is available along Liguria street or Seaside parade in South Coogee (-33.936214, 151.260816) or along Waterside avenue in Maroubra (-33.938210, 151.259718).

For any questions: please email operation.crayweed@unsw.edu.au

Donate to Operation Crayweed by visiting our website: https://www.operationcrayweed....