Seadragon initiative to protect vulnerable marine icon

Seadragon Conservation is a collaborative project between the UTS Fish Ecology Lab, marine ecologist Professor David Booth, designer Jordan Askill and SEALIFE Sydney Aquarium.

It is dedicated to the preservation of the Weedy Seadragon — a delicate, otherworldly creature found only in Australian waters, recently reclassified from Least Concern to Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. 

Seadragon Conservation aims to drive awareness and action through scientific research, public education, film and sculpture, and galvanise long-term conservation efforts.

“Weedy Seadragons are a flagship species for Australia’s marine ecosystems,” says Professor David Booth.

"However this iconic species has seen recent population declines linked to South Australia’s toxic algae bloom and NSW’s climate-related storms."

“By better understanding and protecting them, we'll also be safeguarding the broader health of their habitat in the Great Southern Reef.”

The project celebrates the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, using creativity and data to make marine science more accessible and emotionally resonant.

“This collaboration unites the power of research and the emotional impact of art,” says Jordan Askill, whose work often explores themes of nature and vulnerable species.

“We want to make these creatures visible in new ways and inspire action through beauty, education and storytelling.”

Seadragon Conservation has received recent philanthropic support . A grant from the James Kirby Foundation will support field research and data, while the iniative has been one of the beneficiaries of the recent Sapphire Project annual gala dinner.