Watergum Seagrass follows Seagrass-Watch monitoring methods.  These methods are non-destructive, globally standardised and rigorously tested by marine scientists, allowing us to compare our data to seagrass ecosystems worldwide.

Our core goals:

• Collect valuable scientific data on the condition of seagrass, while contributing to a global monitoring program through our affiliation with Seagrass-Watch.
• Help local government make important decisions about the natural environment.
• Raise community awareness regarding the importance of  seagrass meadows and promote local ownership of the environment.

Our local program has been running for over 10 years. By continuously monitoring seagrass condition we can detect changes and alert management early. Though our partnership with City of Gold Coast Council we help local government make important decisions about the natural environment by sharing your hard earned data with them. Our other key focus is community education and engagement in an often underrated ecosystem. Each year we train hundreds of community members to survey seagrass and people are often surprised to see how beautiful these ecosystems really are!

Volunteer expectations

Enthusiasm for the natural environment!

Seagrass meadows are a beautiful natural environment that people rarely get the opportunity to explore. By joining our team you will learn to appreciate our amazing coastal wetlands.

Willingness to get wet and muddy!

Seagrass meadows are often very muddy and a little tricky to walk around in. It’s really important that you walk around carefully and bring wet suit boots with a hard sole or old runners. Dress appropriately and protect yourself from the sun: hat, sunglasses, long sleeves and ocean-friendly sunscreen.

Time commitment! Each survey takes 3-4 hrs and we aim to survey each site 3 times each year

All volunteers are greatly appreciated, we understand that life is busy! Ideally volunteers attend regular surveys, this will improve your skills and increase your satisfaction through observing site-changes. Adopt a site, watch it change and help it improve!

How often do we monitor seagrass?

Our monitoring seasons are at lowest tides during three seasons listed below, this is designed to account for seasonal growth patterns. Sometimes we are restricted by weather and surveys are rescheduled, if you are interested in joining our events please join our facebook group called “Watergum Seagrass” or email us to be added to our database.

Where do we Survey

We currently have 7 active sites, and are also looking into reactivating sites at Brown island, Currumbin Creek and investigating new sites at Coomera.

If you would like to become a Site Champion at a particular site we would need you 3 times a year for around 3 hrs at each survey. Please contact us for further information.