OceanWatch Australia works with the seafood industry and the community to ensure Australia’s marine environment is healthy, productive, valued and used in a responsible way.
The following organisations are OceanWatch members, contributing vital funds and support for our work:
Click on the links above to learn about the great work we do
within the Community and Industry for the sustainability
of our resources and habitats.
June 8th is World Ocean’s Day; this year’s theme is “Innovation for a sustainable ocean”. The world’s oceans are essential for life on Earth, providing food, medicine, and important ecosystem services, as well as being a large source of the world’s biodiversity. These crucial ecosystems are threatened by anthropogenic influences so we must work together … Continue reading "World Ocean’s Day"
It is very normal to get confused about the difference between compostable and biodegradable materials. While all compostable products are biodegradable, not all biodegradable products are compostable. The main differences are related to: their own production materials, how they decompose, and the residual elements after decomposition. Compostable products are made by organic elements or plants … Continue reading "“COMPOSTABLE VS BIODEGRADABLE”"
This year we could not celebrate local, sustainable seafood in the usual way, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, this year the professional fishermen of South West Rocks donated their product to indigenous communities on the NSW north coast, those whose ancestors fished these shores long before the fisherman of today, some of whom still … Continue reading "A DECADE OF LOAVES AND FISHES "
Amid the current crisis that faces this world, take some time to join together in solidarity to help tackle another crisis facing our planet. This Saturday the 28th of March lets #switchoff for Earth Hour. One hour of no power, take part in switching off the lights, together we can raise our voice and show … Continue reading "Earth Hour 2020"
As the COVID-19 virus spreads across world, events and social gatherings have been put on hold. For now we adapt to a life of isolation, but this does not mean we can’t still do our bit to help our environment, our industries and our community as we all struggle through this difficult time together. Below … Continue reading "What can we do during our isolation?"
2020 has not been the easiest of years, and it is only the beginning. We have seen fires, floods and now the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic. At OceanWatch we are continuing to work in isolation at home, following the advice of health authorities. We are however deeply concerned about the effect of this pandemic on our … Continue reading "COVID-19"
Over the weekend, we celebrated the Taste of Seafood Festival in Wisemans Ferry on the shores of the Hawkesbury River. It was a great opportunity to acknowledge our local professional fisherman and the fresh seafood they bring to our tables every day. OceanWatch took the time to recognise the Hawkesbury professional fisherman who have completed … Continue reading "Taste of Seafood Hawkesbury"
Oyster farmers across the country have come together to help combat the scourge of marine debris in Australian waterways. The inaugural event dubbed ‘Tide to Tip’ began on the 17th of February 2020 and continues into the coming weeks. While the initiative is being driven by the Australian oyster industry, oyster farmers have taken the opportunity to partner … Continue reading "Tide To Tip 2020"
As Humpback whale populations in the southern hemisphere recover from past commercial whaling, the potential for interactions between whales and commercial fishing operations is increasing, with most entanglements occurring since 2006. The majority of entanglement incidents involve Humpback whales, a species listed as Vulnerable under the Commonwealth EPBC Act and NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. … Continue reading "East Coast Whale Entanglement Mitigation Program"
OceanWatch Australia is looking at taking on 2 interns every 6 months with intakes in February and July each year. These positions will get exposure and experience to the types of projects we work on and assist us meet delivery of current projects. If you are interested in this opportunity please fill out the form … Continue reading "OceanWatch Australia is seeking Interns"
Seafood Industry Australia officially launched ‘Our Pledge’on the 24th of October. ’Our Pledge’ is the Australian seafood industries’ commitment to the community, and to each other, that they will do the right thing to ensure a vibrant future for the sector, and keep putting the best Australian seafood on the table now and for generations … Continue reading "SIA Launches ‘Our Pledge’"
OceanWatch is thrilled with the announcement that the NSW Government is investing in the Master Fisherman Program. The program is a joint initiative between industry and government and is designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and professionalism of local fishers. Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair, said “the funding commitment is a win-win for consumers … Continue reading "NSW Government partners with OceanWatch to drive ‘best practice’ in NSW seafood"
At the recent NRM Regions Australia Meeting of the Chairs’ in Darwin, an update of the MOU was signed by Peter Bridgewater, Chair and a co-signer of the National Landcare Network on behalf of NRM Regions Australia. NRM Regions Australia is the representative group of the National NRM Chairs’ Forum and responsible for progressing business … Continue reading "Historic NRM moment"
The blue waters off the coast of New South Wales teem with marine life that support the livelihoods of professional fishers. For Jason Moyce or Trapman as some know him, it has been a way of life for the last 30 years. Saltwater runs deep in the veins of the Moyce family as his father … Continue reading "Tales of a Trapman – A sustainable fishing narrative"
A spike in sea urchin population in the Gippsland’s Corner Inlet has led to a partnership between conservationists and local professional fishers. The Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park, a Ramsar-listed site, has had a huge unexplained spike in the native purple-spined sea urchins population. This led to volunteers culling more than 57,000 of the creatures … Continue reading "Fishing and conservation working together"
Let’s face it we can all make small changes to reduce the amount of plastics in our lives. Australia alone uses 6.9 billion plastic bags a year dumping 36,700 tonnes of plastic bags into our landfill every year. Governments and businesses have a duty to take action, but its the lifestyle changes we make as … Continue reading "Could you use less plastic? Of course!"
The Australian Mangrove and Saltmarsh Network conference (AMSN) bought together professional researchers, managers,officers and environmental consultants, as well as community enthusiasts from around Australia to talk facts about the state of mangrove and saltmarsh tidal wetland habitats around the country. The vast array of ecosystems found in mangrove and saltmarsh communities around Australia face increasing … Continue reading "AMSN Network Conference 2018"
Ocean sustainability has fast become one of the most important issues of the century and we are all responsible for the health of our oceans, which is why we are pleased to have Paul Aquilina a professional Australian fisherman on board to take his #OceanPledge. Paul is serious about caring for the local area he … Continue reading "Professional fisherman takes an #OceanPledge"
Need a refreshing location to beat the heat and discover something new? Tidal pools are a mecca for marine life providing a home for many hardy organisms such as starfish, crabs and anemone. Inhabitants living in these marine habitats deal with a harsh environment. Frequent water temperature changes, waves, exposure to midday sun and predators … Continue reading "Fancy meeting some sea creatures? Australia’s best rockpools"
With our natural resources facing increasing pressure the task of keeping our oceans, waterways and habitats healthy is an ongoing issue. Whilst some environmental drives seek to highlight an important issue they can in the process distance or vilify other key stakeholders that have an important role to play in the responsible use of the … Continue reading "Everybody is responsible for healthy oceans #OceanPledge"
Oyster producers from all over NSW have descended on Merimbula this week for the biennial NSW Oyster Conference held at the Pambula Merimbula Golf Club. Over 200 oyster farmers, trade suppliers and associated organisations attended providing a unique opportunity for producers to share, learn and connect with other farmers and industry stakeholders. The conference had … Continue reading "NSW Oyster Conference a hit"
Carp are one of the most destructive introduced pest species in Australia and have caused major damage to native fish populations and the water quality of our waterways. But for commercial Carp fishers John and Peter Ingram business is booming and their efforts have a positive effect on the local environment. Father and Son duo … Continue reading "Something to give a Carp about"
Photo courtesy of Echonet Daily Two sea turtles rescued in South Australia late last year are being released back in to the wild in Ballina. Australian Seabird Rescue volunteers released the turtles, which were flown to Ballina just over a week ago to be released in the warmer waters. Jenelle, a 20-year-old Green Sea Turtle … Continue reading "Double sea turtle rescue"
With 85% of Australia’s population living on coastal strips around the country, our energy needs are putting more and more pressure on coastal habitat areas. Coastal population growth exerts pressure on coastal land increasing need for agriculture and housing at the expense of natural habitats & species. So is wave energy conversion a piece of … Continue reading "Is wave energy conversion the future of Australia’s coastal towns?"
Fish hotels in the form of Oyster shell in Coir fibre bags have been installed in key estuary locations around NSW. These structures will be key to providing erosion control and fish habitat restoration in intertidal locations. Several sites in NSW have been selected where there is active erosion occurring and the presence of marine … Continue reading "New reef trials installed in estuaries around NSW"
In June, the United Nations hosted its first large conference on saving and protecting the worlds oceans. The Ocean Conference, began Monday, June 5 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York coinciding with World Oceans Day on June 8. This high level, “game-changing” Conference focused on the support and implementation of Sustainable Development Goal … Continue reading "The United Nations held an Ocean Conference and here is what happened"
If a Starfish slips off a rock in the middle of the ocean and no one is there to see it did it really happen? The answer YES because the Seaview team have made 360 degree underwater camera, just like Google street view – but for the ocean. The Sea View team capture gorgeous, immersive, … Continue reading "360 degree view of the sea in your own home"
Sometimes the most difficult conundrums can have simplistic solutions. Fishermen in the Pacific Northwest are proving they can be harvesters and conservationists, over the years shrimp nets accidentally captured large amounts of threatened little fish, called Eulachon. The solution? Exit lights on nets: Bright LEDs are zip tied to nets and are guiding the little … Continue reading "Commercial fishers LED lights saving fish – A breakthrough in conservation"
Shellfish reefs may not be great to step on or to look at but these reefs have just as much to offer as their beautiful coral reef counter parts. Shellfish reefs made up of oysters and mussels offering a whole suite of eco-system services and work just like coral reefs as fish factories, they support … Continue reading "Why do we need more oyster reefs? And what are they anyway?"
There are all kinds of opportunities in life and sometimes those opportunities allow us to make an amazing impact in local communities and support those who need specialist guidance. That is why our Executive Director Brad Warren will be sorely missed when he departs the helm of OceanWatch Australia at the end of June 2017. … Continue reading "The end of an era, but a lifetime of legacy"
Last year in June 2016 a massive king tide threatened property from Maroubra to Narrabeen on a stormy Monday evening, the following day owners struggled to come to terms with damage to their homes and businesses. The instant reaction from the community was where was the sea wall to protect their coastal homes? Although a … Continue reading "Remember when the houses fell into the sea in Sydney?"
Everyone has been in the situation at the supermarket where they see a totally un-necessary form of plastic packaging. Maybe you caught a glimpse of avocados and bananas wrapped in plastic or cookies individually wrapped inside of a plastic package. The companies say they give consumers what the want but is the blame for this … Continue reading "2 years later plastic wrapped vegetables line the shelves"
Deafening sound waves created during offshore surveys for oil and gas can kill microscopic plankton, according to a new study. The research showed significant impacts on the target species – with a two to three-fold increase in mortality of adult and larval zooplankton. How do seismic blasts work? Seismic surveys blast compressed air emitting pulses … Continue reading "Seismic survey death waves killing the building blocks of life"
No longer do we need any more excuses to open another bottle of wine, because thanks to the great people at the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI)and Barossa Valley company Tarac Technologies wine waste is being used to make aquaculture feed even more sustainable. The research has so far produced a cheaper, better … Continue reading "Waste from the wine industry is being developed into aquaculture feed"
It’s #WorldOceansDay today and here a 4 facts that will make you never use single use plastics again…..ever. 1 It takes three times more water to manufacture a plastic bottle than it does to fill it. The chemical production of plastics also means most of that water cannot be reused.Source: Pacific Institute. 2 Water bottles … Continue reading "4 shocking facts about ocean plastic for #WorldOceansDay"
Whether your swimming, hiking , four wheel driving or wading through the waters here are some basic tips you can use to love your local beach. 1. Careful where you step! There are many fragile parts of the eco-system that are just a few centimeters below the surface. Sea Grasses are the nurseries of the … Continue reading "How to be an eco friendly beach goer"
With 2137 km of Coast line ahead of him and a passion for protecting our wild catch fisheries, Michael our program manager has been working with the Professional Fishermens Association (PFA), Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) and the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Aquatic Biosecurity to help stop the spread of … Continue reading "Waging the war against White Spot"
In our society where convenience is king future generations are going to look back at our fast fix obsessed society and wonder how it all went so wrong. The good news? We have compiled a no none-sense list that shows everyone how they can be a better earth citizen for the ocean. Wet wipes Yes … Continue reading "Change these two things for a healthier marine environment"
Australia’s fishing industry is valued at $2.8 billion and support jobs, regional communities and food security. We think that that is something worth protecting and this new innovation that is aimed at protecting Australia’s Aquaculture and wild catch fisheries. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has launched a mobile application that will potentially strengthen … Continue reading "Mobile app launched to protect Australian fisheries and aquaculture"
If you look at ocean water in a clear glass, you’ll see that it’s not clear but full of tiny particles. Seawater contains dissolved salts, proteins, fats, dead algae, detergents and other pollutants. If you shake this glass of ocean water vigorously, small bubbles will form on the surface of the liquid. Sea foam forms … Continue reading "What is sea foam and why does it happen?"
These are some insane tidal bore waves in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia. This video was posted to the Facebook page, Fishing Australia TV. “35 kilometer-per-hour tides, 40-foot standing waves,800-meter whirlpools that are 100 feet deep,” states Fishing Australia on its page. A tidal bore is a rare natural phenomenon in which an incoming … Continue reading "Mesmorizing tidal bores"
We use 5 trillion plastic bags per year! That’s 160,000 a second! And over 700 a year for every single person on the planet. We can do better than that. This self inflicted disease riddling planet Earth lies in the household of nearly all Australians .Globally 160,000 plastic bags are used a second and put … Continue reading "Number of plastic bags produced – worldwide, this year"
Seagrass meadows are the most widespread coastal ocean ecosystems in the world. Research now finds that these plants can reduce disease-causing bacteria such as Enterococcus in the surrounding seawater by up to 50%. What’s more, coral reefs also show a 50% reduction in disease when seagrasses live nearby. Sea Grass meadows are the nurseries of … Continue reading "Why are Seagrass meadows underwater heroes?"
There’s nothing better than getting together with your mates or rocking a solo fishing expedition however, this week the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is asking recreational fishermen to spare the friendly herbivores of the seas. What do you mean by herbivores of the sea is that a real thing? Yes! The following species … Continue reading "Recreational Fishermen please spare the lawn mowers of the reef!"
Have you ever been swimming in a river or the ocean and felt something slimy brush up against you? Whilst terrifying and potentially making you exit the water, Algae could in the future be responsible for powering your car, home and contribute to reducing emissions into the atmosphere. Algae are a diverse group of aquatic … Continue reading "How can algae power my car?"
This week our program manager Woody eagerly visited over 90 commercial fishermen up and down the NSW coast educating them on how they can help stop the spread of White Spot (a condition that to causes sudden death in crustaceans). With White Spot now detected in the Moreton Bay region containment is now the most … Continue reading "Crusading against White Spot"
Every week we bring to you a #Sustainablefish of the week today we feature Scomberomorus commerson, or better known by its common name of Spanish Mackerel. It is listed as Fully Fished by the Department of Primary Industries which means the current catches and fishing pressure are sustainable. Spanish Mackerel live up to 15 years … Continue reading "#Sustainablefish of the week"
Marine conservation is a complex topic which can be made more complicated by language barriers. That’s why Sydney’s Chinese community have been rolling up their sleeves for the past year to encourage better stewardship and conservation of the local marine environment, under the Aquatic Champion program rolled out by Greater Sydney Local Land Services. Through … Continue reading "Sydney’s ocean loving Chinese take on marine conservation role"
The current weather situation across Northern NSW and Tropical Queensland right now is by no means ideal.The aftermath of Cyclone Debbie and the torrential rain that ensued its path has been a test of locals and our Government Services Whilst flood events are devastating to humans they are a natural occurrence that can provide negative … Continue reading "What are the negative and positive impacts of flooding on the environment?"
The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is implementing an expanded movement control zone to contain the spread of White Spot Disease that wiped out several prawn farms in South East Queensland. Recreational fishers are in a strong position to help stop the spread of this deadly disease through practice change below is a short … Continue reading "How can recreational fishers help stop the spread of White Spot Disease?"
In honour of celebrating #SustainableSeafoodWeek we have listed five ways Australian fishermen are keeping our seafood at world class sustainability levels. 1. Turtle excluder devices In response to injury and death of Turtles in trawl nets The Australian Seafood Industry has implemented Turtle excluder devices (TEDS) for the last 20 years. They are designed to … Continue reading "5 ways industry is keeping seafood sustainable in Australia for #SustainableSeafoodWeek"
Scientists filled the seats of the Australian Saltmarsh and Mangrove network conference last week in Hobart to discuss the challenges and solutions for protecting our amazing coastal frontiers. There was a major theme for the (AMSN) conference aimed at promoting the story of the “riches behind our beaches” and advancing our knowledge and management of … Continue reading "Why do we love beaches and not care for wetlands?"
OceanWatch Australia has been protecting biodiversity and threatened species for the benefit of the Australian marine environment since 1989. We work to encourage the adoption of best practices for fishing and aquaculture, the encouragement of stewardship actions amongst coastal and marine users, and undertaking works to protect, rehabilitate, restore and enhance the marine environment as … Continue reading "This is your chance to decide on the future of Australia’s marine environment"
It is no secret the Great Barrier Reef has suffered greatly through the harsh Australia summer this year with the most significant bleaching event on record taking place right on our doorstep, but could Cyclone Debbie change that in the coming days? Fingers crossed! A cyclone is a warm-core, low-pressure system that develops over tropical … Continue reading "Could Cyclone Debbie stop the Great Barrier Reef bleaching?"
Is the current climate of constant rain in NSW getting to you? Is that side ways rain getting under your umbrella? Well, spare a thought for the fish that perish because of large downpours. This morning oyster farmers on the Macleay River and community members at Hastings Point have been reporting fish kills occuring. … Continue reading "Think you’re sick of the rain? Think of the fish"
Are you passionate about sustainability and the environment? Do you watch documentaries and public speakers inspiring others to be good earth citizens and think you could do that too? Well here is your chance. Landcare Illawarra & Intrepid Landcare are looking for young people aged 18-35 to join the Young Sustainability Ambassador program who are: … Continue reading "Are you passionate about the environment?"
Every week we bring to you a #Sustainablefish of the week today we feature Zeus faber, or better known by its common name of John Dory. It is listed as Fully Fished by the Department of Primary Industries which means the current catches and fishing pressure are close to optimal. John dory have highly compressed … Continue reading "#Sustainablefish of the week"
Happy St Patrick’s Day! In celebration we are featuring all things green the ocean has to offer. Costasiella Kuroshimae (above) The Sea sheep (Costasiella kuroshimae) is a sea slug that which can grow up to 5mm in length. What’s fascinating about the tiny ‘leaf sheep, is that they are one of the only animals in … Continue reading "Amazing green marine species for your St Patrick’s day"
It is easy to get caught up in the headlines of the negative environmental press and feel like locking oneself in a dark room. Rarely do we hear about the small wins of locals that stand to make a positive and significant long-term contribution to the environment and it’s animals. This week we caught up … Continue reading "How Aussie fishermen are protecting sea birds"
Ocean plastics are the grown-up version of microplastics small plastic particles in the environment that are generally smaller than 1 mm (0.039 in) down to the micrometer range. This plague of epic proportions is not a giant pile of garbage that you might see at the tip it is an invisible cancer of the oceans … Continue reading "6 awesome programs tackling ocean plastics"
As the sun rises over the early morning silence of the Hawkesbury River and the clouds reflect off the perfectly still water, you might mistake this place as some sort of heaven. For young Paul Aquilina and his best mate Skipper it might as well be. When the thoughts of a fisherman comes to mind … Continue reading "The young future of sustainable fishing"
Today we have compiled a list of 5 amazing Australian based marine scientists who are female for #internationalwomensday. These women are dedicating their lives to better understanding our marine eco-systems and making the world a better place in the process, we salute you! 1. Professor Emma Johnston Professor Emma Johnston focuses on doing field work … Continue reading "5 Australian marine science trail blazers, who are women"
On the banks of Kissing Point Park in Sydney school children and community members took to the habour side to keep Australia’s environment beautiful. The clean up area is a natural hot spot with mangroves and endangered salt marsh homing many species of birds and marine creatures. Unfortunately the location is also littered with rubbish … Continue reading "Clean Up Australia Day Success!"
With increasing demand for high quality seafood, aquaculture is a growing industry in NSW. Aquaculture has been undertaken in a number of countries around the world and has grown rapidly worldwide in the last 50 years. FAO reports that world aquaculture production increased substantially since 1950 from one million tonnes production to 67 million tonnes … Continue reading "Why does aquaculture matter in NSW?"
Professional fishermen from Sydney and local community members will take to the waters and land on March 3rd to collect rubbish for Clean Up Australia Day in an effort to keep Sydney Harbour healthy. Representatives from OceanWatch Australia, Sydney Fish Market and the seafood industry will accompany a group of local school aged children from … Continue reading "Youth Clean Up Australia day with us!"
On April 14th 2017 it’s your chance to get involved with your local fishermen and eat some fantastic local seafood supplied directly from the NSW coast at our free Loaves and Fishes barbecue. We are encouraging South West Rocks residents and visitors to attend our annual Loaves and Fishes Barbeque on Good Friday and learn … Continue reading "Love fish? Celebrate with us!"
On Monday 21st November Blackstar pastry and OceanWatch Australia will hold a pop- up stall at Sydney Fish Market to raise funds to keep Australia’s seafood sustainable. The pop-up stall for #worldfisheriesday will provide cake but not just any cake, flavours of violet ocean water and coconut clam shell macaroons come to mind with this … Continue reading "Whats better than cake? A marine themed cake served by mermaids!"
During August and September 2015, two OceanWatch Australia staff delivered 4 presentations to a total of 160 students from The University of Western Sydney at the Sydney Fish Market in Pyrmont. This year in September the talks have continued with two of our program managers Simon and Michael providing a balanced view of the sustainability of the … Continue reading "Students think critically about the Australian Seafood Industry"
Here you can find listed marine based news from all around Australia relevent to the fishing industry and marine conservation. The marine news section is a part of of monthly newsletter mail out you can subscribe to our newsletter here. Fullerton Cove re-opens for fishing New Pacific Oyster hatcheries solving spat crisis Super science ship … Continue reading "Marine News"
Coastal habitat restoration is a complicated process. That’s ok. Because, in the midst of all the coastal and marine habitat issues facing Australia, we brought together 16 of the best environmental scientists from around the country to develop a review paper on solutions to restore and rehabilitate fish habitat and water quality. The paper will … Continue reading "16 scientific minds converge"
