Since starting our underwater gardening in 2011, Operation Crayweed has had the privilege of working at many beautiful coastal locations around Sydney. Now, Operation Crayweed has been given access to a very special and stunning location: the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, in Manly. Designated as a sanctuary zone in 2002 where no fishing is allowed, Cabbage Tree Bay is the first aquatic reserve we have worked in.

Cabbage Tree Bay is a spectacular place in many regards. The traditional custodians of Cabbage Tree Bay, the Kameraigal clan, revered the bay for plentiful fishing and perfectly protected camping. Since the instalment of deep ocean outfalls and since becoming protected from fishing, Cabbage Tree bay has become one of the most diverse marine communities in Sydney, with over 50 invertebrate species and 160 fish species having been identified.

Nowadays Cabbage Tree bay has become famous for its dusky whalers congregations over Easter, the giant cuttlefish mating displays through the winter, and the vibrant and diverse fish communities all through the year.

Now, for the first time in roughly forty years, crayweed is one of the species found at
Cabbage Tree Bay.

It is through members of the local community that Operation Crayweed has been given the opportunity to bring crayweed back to the bay. Dorset Sutton and Jenny Lim (The Sutton-Lim Initiative) have partnered with Operation Crayweed and The Sydney Institute of Marine Science, with the shared goal of further enhancing the already vibrant underwater-scape of Cabbage Tree Bay.  

With their help we have been able to ‘plant’ crayweed at three different locations around the bay, and now eagerly await the appearance of ‘craybies’.

The people that watch over Cabbage Tree Bay are a big part of what makes it such a special place, including the Friends of Cabbage Tree Bay community and the Bold & Beautiful swimming groups, who are present every day, protecting it and educating visitors. 

The exciting task of preparing and planting crayweed was documented by the team at Grumpy Turtle Design. We are thrilled to have so many Cabbage Tree Bay locals, and marine enthusiasts join us in the project.

Operation Crayweed would also like to thank John T Reid Charitable Trusts for their ongoing contribution to this project.