Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a few positive updates from Parsley Bay, there’s been a lot happening, and it feels like a really special moment for this place and our community.

Last week, six artificial reef structures were installed in the bay by the incredible Project Restore team, after years of planning and collaboration. Within minutes of entering the water, fish were already curiously exploring their new habitat, a small but powerful reminder of how quickly nature responds when we give it a helping hand.

We’re continuing to build our understanding of the bay through ongoing citizen science and collaboration with marine scientists. From water sampling to species observations, every small contribution is helping to paint a clearer picture of the biodiversity that exists right here in Sydney Harbour.

There is also growing recognition of just how unique Parsley Bay is. We’ve recently received letters of support from representatives across major political parties, reflecting a shared understanding of the ecological significance of this site and the importance of protecting it for future generations. It’s incredibly encouraging to see this kind of alignment across community, science and leadership.

This momentum is helping support a community-led vision to see Parsley Bay recognised as an official Marine Aquatic Reserve, the first new designation in over two decades, contributing to the global 30x30 goal of protecting 30% of land and ocean by 2030.

What’s next
One of the immediate opportunities in front of us is improving awareness and protection through clear, accessible signage at the site. After speaking with the Department of Fisheries, it’s encouraging to hear that this is something that can be progressed relatively quickly and could play an important role in educating visitors and supporting responsible use of the bay.

The Department is also working on updates to their app to better guide fishers on where fishing and spearfishing are appropriate, another positive step toward clearer communication and safer shared use of our waterways.

Ongoing concerns
Alongside this progress, there are a few long-standing concerns that continue to be raised by the community.

Water quality and testing remains a key issue. This is a sheltered, heavily used swimming area, right on the shoreline, where children play and families spend time in the water. Many in the community are asking why progress on consistent, transparent water testing and sewage leak resolution has taken so long, given the location and level of use.

There have also been increasing observations of spearfishing activity within the netted area in the bay, including the targeting of juvenile marine life such as stingrays within enclosed areas. Beyond the ecological impact, there are growing concerns around safety in a space that is primarily used for swimming, particularly by families and children.

This is an opportunity for clearer guidance, education and shared responsibility, so everyone can enjoy the bay safely and respectfully.

How you can help
If you’d like to support the continued protection of Parsley Bay, there are a few simple but powerful ways to get involved:
 • Sign a positive petition copy and paste (link below) to show community support for a Marine Aquatic Reserve, signature only is a great help
 https://www.change.org/p/join-us-in-creating-a-marine-aquatic-reserve-at-parsley-bay-sydney-harbour-australia?source_location=search
 • Write to your local member expressing your support, if you’re comfortable, please CC me in so we can keep a record of community support
 • Ask your local member for an update on when ongoing sewage leaks and water quality concerns will be addressed
 • Make a positive submission supporting the protection of the bay

Or…. Come join Joey and I for a snorkel. Weather permitting we will be jumping in and exploring at 9am, 22nd March. 

You can also explore more information via the links below, including letters of support, the marine proposal, and the updated fish ID guide — a huge thank you to Dr Joey DiBattista for the time and care that’s gone into this work and to our incredibly talented Andrea Alembakis, for the beautiful designs and layouts. 

I’ve also attached recent water testing results for those who would like to better understand current conditions.

For those who are new to this space, Earth to Sea Guardians is a community-driven initiative focused on connecting people with nature through education, storytelling and hands-on conservation. It brings together scientists, volunteers and local communities to better understand and care for our marine and coastal environments and was created through the passion shared of our very special Parsley Bay. Here is the website where you can view the government leaders support and the updated fish guide of Parsley Bay.https://earthtoseaguardians.com/

A big shout-out as well to Underwater Earth for the ongoing March Marine Bioblitz event, and to everyone involved in the Ocean Lovers Festival, it’s incredible to see these events in full swing and bringing people together around our oceans. So incredibly curated, well done to all involved- https://www.oceanloversfestival.com/ please check out all the incredible events. This is such an incredible time of year, love this event.

What’s been most inspiring is seeing how many people care. We are all nature warriors in our own ways. However you support Parsley Bay, it truly matters, and thank you.

We’ll be hosting a low-key community morning on 22 March at 9am at Parsley Bay, followed by a snorkel and exploration over at Camp Cove. It’s a chance to connect, learn, and spend time in the water together, everyone is welcome.

Thank you to every single person who continues to show up for Parsley Bay,  your care, curiosity and commitment are what make this place so special. 💙

https://earthtoseaguardians.com/ for letters of support, Marine Proposal and updated fish guide of Parsley Bay fishes