Port Macquarie Underwater Research Group
Marine Life Database
Did you know?
40% of all fish species inhabit fresh water, yet less than .01% of the earth's water is fresh water.
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This site is a Sea Life Database of some of the ocean life you will find on the NSW Mid-North Coast in the Hastings area.
What is PURG?
PURG stands for the Port Macquarie Underwater Research Group. We are a group of scuba divers based in the Port Macquarie area. You can email us at purg2444@yahoo.com.au
Port Macquarie Underwater Research Group (PURG) was established in 2007 by a group of divers and non divers. The aim of the group was to map and identify the marine biodiversity of offshore and near-shore rocky reefs and identify threatened marine species in the region.
With the aid of Government grants PURG regularly surveys sites in the region.
PURG has covered a region from Crowdy head to Point Plomer with a series of surveys on selected sites. The sites were chosen due to regular visits by divers and fishermen. Data was obtained using Surveys implemented by the University of Tasmania and the Coffs Harbor University.
Activities to be undertaken included:
- Completing three clean up dives to reduce injury and fatality to marine life caused by harmful marine debris.
- Undertake underwater surveys including at least 18 double dives to document the marine biodiversity.
- Conduct a training program including a series of marine seminars on locally relevant issues.
- This Website Development.
- Building capacity of local divers and marine enthusiasts.
- Building links with local schools and marine education providers.
- An increased awareness of local marine biodiversity in the broader Port Macquarie region.