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Conservation Survey Across Northern Australia and down the Barrier Reef.

Not for Profit Campaign

 Join Us on an Unforgettable 2-Year Expedition to Discover Australia’s Marine Wonders!

 “Help Us Protect Australia’s Marine Giants: by doing a Turtle, Dolphin and Whale Count while doing an Island and Reef Study Expedition”

We invite you to be part of a proposed groundbreaking venture to explore and document the breathtaking marine ecosystems north of Western Australia and down the Barrier Reef! Our comprehensive survey aims to capture vital environmental metrics and monitor species populations, including dolphins, turtles, whales, and the health of coral reefs, alongside the impact of Crown of Thorns Starfish (COTS) and island wildlife. Through stunning video documentation, we will unveil the vibrant life of reefs, islands, and sand cays, creating a visual narrative of these crucial habitats on some rarely visited islands.

 Why This Expedition Matters

Our mission is to gather detailed, empirical data on the unique marine and coastal ecosystems of northern Australia—one of the world’s most ecologically significant regions. However, these natural treasures face increasing threats from climate change, pollution, and human activity. Your support is essential in helping us tackle these challenges and raise awareness to protect these invaluable ecosystems for future generations.

 Empowering Future Conservation Leaders

We believe in the power of education and collaboration. By engaging university and college students, we aim to inspire the next generation of marine conservationists. Our program hopes to include live video sessions where young school students can interact with our team in real-time, fostering a deeper understanding of marine science and conservation. Additionally, we invite marine biology students to join us on select diving and filming excursions along the coast, with opportunities for hands-on experience in the field.

 Be a Catalyst for Change

Together, we can provide critical insights to conservationists and policymakers, enabling informed strategies for environmental management and protection. Join us in this exciting endeavour and help us safeguard Australia’s marine environments while inspiring a commitment to conservation in future leaders.

 Support Our Journey

Your involvement is key to making this expedition a success. Together, we can document and protect the marine wonders of northern Australia, ensuring they thrive for generations to come. Will you join us on this extraordinary adventure?

By documenting these elements, we aim to:

1. Assess Turtle, Dolphin and Whale Populations: Track the population dynamics, distribution, and health of marine turtles, dolphins and whales to assist in understanding the impacts of environmental changes on these species.
2. Evaluate Coral Bleaching: Document the extent and severity of coral bleaching events, if any, to gauge the health of coral reef systems and identify areas in need of urgent intervention.
3. Monitor Crown of Thorns Starfish Numbers: Measure COTS populations, which are known to devastate coral reefs, to provide data for targeted control and management efforts.
4. Survey Crocodile Populations: Assess the changing distribution (due to climate warming) and population size of crocodiles on various islands to inform conservation and management strategies.
5. Document each island and sand cay using drones: We will establish island wildlife species and possible numbers as well as document plastic waste on beach pollution. These surveys will form the basis of each island’s timeline for future comparison to gauge changes that may be detrimental to the island(s).
6. Respond to Additional Sampling Needs: Address specific data requirements as requested by universities and marine conservation organizations, contributing to broader research efforts. Please contact me with specific data requirements and methodology required to support the data collected. There will be no cost for this collection activity, though we are open to donations. 🙂

 Background

Northern Australia’s marine and coastal ecosystems are critical for global biodiversity and play a significant role in regulating the Earth’s climate. The region is home to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s most renowned coral reef systems, and hosts diverse marine life, including endangered turtles and whales. However, these ecosystems are under threat from various pressures:

• Climate Change: Rising sea temperatures contribute to coral bleaching and disrupt marine life cycles.
• Pollution: Runoff and waste impact water quality and ecosystem health. Plastic particles in the oceans known as micro-plastics, are now becoming another environmental pollution hazard.
• Overfishing, By-catch and Habitat Destruction: These activities threaten the balance of marine ecosystems and species populations. 

 Methodology

Survey Design.

 The surveys will be conducted two ten-month periods using a 7.8 -meter custom built aluminium boat equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and data collection tools. For more information please click here.

 Turtle, Dolphin and Whale Counting:

1. • Methods: Use GPS and drone tracking to monitor movement patterns, population densities, and health indicators.
   • Drones: Drones will speed up detection of Turtles and Dolphins in shallow water and whales in the open sea. Cameras fitted will be 4k+ resolution for high quality images and videos.
   • Frequency: Daily tracking sessions in designated areas when weather allows.
2. Coral Bleaching Assessment:
   • Methods: Conduct underwater photographic surveys and use a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to capture high-resolution images and video in areas considered dangerous. Divers will capture 4k+ video using DJI underwater cameras, similar to the common Go Pro, together with a Canon 5D in an underwater housing.
   • Frequency: All island and reef surveys.
3. Crown of Thorns Starfish Monitoring:
   • Methods: Deploy underwater transects and divers to count and record COTS populations.
   • Frequency: All island and reef monitoring.
4. Crocodile Population Survey:
   • Methods: Conduct aerial and boat-based surveys and the use of day/night camera traps on islands to estimate crocodile numbers and distribution. Night visual will be done by a Drone fitted with a night vision FLIR* video camera.
   • Frequency: All island and reef surveys.
5. Additional Sampling:
   • Methods: Collect water samples, sediment samples, and other environmental data as requested by research institutions.
   • Frequency: As per specific requests from collaborating organizations.
6. Collect Rubbish and Plastic distribution:
   • Frequency: All island and reef surveys
   • Collection: Take 4k+ video evidence and high resolution still images for base-line reference and to aid in a reduction program to limit Plastic waste. This rubbish proliferation needs to be well documented with hi-res video and digital photos, so we can campaign more effectively to the Government and associated maritime Agencies for change and controls.
   • Plastic waste gets downgraded by sun, heat and frictional wave forces that result in small plastic particles (micro-plastics) within the water column; these eventually end up being digested by a number of marine mammals ending in death on occasion.

*FLIR – Forward Looking Infra-red

 Expected Outcomes

1. Comprehensive Data Set: The survey will yield extensive data on marine and coastal species and environmental conditions, providing a solid foundation for future research and conservation efforts.
2. Detailed Reports: Produce detailed reports and scientific papers documenting our findings. These reports will be made available to funders, universities, marine conservationists, and policymakers.
3. Enhanced Conservation Strategies: The data wia ll help refine conservation strategies and policies, aiding in the protection and management of critical marine and coastal ecosystems.
4. Public Awareness and Education: Disseminate findings to the public through educational materials and outreach programs including social media, to raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation.
5. Videos: We will upload videos as regular occurrence on YouTube to widen our audience and also provide a financial credit that would go towards ongoing funding for this venture.

 Survey Boat Design

The surveys will be conducted over two ten-month periods using one of 2 boat options, one being a 6.1 metre Rear Centre Console, the next being a 7.8 metre Rear Centre Console.  The boat of choice will depend on the amount of funds raised for the venture. Whichever boat is chosen will be equipped with the same state-of-the-art navigation and data collection tools. For images and more details of the proposed vessel to be used please click here.

 Required Budget 

The required budget for this venture is $320,000 that will fund the larger of the two boats under review. Should funding prove evasive due to the current state of the economy, then we will opt for the second choice of boat making this alternative project cost $250,000. All dollars quoted on this site are Australian dollars (AUD$).

This 2-year survey represents a critical investment in the conservation of northern Australia’s marine and coastal ecosystems. By supporting this project, you will contribute to the collection of crucial data needed to combat environmental threats and protect biodiversity. We are committed to ensuring that the findings of these surveys will influence effective conservation strategies and foster greater public awareness about the importance of preserving these vital ecosystems.

We kindly request funds, however small, to help us reach our budget to support this essential conservation survey and look forward to collaborating with you to make a meaningful impact on marine conservation efforts.

It is anticipated that we will start the survey from Geraldton, in West Australia and work our way around the top of Australia and then down the Barrier Reef. This survey is estimated to take at least 2 years, by way of 10-month surveys being conducted per year out of local settlements that will be reached by vehicle. This could very well change as we may be asked to do other survey areas.

 Funding Requirements

We need funds to cover:

• Boat Lease and Equipment: To safely conduct the survey and collect samples.
• Costs: Air fares for volunteers and students
• Permits and Insurance: Required for conducting research and operating in protected areas.
• Operational Costs: Fuel, supplies, and data analysis.
• Land base Operation: Office Costs and communications for volunteer Shore Manager.

Note.  It is more than possible the venture will extend another year or maybe more, depending on the number of reports we need to do and the number of islands we visit, and of course, the budget and demand.

 Rewards for Donors.

1. Supporter Level (ANY AMOUNT UP TO AUD $99)
   • Personalized thank-you email.
   • Digital newsletter updates on the expedition’s progress from completion of each study, weekly for small islands and fortnightly for larger islands or those well offshore.
   • Download 50 hi-res Images and 5 videos for PRIVATE use on any particular date.
2. Explorer Level (From AUD $100 UP TO AUD $999)
   • All previous rewards, plus:
   • Early access to research findings and reports.
   • Download an additional 50 hi-res images and 10 videos (please note these videos will not be the same as uploaded onto YouTube.)
   • A virtual Q&A session with the team.
3. Eco Champion Level (FROM AUD $1,000 UP TO AUD$4999)
   • All previous rewards, plus:
   • Special acknowledgment in the final research publication and videos on YouTube and possible documentary.
   • Download up to 250 hi-res images and 20 videos
4. Major Supporter Level (AUD $5,000 TO AUD$9,999)
   • All previous rewards, plus:
   • Opportunity to specify a study you would wish us to carry out. Suits a School, College, University or Conservation Group etc.
   • Personalized report of your specific contribution’s impact on the project.
5. Expedition Patron Level (AUD $10,000+)
   • All previous rewards, plus:
   • Each month, a 1-2 week trip drawn from Expedition Patron Level donors, for 2 people to come with us visiting islands and sand cays. Limited to 2 people each six-weekly draw. The winner each month will feature on this website and YouTube. (You will need to turn up at our departure point and join us on the boat. Just bring your facemask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit.) Bring a camera or borrow one of ours. Everything else supplied including fishing rods and lures etc. You can assign any trip to another party. See (xx) below.
   • Where a winner is under 18 years old, he/she must be accompanied by an adult, if a school wins with students under 18, the 2 students must be accompanied by an adult – making it a party of 3.
   • This level entitles the donor to specify numerous studies, dependent on complexity, for us to carry out.  Suits a School, College, University or Conservation Group etc.
   • Exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and a comprehensive personalized report of the research outcomes.

 (xx) Note: We cannot guarantee the trip(s) will be between 1 and 2 weeks each, due to inclement weather, project studies, travel and other anomalies. I would say 1 week would be the shortest timeframe. Allow up to 2-3 weeks should inclement weather close in or other unforeseen delays.

 Budget to include, but not limited to, the following Cameras – digital video and still.

The boat will have 8 x 4k+ digital cameras running 24/7 from the cabin roof. Four of the cameras will record around the boat, while the other four cameras will record life aboard the boat. This will ensure we won’t miss anything happening on our port or starboard side while traveling or diving.

We will also have a Canon Pro video camera, a backup camcorder, 5 x DJI Osmo Action 5 underwater video cameras, 2 x underwater video cameras viewing through probes on the transom.

There are also 11 x 4k & 8k Trail cameras for wildlife identification on islands, plus 3 x Canon EOS Cameras, one with an underwater housing for 24MP images.

The ROV with two 4k+ video cameras plus 2 Drones with cameras, one having a FLIR night vision camera for crocodile counting in low light. On standby there are 2 point and shoot digital cameras, one of which is a high-speed camera for action shots. Most of these cameras are currently in stock ready for the venture.

Why so many cameras?

When looking through the list one will notice that we are allowing for redundancy to a large degree and when diving with 3 or more divers, all of whom will have DJI video cameras when diving. Other cameras will record onboard activity such as fishing, and exploring islands and sand cays. The trail cameras will allow us to saturate an island in one night mostly, saving time and repetition of shooting the same animal(s).

Travelling in the northwest of Australia by sea, one is reliant on self help to a large degree. There are no shops or service centres nearby and so we need to conduct onboard maintenance to a large degree. To assist this, I have allowed for additional cameras based on my experience in the past of losses, such as flooding and internal failures.

 Bottom line 

We need to take as many photos and videos as possible, as this medium will qualify our venture more thoroughly than reports alone. Better that we delete some images that lack quality or are repetitious, than lack qualifying images to support the facts. Travelling up north by sea in a harsh environment, can take its toll on equipment, especially electronics.

 Equipment.

ROV with 2 cameras, a remote grab and water sampling attachments to 100 metres. Uni’s note – water sampling…

High-Pressure Compressor for scuba bottles. >300 bar. This will be mounted in the back of a 4×4 for land use only.

6 Scuba bottles plus regulators, BCVs etc.

Cooking with gas Jetboil Basecamp Stove system

Complex electronics array including Pulse Radar, Side Scan Sonar, Sounder, Structure Scan and FLIR Night vision, GPS Navigation, Sea Floor Mapping, sea water temp, Geiger Counter, fuel analysis and engine monitoring. etc. 

Satellite integration for internet (Starlink)

Sat Phone compatible for mobiles

First Aid kit with Oxygen

Fishing gear.

I anticipate that each year we will have in excess of 20,000 high quality digital photographs plus many hundreds of videos. These will need editing each week for reports, YouTube and Sponsors. Selected images will be posted on a selected website for sale to the public. Those of you contributing will be assigned free images as per your donations. The remaining videos and images will be posted bi-monthly or even weekly dependent on Satellite Access and survey progress.

 Why Support Us? By backing this project, you’re contributing to essential scientific research that will hopefully influence conservation efforts and policy decisions. Your support will help us gather data on marine populations, understand environmental changes, and advocate for stronger protection measures. Any volunteer University students getting involved, will add substantial credence to the Venture.

 What Will Your Contribution Fund? We need to cover boat, electronics and diving equipment, some salaries, permits, travel by 4×4 between exit points, administration, and operational costs being food and fuel. Your contribution will ensure we can conduct this critical research, helping us to make a significant impact on marine conservation in the North of Australia.

 Join Us in Making a Difference Your support will help protect Australia’s marine life and preserve the beauty and health of our oceans for future generations. Together, we can make a meaningful impact.

Thank you reading our proposal.

 Note: I will UPDATE this Venture Details from time to time, follow the revisions on the title.

Sincerely,

Max

Maxxus50@gmail.com

Please Donate Today and Be a Part of Our Mission!

All donations will be held securely in an Escrow account with 

To do so, please contact me through our CONTACT page or my email above and I will respond directly to you in private giving you the Escrow account details. This is to avoid spam and possible cyber-criminal activity. You will be able to log into our operational files to see the current expenditure on the Venture requirements and the progress on the boat modifications once finance has reached a level that covers the boat costs.