Collaroy residents have been startled by an unusual increase in sea dragon deaths washing up on local shores, with multiple sightings reported across Northern Beaches this week.
Collaroy local Piero Aramini discovered two dead male weedy sea dragons on Collaroy Beach, approximately 100 meters from the surf lifesaving club.
“I found a sea dragon washed up on the shoreline,” Mr. Aramini said. “I actually walked 40 metres down further and found another one.”
Mr. Aramini noted the different states of the specimens, with the first appearing relatively intact while the second had begun decomposing. After documenting his find, he shared photos with a local community group, where other Northern Beaches residents confirmed similar discoveries.
The Collaroy sightings are part of a concerning pattern, with additional sea dragons reported at nearby Narrabeen and Curl Curl beaches. This sudden increase represents approximately eight times the normal rate of sea dragon strandings, according to UTS Marine Ecology Professor David Booth.
“I’d say one [is reported] every two months… so here’s four in one month, so that’s like eight times the normal. That’s a bit unusual,” Professor Booth explained.
While the current situation hasn’t reached the crisis levels seen in 2022, when over 200 dead sea dragons washed ashore across Sydney’s coastline, the increased frequency around Collaroy has raised concerns among local environmental observers.
Professor Booth attributes the deaths to barotrauma caused by turbulent ocean conditions and possible food source depletion. Sea dragons feed primarily on mysid shrimp, which can be flushed away from coastal areas during periods of heavy rainfall.
For Collaroy residents who encounter these protected creatures, Professor Booth advises against handling them, even when deceased. Instead, he recommends photographing any findings and contacting him directly to support ongoing research efforts.
The Collaroy community continues to monitor local beaches for additional strandings as marine experts investigate the cause behind this troubling increase.
Published 15-March-2025
