Marine environment Archives - Australian Environmental Education

November 14, 2025November 14, 2025

Dive in and care for our coasts

There’s nothing quite like that first moment you dive beneath the surface of the water on the Great Barrier Reef. The world above dissolves into a shimmering haze, replaced by a vibrant underwater seascape alive with colour, movement. Every dive feels like entering a space where nature reveals its most intricate stories.

Recently, I had the chance to revisit this incredible living system, and as always, I was struck by the reef’s resilience and fragility. Forests of branching corals, enormous bommies shaped over centuries, curious fish weaving between them. I saw Trigger Fish fiercely protecting their nests, a Parrot Fish chasing it’d prey and a turtle cruising above the coral.

Each moment is a reminder of what’s at stake when it comes to protecting our marine environments. With Coastcare Week coming up this December, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on the role we all play in caring for the coastlines and oceans that define Australia’s identity. The Great Barrier Reef isn’t just a world-renowned natural wonder; it’s a living classroom showing us how interconnected coastal ecosystems truly are.

What Diving Teaches Us About Coastal Care

Scuba diving offers a unique window into the health of marine ecosystems. You see the effects of warming seas on coral colouration. You notice when sediment clouds visibility. You understand how critical seagrass meadows are when you watch juvenile fish sheltering among their blades.

These underwater ideas connect directly to the themes of Coastcare Week:

Every Action Ripples Outward

What happens on land eventually finds its way to the sea. Whether it’s litter, stormwater runoff or land degradation. Divers see the impact of land-based pollution first hand. Coastcare Week reminds us that coastal stewardship doesn’t start at the shoreline; it starts at home.

Local Communities Make a Difference

On the reef, you encounter countless species living together; entire community thriving on balance and cooperation. The same is true for us. Coastcare groups, citizen scientists, Indigenous ranger programs, schools, and volunteers all contribute to healthier coastlines. Every hands-on dune restoration, mangrove planting, or beach clean-up strengthens the wider system.

Education Inspires Action

Understanding leads to caring. The more people experience marine ecosystems; through diving, snorkelling, virtual excursions or classroom learning — the more empowered they become to protect them. Coastcare Week celebrates education as a key to long-term change.

Celebrating Coastcare Week on (and Beyond) the Reef

This December, Coastcare Week encourages all Australians to get involved in protecting the places we love. You don’t need fins or a tank to make a difference—you simply need curiosity, care, and a willingness to act.

Here are a few ideas inspired by my latest dive:

Join a local Coastcare event—plant native dune species, remove rubbish, or repair coastal erosion areas.
Learn about your local marine habitats—reefs, seagrasses, mangroves, and rocky shores all play a role in coastal health.
Support reef-friendly practices—choose sustainable seafood, minimise single-use plastics, and reduce chemical runoff from gardens.
Engage students and families—share resources, participate in citizen science, or explore marine themes through virtual excursions.

The Great Barrier Reef is an underwater mosaic of connection—each creature, coral colony, and current influencing the next. Coastcare Week is our chance to honour that same sense of connection above the waterline.

When we care for the coast, we care for the reef. And when we care for the reef, we care for our future.

July 30, 2025August 1, 2025

The Forgotten Reefs: Teacher professional development session

The NSW Oyster Reef Restoration and Research Project is learning more about the ecology of oyster reefs and restoring these unique marine habitats so they can do their job again – naturally. I have had the pleasure to work with the team to develop a series of education resources highlighting shellfish reefs and the restoration project.

Shellfish Reefs:

Graphic on how shellfish reef benefit the environment

The three learning packages explore shellfish reefs across NSW, their ecological importance, and efforts to restore them. The learning packages not only include information a wealth of information focused on oyster reefs, but also provide opportunities to engage students with interactive learning experiences through excursions, fieldwork, hands-on activities, and extension tasks.

Some activities are designed to complement an excursion to the travelling ‘Bidhiinja – Restoring Our Oyster Reefs’ exhibition. Other excursion and fieldwork activities have been included if you live too far away from an exhibition location or are unable to visit.

Teacher professional development webinar

During the session teachers will learn about the new education resources the Forgotten Reefs that have been developed through this project for primary and high school students. The webinar will provide the following:

Background on the NSW Oyster Reef Restoration and Research Project
The importance of oyster reefs
Tips on how to use the new learning packages

Forgotten Reefs webinar promotion image showing oysters cleaning water

Live webinar at 3.30pm on Thursday 7 August AEST

Find out more about the NSW Oyster Reef Restoration and Research Project

Learn more

The Forgotten Reefs learning packages were funded by the NSW Government through the Marine Estate Management Strategy, which aims to deliver a healthy coast and sea, managed for the greatest wellbeing of the community, now and into the future.

July 8, 2025July 8, 2025

Plastic Free July

Join millions of people reducing their plastic waste this July. Plastic Free July is important because it encourages people worldwide to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics, contributing to cleaner streets, oceans, and communities. By participating, individuals can make simple changes that reduces plastic waste and its harmful effects on the environment, wildlife and human health.

Tips to reduce plastic waste and to prevent ocean pollution: sustainable lifestyle, environmental protection and zero waste concept infographic — © elenabsl

Be part of Plastic Free July by pledging to refuse single-use plastics?

The website is full of great ideas to make it easy for you to make changes in all parts of your life.

One change can make a big difference

Plastic free July website

Australians are embracing sustainable living in their daily lives and want to transition to hosting a sustainable events. If you’re planning to throw a celebration that leaves a minimal environmental footprint, we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to put on a sustainable party.

How to host a sustainable party

Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution. By part of the change!

February 21, 2025February 21, 2025

Exploring the Underwater World

It’s been far to long between dives, so it was time to get back underwater. One of my favouirte spots is the Haven at Terrigal on the Central Coast of NSW. This sheltered bay offers a fantastic SCUBA diving experience, with an abundance of marine life that captivates both beginner and experienced divers alike.

After some heavy rain and wind during the week, it wasn’t surprising that the visability wasn’t very good. There was also a lot of surge that made the dive challenging. But sometimes you just need to get underwater.

Descending beneath the surface, we were greeted by a thriving underwater world where rocky reefs and sandy seabeds provide a home to a variety of fascinating creatures. One of the highlights is the inquisitive Eastern Blue Groper Achoerodus viridis. These charismatic fish, easily recognised by their striking blue colouration, and will follow you around. The males are a vibrant blue, while the females and juveniles are a reddish-brown colour. Blue Gropers play a vital role in maintaining the health of the rocky reef, feeding on sea urchins and other invertebrates.

Eastern Blue Groper *Achoerodus viridis* copyright: John Turnbull

Rays and Sharks of The Haven

It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the sand at the Haven because there are alway so many rays. There were dozens of Common Stingrees hiding in the sand and we even spotted the uniquely patterned Fiddler Ray Trygonorrhina fasciata. Both these rays bury themselves in the sand, relying on their excellent camouflage to stay hidden from predators and nosey divers.

Diving along the rocky ledges and overhangs, we saw 2 huge Banded Wobbegongs Orectolobus halei hiding between the rocks. These well-camouflaged sharks blend perfectly with their surroundings, waiting patiently to ambush unsuspecting prey. Despite their fearsome appearance, they are generally docile and an incredible sight to witness in their natural habitat.

These rays and sharks are generally peaceful creatures, but like all marine animals, they should be observed with respect and from a safe distance.

Schools of Fish in Motion

One of the most mesmerising sights underwater is the movement of fish in large schools. Even with the visability so poor, we saw the spectacle of Yellowtail Scad Trachurus novaezelandiae swimming in synchronised formations, creating dazzling displays of silver and gold. These fish move in unison, shifting and turning as one, a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Yellowtail Scad *Trachurus novaezelandiae* copyright: John Turnbull

Protecting Our Marine Environment

The Haven is not just a fantastic dive site but also an important marine habitat that needs our protection. Divers can help preserve this incredible ecosystem from the growing threats from pollution, overfishing, and climate change. As divers and ocean lovers, we can help by practicing responsible diving including:

avoiding disturbing marine life
maintaining buoyancy to avoid disturbing the seabed
removing underwater rubbish, hooks and fishing line
supporting conservation efforts.

By appreciating and respecting the delicate balance of this underwater world, we can ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to experience the wonders of SCUBA diving at The Haven. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting your underwater journey, The Haven on the Central Coast is a must-visit destination for an unforgettable marine adventure.

Have you dived at The Haven? Share your experiences in the comments below!

January 30, 2025January 30, 2025

World Wetlands Day 2025

World Wetlands Day is celebrated on 2 February every year. It is time for everyone to understand the importance of wetlands. This years theme is Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future. Wetlands are areas of land saturated or flooded with water permanently or seasonally. There are a variety of wetlands including:

Coastal wetlands: saltwater marshes, estuaries, mangroves, lagoons, coral reefs
Inland wetlands: marshes, peatlands ponds, lakes, rivers, floodplains, swamps, fens
Human-made wetlands: fish ponds, reservoirs, saltpans

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, providing essential services such as:

Water purification – Wetlands filter pollutants, improving water quality for both wildlife and humans.
Flood control – They absorb excess rainfall, reducing the impact of extreme weather events.
Biodiversity hotspots – Wetlands are home to countless species, from birds and fish to insects and amphibians.
Climate resilience – They store carbon, helping mitigate the effects of climate change.

Despite their importance, wetlands are disappearing three times faster than forests due to urban development, pollution, and climate change. By understanding and protecting these ecosystems, we can secure the future of our water resources and biodiversity.

In Australia there are 66 Ramsar sites wetlands of international importance covering about 8.3 million hectares. These sites include iconic wetlands such as Kakadu National Park, Roebuck Bay, Gippsland Lakes, Moreton Bay, Blue Lake, Macquarie Marshes and the Coorong.

The main threats to wetlands in Australia are:

river regulation and water diversion
land reclamation and development
catchment disturbance
introduction of weeds and pest animals
climate change

This World Wetlands Day, take action to support wetland conservation:

Visit a local wetland – Explore these unique habitats and learn about the species they support.
Participate in a clean-up – Join a community group to remove litter and improve wetland health.
Plant native vegetation – Help restore wetland areas by planting trees and aquatic plants.
Educate others – Share knowledge about the importance of wetlands in classrooms and online.

I’m based in the Central Coast in NSW and it is surrounded by a number of estuaries and coastal lagoons, from Lake Macquarie in the north to the Hawkesbury River in the south. Within the Central Coast it is estimated there are about 870 hectares of mangroves, 190 hectares of saltmarsh and 1,780 hectares of seagrass.

Find a wetland near you to explore this weekend!

Wetland Finder

Join us in celebrating World Wetlands Day 2025 by taking steps to protect these vital ecosystems. For more information and resources, visit https://www.worldwetlandsday.org and follow us for upcoming events and activities!

Check the health of your local wetland with the Wetland Audit.

Wetland Audit

Let’s work together to ensure a sustainable future for our wetlands and water resources!

January 22, 2025January 23, 2025

Violet Snails, nature’s floating marvels

I went to Killare Beach on the Central Coast of NSW after the recent wild weather and saw a lot of Blue Bottles and Violet Snails along the hightide line. Violet Snail are sometimes found washed ashore, particularly during summer in Australia and around the world.

Violet Snails Beachcombing Killcare 2025

The Violet Snail Janthina janthina get their name from their striking violet or purple-colored shells, which provide them with a distinctive appearance. These snails inhabit tropical and subtropical oceans, where they spend their lives riding the ocean currents at the mercy of the winds.

Violet Snails float by producing a own mucus-covered bubble raft, and feeding on floating jellyfish and organisms like Blue Bottles Physalia physalis. These jellyfish and Blue Bottles provide both food and protection, however Violet Snails must be careful when feeding to avoid being stung by their venomous tentacles.

Unlike most snails that crawl along the seafloor, violet snails have adapted to a open ocean lifestyle. They produce a bubble raft using mucus, which allows them to float on the water’s surface and travel vast distances.

Living a life adrift comes with many challenges. Violet snails are at the mercy of ocean currents and weather patterns, which can sometimes strand them on beaches far from their usual habitats. When they do wash ashore, their vibrant shells often attract beachcombers and curious observers like me.

The Role of Violet Snails in the Ecosystem

As both predators and prey, violet snails play an important role in marine ecosystems. They help control populations of their prey and, in turn, provide food for a variety of fish and seabirds. Their unique adaptations make them an excellent example of how marine life thrives in the vast, unpredictable ocean.

If you’re lucky enough to spot a Violet Snail when beachcombing, take a moment to admire its delicate beauty and the intricate design of its shell. However, it’s best to observe and leave them in their natural habitat, as they are an important part of the marine food chain.

Learning about incredible creatures like the violet snail helps us appreciate the diversity and complexity of our oceans. Next time you’re at the beach, keep an eye out for these little floating marvels—you never know what wonders the next tide might bring!

At Australian Environmental Education, we love sharing the wonders of the natural world. Stay tuned for more fascinating insights into Australia’s diverse ecosystems and the amazing creatures that call them home!

September 22, 2024February 21, 2025

Moray Magic

Todays dive was great and long overdue. I hadn’t been in the water since I moved to the Central Coast at the end of 2023. My sister and I went to the Haven on the Central Coast. It was a beautiful spring day, a liitle surgy in the water and not great visability, but wow, it was amazing.

Green Moray, *Gymnothorax* *prasinus* ©John Turnbull

The Haven is a sheltered bay nestled beside the Skillion at Terrigal. It is a diverse marine ecosystem consisting of boulders, crevices, kelp, patches of seagrass and sandy zones. creating the perfect habitat for a variety of species.

On this dive we had the privilege of witnessing an incredible underwater battle between a moray eel and an octopus! As we moved along the reef, my sister spotted an octopus tucked into a rocky hole, its skin shifting in colour and texture to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. We stopped to have a closer look, fascinated by its ability to camouflage. But something else had its eye on the octopus— a large moray eel.

Moray eels are ambush predators, using their strong jaws and sharp teeth to grab unsuspecting prey. This particular eel, a green moray, slowly slithered out from its hiding spot, its mouth opening and closing as it tasted the water for scent. The octopus, sensing danger, pulsed a deep reddish-brown and extended its arms cautiously.

In a sudden burst of speed, the moray lunged! The octopus shot out a cloud of ink, attempting to escape, but the eel was relentless. It twisted its long, muscular body through the rocky crevices, trying to corner the octopus. In a brilliant display of intelligence, the octopus squeezed into an impossibly tight crack, leaving the moray snapping at empty water.

This battle between two skilled hunters played out for several minutes— the eel darting, the octopus dodging, each using their unique adaptations to survive. Eventually, the octopus managed to slip away into the reef, leaving the moray with a only tentacle for a feast.

This rare moment was an amazing example of predator-prey interactions in the marine world. Both the octopus and the moray eel are crucial to the ecosystem, playing roles in keeping the reef’s food web balanced. Witnessing this firsthand, highlights just how dynamic and unpredictable nature can be.

Moray Eel

Despite their fearsome appearance, morays are not considered dangerous to people. In Australia the Green Moray, Gymnothorax prasinus occurs in temperate coastal waters.

Port Jackson Shark

Port Jackson Shark, Heterodontus portusjacksoni are very common this time of year. The teeth of the Port Jackson Shark are not serrated and are used to hold and break, then crush and grind the shells of molluscs and sea urchins.

Smooth Stingray

We saw a huge Smooth Stingrays Bathytoshia brevicaudatais hiding in the sand when we were on the way back to shore. We could see the tail sticking out and the rest of the body was covered itself in sand. You could just see the outline of the stingray and the eyes sticking out above the sand. The Smooth stingray are the largest stingray in the world, but sometimes still hard to spot.

The Haven continues to be one of my favourite dive sites for experiencing marine biodiversity up close. Whether it’s being inspected by the local Blue Gropers, or the high-speed drama of a hunting eel, every dive offers something new to discover.

What can you do to help preserve this amazing

Experiences like this also remind us of the importance of protecting our oceans. Marine ecosystems face growing threats from pollution, overfishing, and climate change. As divers and ocean lovers, we can help by practicing responsible diving including

avoiding disturbing marine life
reducing our plastic use
removing underwater rubbish, hooks and fishing line
supporting conservation efforts.

Places like The Haven thrive because of community efforts to keep our waters clean and healthy. By respecting the ocean and spreading awareness, we can ensure future generations get to experience these breathtaking underwater moments.

Have you had any unforgettable encounters while diving? Share your stories in the comments below!

May 15, 2023May 23, 2023

Celebrating World Turtle Day

World Turtle Day is an annual event celebrated worldwide on May 23rd to raise awareness about the conservation of turtles and their habitats.

Turtles are one of the oldest living reptiles on earth, and they have been around for over 200 million years. They are an important part of the Australian ecosystem, playing a vital role in maintaining the balance of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Turtles are also considered to be keystone species, which means they have a disproportionate effect on the environment relative to their abundance.

There are six species of marine turtles found in Australian waters, including the Green Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Flatback Turtle and Leatherback Turtle. They are all listed as Endangered or Vulnerable to extinction.

World Turtle Day provides a platform for raising awareness about the conservation needs of these fascinating creatures and encourages action to protect their habitats. It serves as a reminder that we all have a role to play in preserving and safeguarding our natural environment for future generations.

How You Can Make a Difference: On World Turtle Day, and beyond, there are several ways in which you can contribute to turtle conservation:

Reduce plastic consumption: Minimize single-use plastics and participate in local beach clean-ups to prevent marine debris from polluting turtle habitats.
Support conservation organizations: Donate to reputable organizations focused on turtle conservation efforts in Australia and around the world.
Promote responsible tourism: Choose eco-friendly travel operators that prioritize sustainable practices and adhere to guidelines for responsible wildlife encounters.
Educate and raise awareness: Share information about World Turtle Day on social media, organize local events, and engage in conversations that highlight the importance of turtle conservation.

March 1, 2023May 8, 2023

SeaWeek 2023

SeaWeek is Australia’s major national public awareness campaign to focus community awareness and appreciation of the sea. This week-long event is held every year in March and provides a great opportunity to learn about marine environment. So, take a dive under the water this SeaWeek and explore our amazing marine environments with me.

It was great to be able to spend time diving over the last few week exploring the marine environment around Sydney.

Explore the amazing diversity of Marine Life. Take a journey beneath the waves to explore this wonderful world. Learn about some of these incredible animals, their adaptions and habitats with the resources below.

Where the river meets the sea title slide

Follow the journey of water down the river through the catchment to the sea. Water is essential for all forms of life and the small amount of available freshwater create competing pressures for our water resources.

November 28, 2022January 5, 2023

Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef

I was very excited to get back to the Great Barrier Reef last week. I stayed out on Ocean Quest for 5 days diving Norman and Saxon Reefs. Over the 5 days I went on 12 amazing dives and 4 snorkels exploring both reefs.

The Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage site that stretches more than 2,000km. The reef can be seen from space and is under threat. No other World Heritage site contains so much biodiversity — more than 1,500 species of fish, 400 species of coral, 4,000 species of molluscs, and 240 species of birds. Don’t forget all the sponges, anemones, marine worms, crustaceans and other species.

The variety of fish life is staggering, everywhere you look, you see something new hiding amongst the coral or out on the sand. The photos don’t do it justice.

Sometimes you only get a glimpse, but that is enough to see my first Hammerhead Shark.

The team from Deep Sea Divers Den were fabulous, all the staff from the kitchen to the dive crew made my stay an incredible adventure. I’m already planning my trip next year.

A big thanks also goes out to Saara & Lachie and Claudio and Natalie for letting me join their dives and for sharing their photos and video footage with me.