Donate to Indigenous Sea Ranger Training

Australia's precious coastal ecosystems rely on a vital habitat—seagrass meadows. These underwater grasslands are essential for marine biodiversity, providing critical habitat for over 1,000 marine species, including fish, crustaceans, and endangered animals like dugongs and sea turtles. Will you help empower Indigenous Sea Rangers to restore seagrass meadows?

Recognising the importance of seagrass, CQUniversity's Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC) has established the SeaGrow nursery at its Gladstone Marina Campus. Here, at the world's largest purpose-built seagrass restoration nursery, our research team is spearheading efforts to effectively cultivate seagrass for transplantation, aiming to rejuvenate degraded marine habitats. CMERC is also involved in collaborative seagrass restoration projects in Airlie Beach and Konomie Island.

Acknowledging the deep cultural and spiritual connections that our First Nations Peoples have with Sea Country, the CMERC team are exchanging knowledge and skills with Indigenous Sea Rangers from up and down the Queensland coast.

During annual Seagrass Workshops, Rangers receive training to actively participate in the collection of seagrass flowers and seeds, whilst contributing their traditional ecological knowledge to enhance restoration efforts.

Funds raised during the 2025 CQUniCares Appeal will support Indigenous Sea Rangers to attend the next Seagrass Nursery and Restoration Forum, which will be held in May 2026.

Donate to the CQUniCares Sea Ranger Appeal today.

Why Your Support Matters

Seagrass meadows are declining at an alarming rate, with up to 7% lost annually due to human activities and environmental stressors. Without immediate action, we risk irreversible damage to these ecosystems, leading to the collapse of marine life populations and the loss of essential services they provide.

CMERC's Seagrass Workshops provide training that empower Rangers with skills to lead critical environmental conservation projects.

If you’re passionate about First Nations causes, environmental protection or marine research, this is a powerful way to contribute.

Donate to the CQUniCares Sea Ranger Appeal today.

Watch our Sea Ranger Appeal Video

Video thumbnail image — You can support training for Indigenous Sea Rangers through CQUniversity's Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC). The training will empower Rangers to undertake conservation work related to seagrass meadow restoration, which is vital to the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

Transcript

CQUniversity has launched its 2025 Annual Appeal.

Donors are being given a chance to champion a cause that they are passionate about.

One of which is Indigenous Sea Ranger Training.

You donation will fund training for Indigenous Sea Rangers through CQUniversity’s Coast Marine Ecosystem Research Centre (CMERC).

This training will upskill Rangers to undertake conservation work related to seagrass meadow restoration, which is vital to the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

To find out more about the CQUniCares Annual Appeal or to donate today visit www.cqu.edu.au/appeal

Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC)

CMERC has been established to work with coastal industries and communities to develop practical and sustainable solutions for our unique coast and marine environments.

CMERC