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Marine BioBlitz
Waverley’s first marine BioBlitz is taking place on 29 March 2025. On the day, join scientists, nature lovers, school children and members of the community in discovering the diverse plants and animals that call Waverley’s beaches, rockpools and intertidal protected areas home.
Find out everything you need to know about this initiative and what to expect on the day below.
A BioBlitz is a way to record and identify as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. As part of Waverley’s Marine Diversity program, we are calling on community members, nature lovers and people interested in science to help us record local marine animal and plant species over two days using the iNaturalist app or a checklist for younger people.
All the information gathered during the BioBlitz will be uploaded to iNaturalist, a biodiversity database used by scientists, researchers, community members and decision-makers to better understand, monitor and help protect natural ecosystems. It will enable Council to evaluate the health of our coastal and marine biodiversity and inform Council management actions and programs.
A BioBlitz is a self-guided activity and anyone one can take part, but children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
A BioBlitz is a self-guided activity and anyone one can take part, but children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
You can participate at any of Waverley’s beaches or coastal environments, including Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte, between 6am Friday 28 March until 6pm 29 March 2025.
On Friday 28 March, Council will support interested local schools to participate between 12–3pm at Bondi and Bronte beaches.
On Saturday 29 March, Council will provide a BioBlitz Basecamp in the High Tide Room at the Bondi Pavilion. You can visit the base camp to discuss findings with scientists and marine experts, get support with any questions you might have, take a break, learn about local marine species and visit marine stalls.
Every observation you make helps build a clearer picture of the area’s marine biodiversity. By sharing what you find on iNaturalist, you’re helping to create scientific-grade data. Once three citizen scientists confirm your entry, it becomes a ‘research grade’ observation that can be used in research analysis and reports.
The Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) will use this data to report on species abundance and distribution in Waverley's coastal area, which will build understanding of marine ecosystems, guide conservation efforts and inform Council management actions. Your involvement can make a real difference in protecting our coast!
Species will be recorded via the free iNaturalist app on a designated project page. Council will host a webinar and provide simple instructions on how to use the app and what to look for in the lead up to the event.
During the BioBlitz, you can also visit the BioBlitz Basecamp where there will be people to guide and advise you.
Don’t worry! Just snap a photo and enter it in the iNaturalist app. The app will suggest what it thinks your observation is and members of the iNaturalist community will confirm your entry. Scientists from the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) and roving marine experts will also help you with identification.
Before the Bioblitz, sign up to iNaturalist and download the app here. Familiarise yourself with marine species that locals have recorded.
On the day, be sure to bring:
- phone or tablet with camera, with iNaturalist app downloaded;
- reusable water bottle;
- enclosed shoes;
- hat; and
- sunscreen.
You can undertake your own independent citizen science activities whenever and wherever you choose! Simply head out into your local marine ecosystem and utilise the equipment you have available to supply data to iNaturalist.
This event is being delivered by Waverley Council in partnership with:
