The Water Guardians
Investigative photojournalism story launch
Times are wild and there are so many urgent issues demanding our attention.
Despite a news cycle that bombards us with the worst happenings from around the globe on a daily basis, there are many good people driving positive change from every corner of the world. And I am reminded over and over what’s possible when good people come together to create change.
As someone who recognises there are so many unfolding injustices, happening simultaneously and all worthy of our attention and care, it’s taken me time to get clear about where to focus my energy as we move into 2026.
But there’s one story I can’t seem to let go of.
Our oceans and rivers do so much for us — from stabilising our climate to sustaining livelihoods, supporting biodiversity, protecting our coastlines and so much more. Our waterways are central to our health, economies and communities.
The ocean is my happiest place and a big reason why I moved to Australia. But in recent years, serious water quality issues have been emerging across the country.
Last year, a massive algal bloom in South Australia killed thousands of marine animals and devastated local fishermen and tourism operators. The year before, the Great Barrier Reef experienced a catastrophic bleaching event, which I documented firsthand.
Spotted Eagle Ray | March 2026 © Olivia Katz Photography
A sick sea turtle swimming off the coast of Byron Bay | February 2026 © Olivia Katz Photography
Here at home in the Northern Rivers, disturbing signals are also emerging — algal blooms, black water events, fish kills, pollution and rising wildlife illness. I’m deeply concerned about what this means for the future and motivated to understand what can be done to turn this story around.
So I’ve begun developing a new storytelling project to investigate water health issues across the Northern Rivers — and to amplify the people working to protect and restore these ecosystems.
Project Summary:
The Water Guardians is an investigative photojournalism project exploring the health of waterways across the Northern Rivers of New South Wales. Through photography, interviews and narrative reporting, the project documents emerging signs of ecosystem stress while amplifying the voices of those working to protect and restore these environments. Grounded in place and informed by my lived experience as a resident and documentarian, the project explores how water quality intersects with climate resilience, biodiversity and community wellbeing.
The project will follow 3–5 key contributors, including Richmond Riverkeepers, Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue, and a small number of scientists and community leaders. The project will culminate in a public exhibition, panel discussion and print fundraiser supporting local conservation efforts.
I’ve pitched this project for a number of grants and am awaiting the outcome, but given the state of our waterways, I’m forging ahead regardless of funding.
To watch a short video about The Water Guardians launch:
The Water Guardians Project Launch instagram video
*story has evolved slightly since this video but remains predomintantly the same, although the focus is now solely Northern Rivers and will be told through photojournalism rather than film unless film funding is secured.
If you’d like to get involved, support this work, or know someone who might, please reach out: olivia@theheartatlas.com
