Target Species – Pocillopora aliciae

“The Tropicalisation of Sydney“

Manly, NSW – April 3, 2025
Ecotreasures is proud to announce the launch of its immersive citizen science program, the Coralwatch Survey of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. This innovative initiative invites participants to explore and monitor the health of coral and marine wildlife in one of Sydney’s most treasured aquatic ecosystems.

Program Overview

The project focuses on studying Pocillopora aliciae, a subtropical branching coral species that has been migrating southward due to warming ocean temperatures—a phenomenon known as “The Tropicalisation of Sydney.” Participants will conduct coral health surveys using Coralwatch resources alongside wildlife surveys via Redmap and iNaturalist. The program aims to answer the critical inquiry question: How is the aquatic ecosystem of Cabbage Tree Bay changing?

Mission and Objectives

The mission is to engage high school students, corporate wellness groups, and eco-tourism enthusiasts in hands-on marine science. Key objectives include:

• Observing changes in the ecosystem at Cabbage Tree Bay.
• Identifying biophysical factors contributing to these changes.
• Recording coral health and wildlife data to track trends over time.

Study Highlights

Participants will:

• Use Coralwatch health charts to assess the condition of Pocillopora aliciae.
• Identify tropical and temperate marine species using ID charts.
• Log coastal processes such as tides, swell direction, wind strength, and weather conditions.
• Review historical land-use photos to understand human impacts on the ecosystem.

Educational Approach

The program includes pre-field trip lessons where students learn data collection techniques using Coralwatch resources. On-site activities are guided by Ecotreasures experts, ensuring safety while fostering scientific curiosity. Participants will work in teams to collect data during snorkeling sessions at a designated transect known as “Coral Site #1.”

Why It Matters

The spread of Pocillopora aliciae highlights the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. By participating in this program, citizen scientists contribute valuable data that informs conservation efforts and raises awareness about tropicalisation trends along Australia’s eastern coastline.

Program Details

• Location: Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, Manly
• Duration: 2 hours to full day programs
• Participants: Domestic high school students, corporate groups, eco-tourism clients
• Equipment Provided: Wetsuits, snorkeling gear, underwater cameras, Coralwatch health charts, waterproof slates

Expert Collaboration

This program has been developed in consultation with leading marine scientists from the NSW Department of Primary Industries DPI and Coralwatch at the University of Queensland.

Join us in making a difference for Sydney’s marine ecosystems. For inquiries or bookings, contact Damien the founder of Ecotreasures today! info@ecotreasures.com.au