"We're just getting started": Sydney’s coastal community rallies underwater for marine conservation

Over 100 concerned residents and ocean lovers gathered at Manly’s Shelly Beach on Sunday for a unique demonstration: Sydney’s first-ever ‘Snorkel-Out for Climate.’ Organised by non-profit group Divers for Climate, the event aimed to highlight the urgent need for climate action in marine conservation.

Local ecologists observe changes

The event, held as part of Climate Action Week, saw participants donning snorkels and fins as they floated together in the waters of Cabbage Tree Bay. The morning began at the Boathouse in Shelly Beach, where attendees heard from local marine ecologists Dr. Gigi Beretta and Professor David Booth about the changes being observed in Sydney’s marine life due to climate change.

Booth’s studies for the last few years have focused on the mass deaths of weedy seadragons - “beautiful, otherworldly creatures that are closely related to seahorses” - along Australia’s beaches between the central coast and Wollongong. His research found the deaths were “likely caused by a series of intense east coast low storms along with a marine heat wave,” according to researchers at the University of Technology Sydney.

"These storms caused significant ocean surges and underwater pressure changes, which seadragons struggle to handle. A significant portion of the local seadragon population was lost, and despite some recovery, populations around Sydney are still down," Booth said.

"As climate change drives more intense marine heat waves and storms, along with stronger winds and heavier rainfall, this could pose a serious threat to the survival of seadragon populations.”

How Divers for Climate was started

Yolanda Waters, CEO of Divers for Climate, explained that the organisation was founded in 2020 to bridge the gap between divers, marine tourism operators, and climate advocacy. During her time working in the Great Barrier Reef tourism industry, Waters was confronted daily by tourists asking about the impacts of climate change on the reef. This led her to form an online community that has since evolved into a national movement.

“There are more than 170 climate groups in Australia, but less than three are dedicated to ocean issues,” Waters said. “Yet, when bleaching events occur, the media and policymakers suddenly want the perspective of marine tourism operators. We’re trying to ensure that their voices are included in climate discussions year-round - not just in moments of crisis.”

The northern beaches’ floating protest

After a thorough safety briefing, participants geared up and entered the water at 10am, forming a large floating group. The gathering was peaceful and well-organised, with attendees using banners and underwater signs to call for stronger climate policies and greater protection of marine environments.

Despite its success, the event received limited media coverage, a challenge that Divers for Climate is working to overcome.

With the upcoming federal election, Divers for Climate is urging politicians to prioritise marine conservation policies and support industries transitioning to more sustainable operations.

“Many tourism operators want to integrate climate education and reduce their carbon footprint, but they need more support,” Waters said. “We want to see federal commitments to decarbonising tourism and helping businesses adapt.”

“We’re just getting started”

Though no Northern Beaches council members attended the event, Waters noted that the council was supportive in the planning stages. Looking ahead, the organisation hopes to make the snorkel-out an annual event, with an even larger turnout next year.

The North Shore Lorikeet has reached out to Manly Ward councillors Candy Bingham, Sarah Grattan and Bonnie Harvey for comment.

“We’ve had so many requests to do it again,” Waters said. “The energy on the day was amazing, and we’re just getting started.”

For those who missed the event, Divers for Climate encourages residents to stay engaged by supporting local conservation initiatives and advocating for stronger climate policies. With Sydney’s coastline at risk from rising ocean temperatures and biodiversity loss, the message from Sunday’s Snorkel-Out was clear: the time to act is now.

You can learn more about Divers for Climate here and follow their Instagram here.

All images supplied by Yolanda Waters, CEO and Founder of Divers for Climate.