31.03.12: A Day At The Bay

It's ten years since Cabbage Tree Bay became a no-take Aquatic Reserve.

Now Manly's prettiest cove delights swimmers, snorkellers, walkers and beach-goers of all ages, and shows just how good a Marine Sanctuary can be.

Last Saturday Manly Environment Centre and the local community celebrated the tenth birthday of this precious site. day at the bay

The festivities kicked off with a Smoking Ceremony and didgeridoo performance, before A Day At The Bay was officially opened by Manly Mayor Jean Hay.

The ocean sparkled in the sun as visitors enjoyed free guided snorkel tours and fun on stand-up boards.

There were marine environment stalls including Eco Divers, the Aboriginal Heritage Office (AHO), the 'clean-up' group Two Hands Project, EarthWatch, Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS), Manly Environment Centre, After Dark Tours and EcoTreasures. Guest artists set up their easels around Shelly Beach while kids had the chance to make a giant art work of their own.

Speakers included Manly State MP Mike Baird; Prof Bill Gladstone - marine biologist and UTS Environment School head; Dave Thomas from Eco Divers; Dr Belinda Curley from SIMS; Silke Stuckenbrock, 2012 Eco Award winner and co-founder of the Two Hands Project; and speakers from NSW Fisheries.

Bands on the sand - including Karen Smith and friends, Sophia Anastasia, Aaron Huston and Jay from Swamp Donkeys and Neil Olhbach - provided the sound track to a perfect day.