Events - January 2005

Caulerpa taxifolia Survey Training - Tues 11th

Bush Regeneration - Sun 16th

Caulerpa taxifolia Removal - Sat 29th

Caulerpa taxifolia Survey Training - North Harbour Aquatic Reserve - Tues 11th

This training day aimed to teach divers how to monitor the noxious weed Caulerpa taxifolia. The day proved to be a great success with a small number of Pro Dive instructors and HarbourKeepers volunteers coming away confident in monitoring methods.

Training was conducted by an Underwater Research Group (URG) representative, Colin Piper. URG have previous experience with montioring this invasive introduced weed and were happy to share their knowledge with HarbourKeepers.

The training involved recognition of Caulerpa taxifolia and learning to swim in the required formation around a central location in order to record any presence of the weed within designated radial parameters.

The survey methods will enable HarbourKeepers to build on current information about where this species is in Sydney Harbour. This will enable management measures to be taken to reduce harmful effects from this weed.

Click here for more information on Caulerpa taxifolia.

Bush Regeneration - Reef Beach, Balgowlah Heights
Sun 16th

Sunday the 16th was a great day out for all who participated. The site was right beside the Manly Scenic Walkway at Reef Beach, with great views out to North Head.

A NPWS officer was present to give some help for those unfamiliar with the process of bush regeneration. Also present were a number of Reef Beach Volunteers, a core group who meet regularly to conduct bush regeneration at the site. The number of HarbourKeepers volunteers to turn up was also very satisfying.

The morning was rounded off with a free sausage sizzle and a swim, making the whole event very enjoyable.

To get involved in Reef Beach bush regeneration register as a HarbourKeeper. Once registered you will receive regular email newsletters about upcoming events, however if there is an event you are interested in attending before you receive a newsletter contact Dave daver@marine.org.au

Caulerpa taxifolia Removal - North Harbour Aquatic Reserve - Sat 29th

On Saturday the 29th of January a group of 18 enthusiastic divers volunteered to join HarbourKeepers in an effort to control the spread of Caulerpa taxifolia in Sydney Harbour. The conditions were excellent as the Pro Dive boat made its way to the Quarantine Station wharf, near Manly and in North Harbour Aquatic Reserve.

James Sakker, a NSW Fisheries Aquatic Pests officer, joined the team to provide the necessary training for the event. The divers were taught how to recognise Caulerpa taxifolia as well as the native seagrasses they were trying to protect. James Sakker also described the preferred method of removing and bagging the weed in order to minimise any fragmentation and further distribution of Caulerpa taxifolia.

Diving in pairs at a depth of around 9m, the team found the weed was fairly abundant in the area. They then proceeded to collect as much as possible in a careful manner.

This rewarding exercise was thoroughly enjoyed by all, particularly as it came entirely free of cost. It was then followed by a free barbeque lunch in Manly.

Please click here to register!

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