Byron-Tweed Hope Spot
Ocean Champions Program
Take positive action to protect marine life & ecosystems
PROTECT WHAT YOU LOVE
Here in the Northern Rivers we‘re a community of ocean lovers – we’re surfers, divers, snorkelers, swimmers, kayakers, fishers, boaters and beach goers. Our region is one of the most popular domestic and international tour destinations, with over 2 million visitors each year and 85% of these attributed to the Cape Byron Marine Park. While the marine environment is one of the major attractions to visit and live in the Northern Rivers, many are unaware of the marine life and systems and how to care for them. We have one of the key NSW Marine Parks on our doorstep, but some of the most degraded waterways in Australia. Now is a critical time to improve the protection of the marine environment. To achieve this, it is essential that communities become more aware and connected to their local environment and be offered practical tools to help make positive changes.
From Ocean Lover, to OCEAN CHAMPION
The ocean gives us so much – the air we breathe, a suitable climate, and a whole lot of joy – but sometimes it can be hard to know how we can give back. Dolphin Research Australia | Ocean Education & Conservation has partnered with Patagonia to create the Ocean Champion program – to take grass-roots actions and directly address key threats to marine life and ecosystems in the Byron-Tweed Region Hope Spot. We want to create a groundswell of action, and give our community the tools to make the transition from ocean lovers to custodians for our salty playground, caretakers for our coast, regenerators for our rivers, and champions for the ocean.
Join the Ocean Champion Community
There are many ways you can become an Ocean Champion to help address and minimise threats to marine life and oceans.
The Ocean Champion Program is designed for individuals, families, schools, community groups and organisations who want to take positive action for our oceans.
Participants can choose from a range of Ocean Champion pathways and activities that help address key environmental threats — from biodiversity monitoring and citizen science, to habitat restoration, sustainable choices, climate action and marine education.
As you take action, you can also earn Ocean Champion badges that recognise your impact and encourage ongoing participation.
How the Ocean Champion Program Works
Ways to get involved:
Simply take a positive action to help address key threats to protect marine life & restore ocean habitats & ecosystems
Organise activities within your school, organisation or community group – or as an individual
You can track your milestones & earn Ocean Champion badges
Join community workshops and programs focused on practical grass-roots action to help protect our oceans and waterways
Sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with upcoming events, workshops, citizen science opportunities and Ocean Champion activities
Share your impact
Looking for ideas on how to take action?
Explore our What You Can Do guide for practical everyday actions that help conserve marine life, reduce ocean threats and protect the Byron–Tweed Hope Spot.
Discover ways to:
– reduce ocean pollution
– support marine conservation
– become a citizen scientist
protect coastal habitats
– take climate action
– reduce disturbance to marine life
– make more ocean-friendly choices in your daily life
Ocean Champion Pledge
More than 180 people have already pledged to take positive action to help protect marine life and our oceans.
From reducing plastic pollution and recording biodiversity, to protecting waterways and inspiring others to care for the ocean — every pledge represents a commitment to creating a healthier future for marine life and the Byron–Tweed Hope Spot.
The Ocean Champion Pledge is a simple but powerful way to turn care for the ocean into action.
Make your pledge:
What action will you take to help protect the ocean?
How will you help marine life and waterways?
What positive change can you make in your everyday life?
Take a Photo & Share (if you share on socials make sure you tag us @dolphin_research_australia & @ocean_conservation_aus
Ocean Champion Community
Schools & Community Groups
The Ocean Champion Program provides engaging, hands-on opportunities for schools, youth groups and community organisations to take meaningful action for the ocean.
Through citizen science, workshops, conservation activities and Ocean Champion pathways, groups can build environmental awareness while contributing to real conservation outcomes.
Schools & groups can:
– Register as an Ocean Champion group
– Book workshops, incursions and presentations
– Collaborate with our team on local conservation actions
– Participate in marine citizen science projects
– Organise clean-up and habitat restoration activities
– Track milestones and celebrate achievements & earn badges as a class or group
– Access printable resources and activity kits
Stay Connected
We encourage schools and groups to keep communication active and share their milestones, activities and achievements with us throughout their Ocean Champion journey.
Together, Our Community is Making a Difference
Across the Byron–Tweed Hope Spot, Ocean Champions are already taking positive action to help protect marine life, waterways and ocean ecosystems.
Together, our growing community has already contributed:
– 5 beach clean-ups, over 4200 pieces of trash removed
– Completed the first 10-day marine bioblitz recording over 1000 species and engaging >100 citizen scientists
– Repurposed >200kg of surf industry manufacturing waste
– 220+ Ocean Champion Pledges signed
– 2,000+ marine species sightings recorded through our Byron-Tweed Hope Spot ocean citizen science iNaturalist project
– Monitoring water quality and health of 3 estuaries in Tweed Shire
– 8 community workshops & events
– Over 3,000 people engaged
> campaigning for stronger protection of marine ecosystems & 30 x 30 global conservation target
> continue to have key roles in climate action, resilience & preparedness through partnerships with local government departments.
Join our Mailing List
Sign up to keep informed about the upcoming workshops and community events.
This project is supported by Patagonia's 1% For the Planet Initiative
