Help Choose the Name of Freshwater's Kelp Forest

Did you know that while many forests on land have names, most underwater forests remain unnamed?

Operation Crayweed is working to change that by inviting the community to help name the seaweed forest growing offshore from Freshwater Beach on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

Following a community workshop attended by residents, scientists, Aboriginal representatives, ocean users and other stakeholders, three potential names have been selected. Now it's time for the wider community to have their say.

Cast your vote!

Vote for your favourite name HERE

Voting is open to everyone, and each person may vote once.

Why name an underwater forest?

Seaweed forests are among Australia's most important marine ecosystems. They provide habitat for fish, crayfish and many other marine species, help support healthy reefs, and are enjoyed by swimmers, snorkellers and divers. Yet, unlike forests on land, they rarely have names that help people recognise, talk about and connect with them.

Naming a place is a simple but powerful way of making it more visible. It helps create identity, encourages stewardship, and celebrates the ecological and cultural significance of these remarkable underwater environments.

The three shortlisted names were developed through a community workshop and include names inspired by the local environment, geography and Aboriginal language. Indigenous-language names were reviewed with Metro Local Aboriginal Land Council to ensure they reflect current language knowledge.

Voting closes soon, so don't miss your chance to help choose the name of Freshwater's underwater forest.