ConservationSA runs a number of projects and programs. With more than thirty years of project management experience, ConservationSA is well-placed to manage a range of coast and marine conservation projects and programs.
Reef Watch is a multi-award winning program, and the longest marine monitoring program of its kind in Australia. Reef Watch is a 'citizen science' program, encouraging and training divers and others to monitor the health of our temperate reefs. The data collected by volunteers has been shown to be scientifically valid and can therefore be used to inform adaptive management of marine ecosystems.
Trained divers undertake monitoring of reefs that are permanently underwater using a variety of methods, whereas for those who don't want to get their feet wet, there is the option to monitor intertidal reefs that are exposed at low tide.
Feral or In Peril
This program encourages volunteers to report marine species of special interest. The 'ferals' are the introduced marine pests, some of which are already here and some of which pose a serious threat if they were to be introduced to South Australia. The 'in perils' are native marine species about which more information is needed to manage their populations. There are numerous fish about which very little is known and the sightings provided by volunteers can provide significant information to marine scientists.
This is a new component of the 'in peril' part of Feral or In Peril. There are a number of threatened shark species in South Australia about which little is known. Again, we encourage divers, fishers and boaters to report on a number of shark species when seen or caught, information which goes to a South Australian shark research program.
Competition to collaboration: exploring co-management models for the Spencer Gulf Prawn Fishery
This project, run by the Spencer Gulf Prawn Fisherman's Association, has involved a number of ConservationSA's member groups: Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, The Wilderness Society, Marine Life Society of SA, and Fishers for Conservation. ConservationSA was invited to take part in this project as the peak conservation body in the state. This reference group has undertaken significant learning to provide useful input to the development and trial of a co-management model for the Spencer Gulf prawn fishery.
In partnership with PIRSA Fisheries, ConservationSA is running a series of public forums about issues related to fisheries. These forums are a neutral, open space where anyone with an interest is welcome to come and listen, ask questions of experts and participate in a facilitated discussion. Keep checking the website for details about the issues and sign up to our contact list if you want to be notified of future events.
