I joined Dr. Zeke Davidson and Luzy Kepson from Positive Change for Marine Life (PCFML) for a morning survey in a small creek in Main Arm as part of their Citizen Science Survey. Our focus was on noting vegetation, river bank quality, and the diversity of critters at the water's edge to help build a dataset that will be the foundation for regenerating our waterways and, in turn, cleaning our oceans. Rivers are the lifeblood of our oceans so to have a clean ocean we need to start at the source.

PCFML's mission is to empower ocean action, addressing 14 of 17 Sustainable Development Goals globally with initiatives spanning Australia, India, and the Solomon Islands. The purpose of their Citizen Science Surveys is to assess native vegetation health, check riverbank conditions, identify weeds, and collect data on water quality and the abundance of plant and animal life. Citizen surveys aid in building a comprehensive dataset used to regenerate damaged river parts and preserve healthy areas, guiding informed decisions for more effective conservation efforts.

Many river systems in the Northern Rivers suffer from bank damage due to cattle, invasive species like the Camphor laurel trees, and damaging runoff from local farms and recent developments. This affects the diversity of organisms found in the rivers: from native plants to a diverse range of bugs and fish.

Regeneration emerges as the key to fixing our environment, a buzzword in sustainability circles lately. To regenerate means to grow after loss or damage. To bring new and more vigorous life to an area, industry, or institution. It doesn’t mean stop doing everything, but to modify how we currently do things that not only help the environment but are often productive for our human outcomes too.

Zeke envisions clear-running rivers even after heavy rainfall, emphasizing that the brown water indicates soil erosion that eventually reaches the ocean. To achieve this, we need to protect our rivers by strengthening riverbanks with trees, implementing cover crops on farms, and practicing regenerative farming techniques. 

PCFML's Rewilding Our Floodplains initiative focuses on knowledge-sharing and community-driven projects to coexist with thriving biodiversity, emphasizing catchment resilience to climate change. Volunteers play a crucial role in river health, and community awareness about the importance of monitoring and protecting catchments is vital for healthier oceans and rivers. To get involved or to learn more about our waterway, visit the PCFML website or follow them on social media.