Environmental initiatives recognised in Science Awards

Posidonia seagrass fruit. Image credit: Rachel Austin, The University of Western Australia.

Seeds for Snapper, Australia’s largest community-driven seagrass restoration project, was a finalist in the Science Engagement of the Year category of the 2024 Premier’s Science Awards.

Operating in Cockburn Sound since 2018, the project recognised is the result of a collaboration between the WA Chapter of the not-for-profit OzFish Unlimited, seagrass researchers from The University of Western Australia and hundreds of community volunteers. The aim is to replenish and enhance snapper populations by supporting seagrass restoration along the WA coastline.  

Using seed-based restoration techniques developed by UWA researchers, Seeds for Snapper engages the community to actively participate in habitat restoration while learning about the importance of seagrasses.  

Each year, divers take to the water to collect seagrass fruit which is processed onshore before seeds are dispersed into areas of need. Every step of the project involves community volunteers. 

The Science Engagement Initiative of the Year category recognises initiatives that have made an outstanding contribution to community awareness, interest and participation in science. 

Another innovative and impactful environmental project achieving recognition as a finalist in his category was the Tangaroa Blue Foundation’s Marine Debris Initiative. This involves a nationwide network of volunteers who work together to combat marine debris.  

Tangaroa Blue Volunteers removing 350 kilos of long line rope at Injidup Point, Yallingup. Image credit: Coastcare.

In Western Australia, Tangaroa Blue Foundation has conducted more than 4,655 clean-up events since 2004, involving nearly 42,000 volunteers who have contributed almost 1.6 million volunteer hours. Together, these volunteers have removed more than 145 tonnes of marine debris.