Selection of Events

HarbourKeepers has a number of different events that you can join to protect, restore and explore Sydney Harbour.

Our current events are listed below. More activities will be added as the program develops.

HarbourKeepers Events

•  Fish Surveys
•  Clean-Ups
•  Aquatic Weed Monitoring
•  Bush Regeneration
•  Educational

HarbourKeepers Fish Surveys

HarbourKeepers Fish Surveys monitor the population size and distribution of 50 NSW marine fish species.

Divers are trained by HarbourKeepers in fish identification and survey techniques. During training divers receive a set of HarbourKeepers fish ID slates and a HarbourKeepers Fish Survey Manual. Training results in a PADI certification as an AWARE Fish ID speciality diver.

The survey links with our CoastKeepers Fish Survey project which is gathering the same information along the entire NSW coastline.

For more information visit our Fish Survey pages.

Clean-Up Events

Litter around Sydney Harbour is unsightly and environmentally damaging. It comes from either being directly placed in the water eg dumped from a boat or from the land by being blown by the wind or washed through stormwater drains.

Marine debris has been recognised as a key threat to many species already facing extinction. Marine animals like Manly's penguin population can swallow plastic bags mistaking them for food and choke to death. Fish, sea birds, turtles, whales and dolphins can all fall prey to harmful and potentially lethal marine debris.

HarbourKeepers runs both underwater and foreshore clean ups throughout the year including the two major events Clean Up Australia Day in March and International Clean Up the World Weekend in September.

For details of our next clean up visit our Calendar page.

Read more about the devastating impacts of marine debris here.

Aquatic Weed Monitoring

Aquatic weeds can be very environmentally damaging, taking over from native species and upsetting the delicate ecological balance of the marine environment.


Caulerpa taxifolia is one such weed currently causing damage to Sydney Harbour. Trained HarbourKeepers are assisting in the identification and mapping of this aquatic pest species within the harbour. This information will build a picture of the spread of this weed. This project is conducted with guidance from the Department of Primary Industries and assists them in their work to control aquatic weeds.

For more information visit our Caulerpa taxifolia page.

Bush Regeneration

Bush regeneration is the rehabilitation of native bushland. It is based on minimal disturbance methods and a good understanding of the ecology of the local area.

Bush regeneration has been an integral part of bushland management in Australia for many years. Maintaining healthy bushland is important for conserving soil, water quality, biodiversity and rare or endangered species.

HarbourKeepers bush regeneration events provide training for beginners so that everyone can get involved no matter what their evel of experience.

You will meet and get to know other like-minded individuals who share your passion for the Australian bush. It's also a great way to learn about native plants and see areas of Sydney that many people don't know exist!

For details of our next bush regeneration event visit our Calendar page.

Educational/Awareness

Sydney Harbour is the most iconic feature of Sydney - if not Australia. Sydneysiders have a great affinity with their Harbour and consequently there is a huge interest in learning more.

HarbourKeepers aims to harness this interest by providing useful information to interested individuals and groups. HarbourKeepers education programs help community members to understand what an incredible place Sydney Harbour is and that it is a place worthy of our care and conservation.

Education events include volunteer training days, guest presentations and film screenings.

For more information visit our Education page.

HarbourKeepers has also created a program called HarbourKids to educate primary school children about Sydney Harbour ecology and conservation.

If you are interested in becoming a coordinator for HarbourKeepers events in your area, please contact us, and help to extend this exciting program to include your local area!!!