RESEARCH & CONSERVATION
OBJECTIVES
As an environmentally aware group, the URG aims to support marine conservation through volunteering for environmental programs, developing submissions to appropriate Government organisations regarding environmental issues and promoting environmentally responsible diving practices amongst divers.
We encourage low-impact diving practices including minimising contact with the benthos / substrate, no unnecessary contact with marine biota (except where we are gathering or studying marine organisms for research purposes), no feeding of marine organisms, careful securing of diving equipment, good buoyancy control, minimal disturbance finning techniques and safe anchoring practices.
MARINE CONSERVATION
URG has been active in marine conservation work since its inception in the 1950s. In the early days, we worked closely with the Australian Museum and other scientific bodies to gather, report and analyse marine life in the Sydney area.
In the ’90s we road-tested the Protected Species Survey for The NSW Department of Fisheries. Other programs since then have included gathering data for the North Harbour Aquatic Reserve, Crayweed Regeneration project and Grey Nurse Shark program.
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CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS
We conduct standardised underwater visual surveys of reef biodiversity on rocky and coral reefs around the world around Sydney & surrounds
Reef Life Survey
In partnership with Southern Cross University and iNaturalist, URG hosts the Sea Slug Census in Sydney and up and down the coast of NSW
Sea Slug Census
In partnership with UTS, by simply capturing photographs and submitting online we help conduct research of the weedy sea dragons of Sydney and surrounds
SeaDragonSearch
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In partnership with WildMe, URG works with SpotAShark to help conduct research of the endangered shark population of NSW
Spot A Shark
URG also conducts regular underwater clean-ups with other organisations such as the Australian Marine Conservation Society
Beach / Underwater Clean Ups
URG has been provide collection bins and promoting recycling and reducing pollution through the Return and Earn and Re-Collect program. Contact URG for info.
Return and Earn