This winter, Sydney’s underwater forests continue to grow

This winter, the Operation Crayweed team took another big step toward restoring Sydney’s lost underwater forests. Divers braved the chilly seas to establish three new restoration sites - at Bluefish Point, Coogee, and Wedding Cake Island – adding to the growing network of active crayweed restoration sites. Some of the earlier sites also received a winter “top-up,” helping to strengthen the forests that began there in previous years.

Planting in Lurline Bay, one of the several Sydney sites the team worked at this winter.

Now, as the water warms and spring approaches, divers will return to see how the sites are doing. Early signs look fantastic, as tiny new “craybies” (baby crayweed) have been spotted naturally sprouting across most restored sites – this is a sign that a new forest is developing. This season’s plantings will give the developing forests an extra boost and bring us closer to the goal of establishing crayweed forests that can take care of themselves along Sydney’s coastline.

Innovation was also in full swing this winter. The team trialled a new “bag method” for transplanting crayweed — a new technique that lets divers restore shallower, wave-exposed areas that are difficult to reach. One of the advantages of this method is that it uses fewer donor plants from healthy populations, which would make it a win for both restoration and sustainability. Divers will be checking in spring to see how this new approach performs under real-world conditions – stay tuned for updates!

‘Crayweed bag’ trial in Coogee.

And of course, no season would be complete without our community getting involved. Although one outreach event was postponed due to wild weather, the team is excited to announce it has been rescheduled for December 5th at Freshwater Beach, as part of the Manly Ocean Festival. It’ll be a chance for everyone to meet the team, learn about Sydney’s lost (and now reappearing) seaweed forests, and celebrate their comeback. Keep an eye on the Operation Crayweed Instagram for updates and event details!

Operation Crayweed wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of The Ian Potter Foundation, Investa, Patagonia, Sarah & Sebastian, and all the many people who have so kindly donated to our project, helping make this restoration journey possible. Thanks to all of you, Sydney’s underwater forests are returning, one patch of crayweed at a time!