According to the Australian Museum Ichthyology Database there are 588 species of fish in Sydney Harbour. By comparison there are 540 species in the Mediterranean Sea and 276 in UK coastal waters to a depth of 200 metres. Sydneysiders have a responsibility to care for such rich and varied marine life. Marine ecologist Rebecca Morris has spent the best part of three years on research into biodiversity, with a focus on the seawalls at Blackwattle Bay.
In coming months, repeating what proved effective at Blackwattle Bay, 60 concrete pots with coconut fibre (coir) mats will be attached to seawalls along the harbour, from Farm Cove to Beare Park. The pots mimic natural rock pools, attracting herbivorous starfish, crabs, oysters, gobies, blennies and juvenile bream. Small cameras capture patterns of colonisation and movement.
The knowledge acquired will help prevent loss of marine life to developments – nearby and overseas – as well as helping to enhance the health and beauty of the harbour. The program is supported by the Sydney Coastal Councils Group with a federal government grant of $104,000. The City of Sydney will present findings to neighbouring councils at an ecological engineering seminar in May.
Talks and tours will also be run through the Royal Botanic Gardens. “There are tours for school groups and for adults,” Ms Morris said. “Community outreach is part of the process and essential to ensuring conservation for the long term.”
