Management of the marine estate involves a broad group of people from government, industry, Aboriginal communities and beyond.

Each of us individually also has a role to play. Every positive action, regardless of its size, contributes to the health of our cherished marine estate now and into the future.

Below is more detailed information on safe and sustainable ways to undertake common activities in the marine estate.

The guiding principles that cut across all activities are: Respect - Protect - Share

If you follow these principles, you’ll be practising safe and sustainable use.

Follow the links below for details on how to be safe and sustainable whilst pursuing these everyday activities in the marine estate.

• Accessible beaches NSW
• Anchoring and mooring
• Bird watching
• Boating
• Fishing (recreational)
• Four-wheel driving
• Sharing the shore
• Tourism
• Turtle encounters
• Wakeboarding and wake surfing
• Waste management on the marine estate
• Watching and approaching marine mammals
• Using watercraft
• Keeping weeds and pests away

Small changes around our homes, workplaces and schools will also benefit our marine environment. Click these links for more information.

• Reduce stormwater pollution
• Reduce litter
• Reduce energy use

These actions contribute to collective efforts by people across Australia to care for our valuable coastline and interconnected ecosystems.

Community programs

If you have the time and capacity, consider joining a community organisation or citizen science project. Take a look at the following great initiatives:

• Coastcare
• Landcare
• NSW TurtleWatch
• Ocean & Coastal Care Initiatives – Central Coast, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens
• Redmap – spot, map and log unusual marine species

This list is not exhaustive! Your local council may be able to point you in the right direction to find active groups in your area.