TWEED COAST NSW
Protecting what
Matters most
Green Heroes is a community volunteer group protecting threatened marine and coastal species on the Tweed Coast — through monthly surveys, photo identification, and citizen science at Cook Island Aquatic Reserve.
WHO WE ARE
Community-led monitoring to protect threatened species
We're not a government agency or a research institution. We're local people divers, birdwatchers, whale enthusiasts who care deeply about what lives in and around the Tweed Coast, and who show up every month to count, photograph and record it.
The data we collect through consistent, long-term monitoring informs real conservation management decisions. Without it, we're guessing. With it, we have evidence.
We welcome anyone who wants to help — no experience required.
Monitor
Regular count surveys and photo ID at Cook Island Aquatic Reserve, generating long-term population data for threatened species.
Record
Citizen science data logged to iNaturalist and shared with conservation managers to inform decisions about the reserve.
Involve
Open to everyone. We train and support volunteers to contribute meaningfully — from first-timers to experienced divers.
ACTIVE PROGRAMS
What we monitor
Three ongoing survey programs generating consistent long-term data on threatened species at Cook Island Aquatic Reserve.
Threatened Species Surveys
Monthly in-water count surveys tracking resident sea turtle populations, with photo ID to identify returning individuals by their unique facial scale patterns.
Humpback Whale Watch
Annual observations during the northern humpback migration — one of the most significant whale movements on the east Australian coast.
Shorebird Census
Annual census across Tweed Coast wetlands — 70+ species recorded, 37 at risk, many travelling 11,000km from the Arctic to be here.
WHY IT MATTERS
Cook Island Aquatic Reserve is one of the most biodiverse marine sites on the NSW coast — and one of the most visited. Consistent, long-term monitoring is the only way to know whether populations are stable, declining, or recovering. We provide that data.
Without data,
we're guessing
6 of 7
sea turtle species in Australia are threatened or endangered
37
at-risk shorebird species recorded in our annual census
40,000+
humpback whales on the east Australia migration route
A first
Australia's first sea turtle code of conduct — developed right here
FEATURED PROJECT
Australia’s First Sea Turtle Code Of Conduct
Developed with NSW DPIRD Fisheries and signed by 10 Cook Island tour Operators in August 2024. A free poster and guidelines for anyone encountering sea turtles in australian waters
STORIES THAT MATTER
What we've been working on
Wildlife Series 101
We wrote and directed a free 10-episode short film series on wildlife rescue and conservation covering native birds, bats, koalas, reptiles, possum and more. Made in collaboration with ARC, Wires and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital
Jungarra Ngarrian Conservation Project
A collaboration between Traditional Descendants, community volunteers, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Kirra Dive — protecting the flora, fauna and cultural story of Cook Island Aquatic Reserve.
Come out with us
Our monthly turtle surveys, whale watch events and shorebird census are open to everyone. No experience required — just a willingness to show up and help count. Your time becomes data. Data becomes conservation.
Stay in the loop
Monthly conservation news from the Tweed Coast
Survey results, species sightings, upcoming events and conservation stories — delivered to your inbox once a month.
Acknowledgement of Country. Green Heroes acknowledges the Bundjalung and Yugambeh peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the Tweed Coast and its waters. We pay deep respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and honour their enduring connection to Sea Country and the species that depend on it.