Operation Crayweed and Operation Posidonia: Engaging the public in the restoration of our underwater forests

Operation Crayweed and Operation Posidonia are two Sydney-based projects that combine science and community engagement to restore seaweed and seagrass species in Australia.

Find out from passionate fish ecologist Derrick Cruz and UNSW PhD candidate Maddy Langley about seaweeds and seagrasses are how these underwater forests fuel entire ecosystems around the world. They absorb carbon dioxide and turn it into lush underwater plants that provide vital habitat for thousands of species. Despite their importance, underwater forests are declining in many parts of the world, and these losses are happening out of sight and out of mind for too many of us.

Vaccination & QR Code update:
Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club requires proof of vaccination as a condition of entry to their venue. Please have your digital vaccination certificate ready to show at the door, QR code on entry and wear a mask.

Derrick Cruz 

Derrick grew up snorkelling and exploring the estuaries and seagrass meadows of Sydney. He is now a passionate fish ecologist and holds interests in range-shifting species, habitat restoration and the enhancement of wild fisheries. He has worked on various citizen science projects and enjoys promoting sustainable practices to younger generations.

Maddy Langley 

Maddy is a PhD candidate at the University of NSW, studying the impact of boat moorings on seagrass meadows. Her research has previously taken her to the crayweed forests of Sydney, Posidonia australis meadows of Port Stephens, and the kelp reefs of the Solitary Islands. She is passionate about engaging communities with their local marine environment especially when it comes to the green 'underwater forests' of the big blue. Maddy is also a Coogee local, and (beginner) ocean swimmer.

Special conditions for COVID-19

NSW COVID-19 public health orders will apply to this activity. Please assist in keeping all participants safe during the event, by observing instructions provided by Council staff or signage. You can view updated health-related advice and conditions on the RCC website.

Do not attend this activity if they have any of the following:

• Close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the past 14 days
• COVID-19 symptoms: fever or acute respiratory infection (e.g. shortness of breath or cough) with or without fever.

Photographs, videos and voice recordings

Randwick City Council staff may on occasion take recordings of participants during activities (including photographs, videos and voice recordings) that could be used for the following purposes:

• educational or community information purpose
• Council displays and promotions of community education events
• to complement the promotion of Randwick's Marine and Coastal Program.

If you DO NOT wish for the participant’s recording to be used according to these conditions, please indicate this during the booking process.

Cancellation conditions

This activity may be cancelled due to insufficient bookings, NSW COVID-19 health orders or poor weather. Participants will be advised in the event the activity changes or cancellation occurs. All care has been made in the preparation of the 2022 Marine and Coastal Discovery Program but some changes may occur due to circumstances beyond the control of Randwick City Council. Refunds will be provided for paid activities in the event of cancellation by Council. 

To find out about other Marine and Coastal Discovery activities please visit https://events.humanitix.com/tours/marine-and-coastal-discovery-program

This program is a Sustaining Our City initiative and is funded from Randwick City’s Environmental Levy.