Wyargine Aquatic Friends are working to protect the waters off Mosman
Neutral Bay resident Duncan Adams is an ocean swimmer with a passion for protecting the marine environment. As founder and president of the Wyargine Aquatic Friends (the group), Duncan and his team of 16 volunteers are working towards establishing a 27-hectare aquatic reserve in the waters around Chinamans Beach, Wyargine Point and Balmoral.
He was spurred on to start the group, which is now a charity, in 2024. “I love swimming at Balmoral, but I prefer swimming at Shelly Beach where there’s just so much more marine life. And it got me thinking, why has Shelly got more than we do? I knew it was a marine park and I used to swim there a lot and see an abundance of aquatic life – everything from small crayfish all the way up to big blue gropers and little dusky whaler sharks.”
Shelly Beach is part of the Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve, which was declared a ‘no-take’ aquatic reserve in 2002. As a result, its marine life is thriving, and Duncan hopes to bring the same result to his area. “The oceans are vital for human existence,” Duncan explains. “Oceans control weather patterns and they’re a major source of protein.” He also says oceans are the worlds ‘largest carbon sink,’ absorbing 50 per cent of the world’s carbon.
A petition by the Wyargine Aquatic Friends calling for the establishment of an aquatic reserve attracted more than 2,700 signatures, and the group is planning to take their case to the State Government after the election next year.
In preparation, they have engaged the Sydney Institute of Marine Science to carry out an aquatic survey of the area. “We’re trying to get as many photos as possible of aquatic life, both in the water and around rock ledges, on the beach…because that’s going to be crucial to assist the marine scientists in undertaking surveys,” Duncan says.
Duncan Adams
“There is aquatic life there, there’s no two ways about that. But is there a diversity of aquatic life that we should be expecting to see? No,” Duncan explains. He says that establishing a reserve would allow for the regrowth of seagrasses, seaweed and serve as a safe place for marine creatures.
“We don’t want to stop people using the water,” Duncan says. “We don’t want to stop people engaging with the aquatic life. We just don’t want them touching it or taking it away.
“If I can create a portal into what people can see and experience in Sydney Harbour, just as we have with Shelly Beach, then more people will be aware of the importance of the ocean.”
For more information, visit wyargine.org.au
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