Key ideas: global action, delivering high seas marine protection

The high seas are Earth’s last great frontier—and one of its most vulnerable. As nations rally behind major global commitments to restore ocean health, from the High Seas Treaty to the UN Ocean Decade, science has a crucial role in driving policy necessary for protecting these vast international waters. This symposium will explore current science contributing to making that transformation real,   remaining gaps, and how various governance regimes are responding to scientific advice.  How is science helping the world respond to climate‑driven change, safeguard migratory species, and build fair, transparent systems for managing shared ocean spaces? The symposium will also highlight global cooperation, policy development and community empowerment necessary to protect the ocean for the long haul.

Convenors:

• Dr Lynda Goldsworthy AM, Adjunct researcher, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, UTAS

• Dr Jess Melbourne-Thomas, Environment, Hobart, CSIRO

• Prof Tony Press, Adjunct professor, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, UTAS

• Jiliang Chen, HDR (PHD submitted October 2025), Macquarie University, Political Science

Key ideas: deep-sea, governance, biodiversity, sustainability

Deep-sea regions remain among the least explored and most rapidly changing environments on Earth. This symposium invites marine biologists, ecologists, taxonomists, physical and earth scientists, data specialists, First Nations knowledge holders, and ocean governance experts to share new insights that advance understanding and stewardship of these underrepresented ecosystems. We welcome research that expands biodiversity knowledge, from species discovery and systematics to ecological processes, community structure, and habitat dynamics, as well as innovations in observing systems, data integration, and cross-disciplinary approaches.

As Australia works toward impactful marine science under the UN Ocean Decade, improving knowledge of deep-sea systems is essential for evidence-based management and climate resilience. This session highlights how fundamental research (e.g., taxonomy, ecological monitoring, biodiversity mapping, oceanography and geoscience) intersects with applied needs, including environmental assessment, spatial planning, and emerging industries. We encourage contributions that centre First Nations perspectives and from early-career ocean professionals (ECOPs). We aim to bookend the scientific presentations with reflections on the relevant science-policy interface and current developments in ocean governance.

This symposium aims to connect knowledge holders and researchers generating essential baseline data with those responsible for translating it into real-world actions, strengthening pathways from discovery to impact.

Convenors:

• Ms Rachel Downey, Australian National University

• Dr Elin Thomas, DOSI/UWA-Minderoo Deep-Sea Research Centre

• Dr Aline Jaeckel, University of Wollongong

• Dr Paige Maroni, University of Western Australia

Key ideas: autonomy, remote sensing, fleet operations, ocean observing

Autonomous technologies are transforming marine science by enabling scalable, persistent, and cost-effective observations across a broad range of challenging environments. Uncrewed systems, including autonomous underwater, surface, and aerial vehicles, deliver high-resolution data on physical, chemical, and biological parameters at spatial and temporal scales previously unattainable. These capabilities are critical for addressing global challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable fisheries.

Coordinated fleets of vehicles can conduct large-area surveys in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods, while long-duration deployments provide continuous data streams. Advances in autonomy, ranging from AI-driven mission planning, real-time sensor fusion, and interoperable data pipelines, are transforming how observations are collected and validated. When combined with traditional survey methods and human expertise, autonomous platforms become a force multiplier.

This symposium will highlight real-world examples where autonomy has delivered scientific benefits in marine science, explore innovative applications that enhance marine science impact, and discuss future directions for autonomy-enabled research. We invite contributions that demonstrate how autonomous systems are driving progress toward sustainable oceans and climate resilience, including topics such as:

• Fleet-based autonomous surveys

• Persistent ocean observing campaigns

• Integration of remote sensing and human-led approaches

• Strategies for increasing spatial coverage while reducing cost and risk

• Case studies of marine autonomy in supporting Australian science

• Novel applications of marine autonomy in supporting marine science or marine operations

Convenors:

• Andrew Filisetti, CSIRO

• Prof Stefan Williams, The University of Sydney

• Dr. Hui Sheng Lim, CSIRO

Key ideas: oecm, mpa, 30by30, global biodiversity framework, tiaki moana

Pacific Island countries and territories are at the forefront of global ocean stewardship, with long-standing cultural, community, and Indigenous governance systems closely aligned with the principles underlying Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs). As nations move to implement the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and accelerate progress toward 30x30, OECMs provide a practical, culturally grounded, and scientifically robust pathway to recognize and strengthen enduring forms of marine management.

This symposium will bring together scientists, policymakers, Indigenous knowledge-holders, NGOs, and practitioners working across the Pacific to explore the science, governance, monitoring, and partnerships required to identify, operationalize, and scale high-quality OECMs. Topics include integrating traditional ecological knowledge with scientific assessment, designing inclusive governance processes, approaches to evaluation and long-term monitoring, and aligning national commitments with regional and global frameworks (SPREP, CBD, BBNJ).

The session aims to highlight emerging Pacific-led models, share lessons from recent field initiatives and regional workshops, and foster cross-country collaboration that can strengthen OECM implementation throughout the region.

This symposium will appeal to researchers, government agencies, Indigenous organisations, conservation practitioners, and anyone working at the interface of marine science, policy, and community-led conservation.

Convenors:

• James Nikitine, Blue Cradle Foundation

Key ideas: artificial intelligence, machine learning, large language models, neural networks, marine futures, predictive modelling, environmental management

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are transforming marine science, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive modelling, and decision support across estuarine, coastal, and oceanic systems. In line with Australia’s National Marine Science Plan, this symposium explores how AI can strengthen climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, sustainable industry growth and the human dimensions of marine management. 

Invited topics include: 

• Automated biodiversity and habitat monitoring 

• Near real-time water quality forecasting 

• Hybrid AI-physics approaches for ocean and ecosystem modelling 

• Digital twins for climate adaptation and risk assessment 

• Automation of data analysis and modelling with generative AI 

• Generative AI and tools for stakeholder engagement and socio-ecological decision-making 

The session will identify best practices and emerging directions for integrating AI, generative models, and physics-informed approaches into marine monitoring, modelling, and management. 

Panel Discussion: Ethics & Policy for AI in Marine Science 

We will examine governance, transparency, Indigenous data sovereignty, equity, and standards for responsible AI adoption. 

Convenors:

• Dr Kesav Unnithan, CSIRO

• Dr Kamran Shafi, AIMS

• Scott Spillias, CSIRO

• Christopher Brown, IMAS

• Carla Sbrocchi, University of Technology Sydney

Key ideas: biodiversity, biosecurity, sustainability, genomics

Taxonomy is the foundation of biology, and a robust taxonomic framework is critical to address fundamental questions about biodiversity, ecology, phylogeography, and evolutionary history in marine environments.  Understanding biodiversity is important for all fields of marine science, conservation, and management as well as underpinning hypothesis-driven marine research. Baseline taxonomic knowledge is also crucial to the effective management of environmental impact due to human-induced activities and climate change. Although over 250,000 species have been described from the ocean (World Register of Marine Species; WoRMS), it is estimated that little more than 10% have been documented, and biodiversity of environments such as mesopelagic to abyssal environments, vents, seeps and seamounts is especially poorly known. With the arrival of new seagoing research facilities (e.g., RV Investigator) and the advent of major technological advances in high-resolution imaging, DNA sequencing, eDNA, Artificial Intelligence and machine learning, biodiversity discovery is expected to accelerate. We propose a symposium that will be led by marine experts representing a broad range of taxonomic expertise. The symposium will bring together scientists, practitioners, and policy makers to discuss the current state of taxonomy knowledge in the marine environment and to showcase the latest advances in the field of marine taxonomy in Australia and New Zealand.

Convenors:

• Elena Kupriyanova (Australian Museum)

• Dr Pat Hutchings (Australian Museum)

Key ideas: chemical oceanography, biogeochemistry, ocean biogeochemistry

Ocean biogeochemistry shapes climate and ecosystem health. We welcome biogeochemical studies that involve phytoplankton, microbes, benthic organisms, coral reefs, and processes such as carbon and carbonate pumps, particle fluxes, benthic–pelagic coupling, and land–ocean trace element and nutrient delivery. Topics can include estuarine biogeochemistry, ocean acidification, deoxygenation, and human impacts. Interdisciplinary approaches using element and isotope tracers or proxies are encouraged. Emerging technologies—autonomous platforms, imaging, machine learning, and innovative modelling—are transforming our ability to quantify biogeochemical processes and predict change. Contributions utilising these technologies that bridge coastal and open-ocean research are also welcome. We particularly encourage work from Australian systems, including the Southern Ocean, Great Barrier Reef, and continental shelves, offering insights from high-latitude carbon sinks to tropical coral ecosystems. Join us in advancing a holistic understanding of ocean biogeochemistry and its role in marine ecosystems and climate.

Convenors:

• Prof Michael Ellwood, Australian National University

• Dr Taryn Noble, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

• Dr Sam Eggins, Australian National University

Key ideas: remote sensing, bathymetry, geomorphology, maritime jurisdictions

Australia’s coastal zone represents a critical interface between terrestrial and marine environments, yet remains one of the most challenging areas to map comprehensively. This symposium will address the persistent “white strip” of missing data between high-resolution bathymetric LiDAR and offshore multibeam surveys, a gap that limits integrated management and decision-making in relation to the seabed and coastal interface.

The session aims to bring together science and practice across Commonwealth and State agencies, research institutions, and industry to showcase advances in coastal to offshore marine geoscience mapping technologies, data standards, and collaborative frameworks. Key topics will include remote sensing innovations, semi-automated geomorphology classification, integration of marine geoscience in coastal and offshore marine hazard management, and strategies for merging jurisdictional datasets to create seamless coastal-to-offshore models.

By fostering dialogue between policy makers, scientists, and technical experts, this symposium will highlight opportunities for national-scale integration and shared approaches to fill critical data gaps, supporting marine geoscience spatial planning, hazard management, and ecosystem conservation — strengthening the scientific foundation for sustainable, integrated offshore marine and coastal zone management.

Convenors:

• Donna Audas, Geoscience Australia

• A/Prof Jeff Hansen, The University of Western Australia

• Dr Steffan Howe, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

Previously titled “Applications of Stereo-Video in Marine Ecology and Fisheries”.

Key ideas: BRUV, ROV, DOV, stereo-video

Underwater video is playing an increasingly important role in marine ecology, conservation, and fisheries management, and is being actively adopted in culturally led sea country science. Mono and stereo-video systems, including BRUV, ROV and DOV platforms, provide non‑invasive tools for quantifying marine organisms and habitats without the need for physical capture.

This joint symposium and workshop will create space to share experiences, methods and insights on using video-based approaches to assess the condition and health of marine populations.

Wadandi / Pibulmun Yunungjarli Senior Cultural Custodians Zac and Wayne Webb will work with the other convenors to ensure a culturally safe environment for Traditional Owners and Indigenous Rangers to share their work with video methods on sea country.

Presentations and discussions will span the role of cultural guidance and safety in sharing sea country knowledge, the benefits of interoperable and standardised data, and lessons from synthesising ecological information at regional to continental scales.

By bringing together ecologists, Traditional Owners, Indigenous Rangers, fisheries scientists and conservation practitioners, this symposium and workshop aims to refine best practices, identify emerging research frontiers, and strengthen the contribution of stereo-video methods to understanding and protecting marine biodiversity.

Convenors:

• Dr Tim Langlois, The University of Western Australia

• Dr Dianne McLean, Australian Institute of Marine Science

• Prof Daniel Ierodiaconou, Deakin University

• Prof Euan Harvey, Curtin University

• Mr Zac Webb, Wadandi / Pibulmun Yunungjarli Senior Cultural Custodian

• Mr Wayne Webb, Wadandi / Pibulmun Yunungjarli Senior Cultural Custodian, Hon. Litt.D. UWA

• Nathan Knott, University of New South Wales and University of Wollongong

Key ideas: marine megafauna, management, conservation, cultural connections, wildlife tourism

Whales, turtles, dolphins, pinnipeds, dugongs, and sharks play a key role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems and in shaping public awareness that drives marine governance. These iconic species hold deep cultural, spiritual, and economic significance, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and act as powerful ambassadors for ocean stewardship. Their visibility and vulnerability make them effective catalysts for advancing marine policy, guiding the development of conservation frameworks and ecosystem-based management approaches.

As Australia’s coastal and oceanic environments face mounting pressures from climate change, industrial expansion, resource extraction, disease risks and pollution, the cumulative threats to marine megafauna—such as entanglements, noise, ship strikes, and habitat loss—underscore the urgent need for adaptive governance and cross-sectoral coordination. Policy responses that are informed by scientific evidence and grounded in Traditional knowledge systems can strengthen the legitimacy, effectiveness and uptake of marine management. Integrating two-way science - where Indigenous and Western knowledge systems co-produce understanding - offers a transformative pathway for inclusive, equitable, and sustainable marine governance.

This symposium highlights how research on marine megafauna can inform national and regional policy, catalyse the creation of marine protected areas, and inspire innovative governance frameworks in Australian waters and beyond. By fostering a collaborative community of scientists, Traditional Owners, industry representatives, and policymakers, the symposium aims to translate ecological insights into actionable governance reforms that ensure sustainable developments along the long-term protection and resilience of Australia’s ocean heritage.

Convenors:

• Olaf Meynecke

• Jodi Edwards

• Ana Sequeira

• Rebecca McIntosh

Key ideas: transdisciplinary collaboration, habitat complexity, design-led approaches, marine restoration

Marine restoration is gaining global attention, yet science alone cannot address its complexity. To achieve meaningful impact, restoration strategies must integrate creative and design-led approaches that prioritise innovation in materials, methods of fabrication, and deployment strategies. This symposium explores how design thinking and fabrication can transform marine conservation, positioning Australia at the forefront of global best practice.

We invite contributions that demonstrate inventive solutions for restoring ecosystems, from local coastlines to offshore environments, through transdisciplinary collaboration. Potential submission could include:

• Innovative ecological approaches, embracing ecological engineering, material science including sustainable material choices , bio-design, and biomimicry.

• Design and fabrication methods such as computational design (CAD), digital fabrication, and prototyping for marine applications.

• Surface complexity and scale, from micro-topographies that influence species recruitment to large-scale structural interventions.

• Critical reflections on design, material selection, and deployment strategies, highlighting lessons learned and knowledge gaps.

• Cross-disciplinary initiatives integrating art, design, indigenous knowledge, science, engineering, and/or technology to develop restoration best practices.

Our goal is to bring together diverse perspectives to share successes, failures, and emerging ideas, building a collaborative foundation for creative, scalable interventions that enhance marine biodiversity across ecosystems.

Convenors:

• Beth O'Sullivan, Research of Humanities & the Arts, Research School of Biology, Australian National University

• Dr Jennie Mallela (FHEA), Research School of Biology, Australian National University

This symposium will tackle key barriers to the adoption of environmental DNA (eDNA) in marine park science and management, while highlighting the value proposition and information gains that eDNA delivers for decision-making. This session will showcase case studies demonstrating how eDNA is being operationalised in real-world monitoring and management contexts. Presentations will include investments in new technologies and automated methods, such as autosamplers, to enhance efficiency and spatial and temporal coverage where eDNA is implemented. Equally important is the concept of an “eDNA commons”- a participatory model in which Traditional Owners, rangers, industry, and local communities are actively involved in the collection, interpretation, and stewardship of eDNA data. This approach reframes the narrative from purely technological scaling to one of inclusive participation and shared knowledge, building trust, relevance, and long-term sustainability. Together, these examples will highlight scalable pathways for deploying eDNA to strengthen the capacity of scientists and managers to monitor, understand, and predict ecosystem health.

Convenors:

• Euan Harvey

• Michael Bunce

• Fran Ackermann

• Eric Raes

Key ideas: marine data, digital research infrastructure, open science

Australia’s future marine science impact depends on how effectively individual research organisations can support the full pathway from observation to publication across diverse marine data domains—including eDNA and ‘omics, biodiversity and imagery, biogeochemistry, physical oceanography, and broader ocean observing systems. This symposium examines how institutions are building the infrastructure, governance, and skilled workforce needed to routinely publish research-ready, FAIR, citable datasets that feed a national digital marine commons.

Speakers will highlight practical institutional models for supporting researchers: data management planning, pipelines for new observing techniques (such as eDNA, autonomous platforms, advanced acoustics), automated QA/QC workflows, and platforms that generate persistent identifiers and citation-ready metadata. Case studies will demonstrate how data architects, software engineers, and research technologists underpin scalable data publication for marine domains ranging from long-term oceanographic time series to high-throughput biodiversity data and biogeochemical observations.

A key focus is how organisations sustain these specialist teams, align internal systems with national infrastructures (IMOS/AODN, OBIS-AU, AusSeabed), and create environments where researchers are empowered to publish high-quality datasets as routinely as publications. Designed for marine scientists, data professionals, and institutional leaders, this symposium offers practical pathways to strengthen organisational capability and accelerate Australia’s transition to a federated, high-impact marine data commons.

Convenors:

• Katherine Tattersall

• Peter Walsh

• Aleksandar Zivaljevic

Key ideas: remote sensing, marine ecosystems, climate change, human impacts

Rapid climate shifts and intensifying human pressures are reshaping marine ecosystems, from coastal regions to the open ocean. Remote sensing, spanning satellites, drones, and near-surface platforms now provides unprecedented synoptic views of these changes, enabling us to track temperature extremes, ocean colour, turbidity, habitat degradation, harmful algal blooms, shoreline change, and biogeochemical fluxes at relevant scales. This symposium will showcase new methods, data products, and coupled observational–modelling approaches that turn these signals into ecologically meaningful insights. We invite contributions on algorithm development,  insitu validation, multi-sensor fusion, machine learning, and applications to management questions such as ecosystem state, extreme event impacts, water-quality targets, marine heatwave effects, blue-carbon accounting, and biodiversity monitoring. Researchers are encouraged to share new results, prototypes, and lessons learned that benefit ecosystem scientists, ocean modellers, marine managers, oceanographers, and remote sensing scientists alike. By bringing these communities together, the symposium aims to highlight transferable tools, identify gaps, and accelerate translation of sensing innovations into operational environmental monitoring and decision support for a rapidly changing ocean. The session will conclude with a facilitated group discussion to reflect on recent advances and chart priorities for using remote sensing to map the impacts of climate and anthropogenic change on marine ecosystems.

Convenors:

• Dr Nagur Cherukuru, CSIRO

• Dr Bozena Wojtasiewicz, Australian Institute of Marine Science

• Dr Tim Ingleton, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water

Key ideas: port environmental stewardship, co-design in marine science, industry-research partnerships, eco-engineering, biosecurity

Australian ports are key coastal infrastructure, supporting national trade and regional economies while also representing the most sustainable, lowest-emission form of transport. These working environments sit at a critical interface between industry, the marine environment, and community, presenting both challenges and opportunities for strong environmental stewardship.

This symposium will highlight contemporary marine research, innovation and industry–research partnerships across Australian port environments, with a focus on collaborative monitoring frameworks that bring together port authorities, researchers, Traditional Owners, regulators and local communities. Contributions will showcase advances in water quality monitoring, sediment and light dynamics, habitat protection and restoration, eco-engineering approaches, climate adaptation planning, and biosecurity within port and harbour settings.

Case studies will demonstrate evidence-based solutions that are improving environmental performance and informing future decision-making in high-value, operational coastal zones. The session aims to engage scientists, industry practitioners, policy makers, consultants and students working at the applied science–management interface. Participants will gain insight into the innovative research being undertaken in and around Australian ports, and the pathways through which high-quality marine science can shape policy, management and long-term sustainability outcomes.

Convenors:

• Dr Paula Cartwright

• Prof Michael Rasheed

• A/Prof Nathan Waltham

Key ideas: coastal management, ecosystem service, biodiversity, spatial

Seascape connectivity is influenced by the composition, position and links between mosaics of habitats that facilitate the flow of energy, nutrients, and materials. Incorporating seascape connectivity into the spatial prioritisation and management of conservation and restoration initiatives can enhance the delivery of ecosystem services, functions and biodiversity. It is a particularly important concept in the context of global policies such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Decade of Restoration. These policies seek to maximise the provisioning of ecosystems services, biodiversity and functioning from conservation and restoration projects. Monitoring and modelling connectivity across multiple spatial scales and seascapes can inform spatial prioritisation, guide restoration and conservation management actions, and support decisions that seek to enhance ecological functioning and resilience across ecosystems. Advances in measuring biodiversity, species movements, habitat mapping, ecological networks, spatial planning tools and ecosystem accounting provide new opportunities to embed seascape connectivity into practical management actions. This symposium will showcase research that translates connectivity science into management impact. We welcome abstracts from all disciplines, including species movement, restoration, conservation, and functional ecology that incorporate seascape connectivity into improving management decisions in marine environments.

Convenors:

• Dr Lucy Goodridge Gaines, University of the Sunshine Coast

• Dr Jesse Mosman, University of the Sunshine Coast

• Dr Ashley Rummell, University of the Sunshine Coast

Key ideas: genomics, conservation, population genetics, connectivity

Genomic approaches have become transformative tools for understanding marine biodiversity and for translating fundamental science into applied management. Ocean systems enable complex patterns of dispersal, with many taxa exhibiting pelagic larval stages, while others rely on parental care and reduced natal dispersal, resulting in spatially structured populations. These contrasting life-history strategies directly influence population connectivity, resilience, and vulnerability to environmental change.

Over the past decade, rapid advances in sequencing technologies have made genomic tools more affordable and widely accessible, providing unprecedented resolution into gene flow, hybridisation, demographic history, and mechanisms of speciation. Importantly, these insights are now being increasingly applied to inform conservation planning, fisheries management, and policy development.

This symposium welcomes contributions on population genomic approaches applied to marine dispersal, connectivity, and demography across diverse taxa and spatial scales. Presentations will demonstrate how genomic data inform metapopulation dynamics, range shifts, historical bottlenecks, recovery processes, and the design of spatial management strategies, including marine protected areas.

By integrating applied case studies across seascapes and life-history strategies, this session will highlight how population genomics is strengthening the connection between marine science, decision-making, and long-term ocean sustainability in a rapidly changing world.

Convenors:

• Eva Paulus, James Cook University

• Mikhail Nazareth, James Cook University

• Dr Joseph Perkins, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

Key ideas: facility, infrastructure, national, impact, outcomes

The CSIRO Marine National Facility (MNF) is Australia’s dedicated ocean research capability to enable marine research for national benefit. Through fully-funded grants of sea time and freely available marine data, the MNF enables vital marine and atmospheric research by all Australian researchers across our vast marine estate: from the edge of the sea ice to the equator. MNF capability centres on the multi-purpose advanced ocean‑class research vessel (RV) Investigator, which has recently surpassed 10 years of operation.

This symposium invites presentations showcasing the breadth of research impact delivered by our diverse Australian marine research community through access to RV Investigator. Encompassing oceanographic, biological, atmospheric and geophysical research, as well as maritime heritage studies, the research enabled through the vessel has delivered national benefit by directly addressing the challenges facing Australia’s society, economy and environment. In addition, RV Investigator provides a vital platform for training our future marine stewards and inspiring interest in our marine environment through the delivery of important maritime education and training activities, which will be discussed in this symposium.

Convenors:

• Andrew Martini, CSIRO

• Ilona Stobutzki, CSIRO

• Toni Moate, CSIRO

Key ideas: social science, human dimensions, Australia's strategy for nature

This symposium brings together Indigenous leaders, marine scientists, social scientists and practitioners to operationalise Australia's Strategy for Nature.  

Australia's Strategy for Nature rests on three interconnected goals: connecting all Australians with nature, caring for nature in all its diversity, and building shared knowledge. Achieving these goals requires understanding the human drivers behind ocean health and wellbeing. Critical questions include: How do we create marine conservation that is culturally respectful and equitable? How do we balance biodiversity protection with the needs of fishing communities? And, how do we weave Indigenous leadership into research and decision-making, not as consultation, but as agenda-setting? 

The symposium brings these threads together, working through real ocean management contexts—fisheries, marine conservation, climate adaptation—where Indigenous science, marine science and social sciences must be bought together to succeed. 

We invite presentations and active participation to develop these ideas further. 

Convenors:

• Jodi Edwards, Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, University of Wollongong

• Michelle Voyer, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia

• Matthew Navarro, Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, University of Wollongong

• Freya Croft, Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, University of Wollongong

Key ideas: algal bloom marine heatwave biodiversity, harmful algal blooms, ecological impacts, HAB prediction & monitoring, HAB management, species characterisation

Starting in 2025, South Australia experienced an unprecedented ecosystem disruptive harmful algal bloom event that highlighted the growing vulnerability of marine ecosystems under an increasing array of marine stressors with complex interactions. As the influence of marine stressors continues to rise, the frequency, duration, severity and unpredictability of extreme events like these are expected to increase, posing escalating risks to marine biodiversity, fisheries, coastal communities, and ecosystem services.

This symposium will address three interconnected themes:

1. understanding the ecology, dynamics and drivers of harmful algal blooms with a focus on Kareniaceae;

2. assessing impacts, focusing on consequences to the ecosystem including resilience and thresholds for recovery but including impacts on industry and sociocultural values; and

3. advancing monitoring, modelling, management and mitigation strategies.

By integrating perspectives from oceanography, ecology, genomics, remote sensing, and environmental management, the symposium aims to foster collaborative solutions that improve our capacity to anticipate and mitigate future events. 

This symposium is designed for researchers, environmental managers, government agencies, conservation practitioners, and stakeholders seeking to strengthen the scientific and operational frameworks needed to protect marine ecosystems in a rapidly changing climate. 

Convenors:

• Dr Sophie Russell – Senior Scientific Officer - Marine Biodiversity, South Australian Department for Environment and Water

• Dr Dominic McAfee, Adelaide University

• A/Prof Charlie Huveneers, Flinders University

• Prof Simon Goldsworthy, SARDI Aquatic Sciences

• Jeff Cosgrove, Dept. Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions

• Dr Ruth Eriksen, CSIRO Environment

• Andreas Seger, University of Tasmania

Key ideas: environmental politics, governance, media, Great Barrier Reef

Australia's Marine Park management has always been a contentious political issue and will remain so. Since the late 1960s, from the protest movement that led to the Royal Commission and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act (1975); crown-of-thorns outbreaks; the World Heritage listings of the GBR (1981), Lord Howe (1982) and Ningaloo(2011); revised and additional zoning plans (late 1990s onwards); managing back-to-back bleaching events (2016/2017 onwards), poor water quality, and more recently debates on funding and coral reef restoration. Understanding how the political landscape shapes marine park management is essential for marine scientists seeking real-world impact.

Yet today's political and regulatory landscape of the Reef is increasingly complex. Polarisation around climate change, misinformation and disinformation, the climate denial machinery in Australia and overseas, new restoration science and techniques, diverse funding sources, Traditional Knowledge systems, and divisive media dynamics have created challenging intersections between science, policy, and politics.

This session invites contributions addressing the political, social and regulatory landscape that shapes Australia's marine parks. We welcome submissions about lessons learned from consensus and conflict; use of misinformation and disinformation to polarise public discourse; strategies for building consensus across stakeholder divides; Indigenous scholars working on environmental Lore within a western law system; how new reef science has been politicised; international lessons from other contentious environmental issues; and historical analysis of what has succeeded or failed politically.

Convenors:

• Dr Maxine Newlands, Cairns Institute, James Cook University

Key ideas: project management, knowledge brokering, best practice, Indigenous partnerships, stakeholder engagement

This symposium is targeted at HDR, ECR and those researchers who know they must meet the needs of many with limited time and resources. This symposium will touch on important project elements that all funding agencies now expect you to manage, such as stakeholder engagement, Indigenous partnerships, communication plans, data management and impact, all rolled into the concept of project management. But what are these elements, and how do we do them well while juggling everyday tasks? Presenters for this symposium will discuss their process and learning, and ask the audience what is still missing. The symposium topics that will be covered include:

• Research that meets the stakeholders’ needs – best practice approaches, but what actually helps

• Indigenous partnerships – how do we best deliver ICIP and CARE principles in a changing research environment

• We all know we must communicate research finding but how do we get the best bang for our $1

• Data management – I have my data now, but what is my responsibility

• Stakeholder engagement – what, where, when and how 

• Impact – how can we show this, and what role can knowledge brokering play

• Learning from an international NGO

Convenors:

• Yvette Williams, Reef and Rainforest Research Centre & NESP Marine and Coastal Hub

• Paul Hedge, University of Tasmania & NESP Marine and Coastal Hub

Key ideas: ocean literacy, community engagement, marine science communication, science and society

Ocean literacy is emerging as a critical enabler of effective marine policy, sustainable resource management, and community-led conservation. Research and engagement initiatives are emerging and developing across Australia. This symposium brings together researchers, educators, and practitioners from the national marine science community to showcase the ways ocean literacy is generating measurable impact. 

We welcome contributions from across the growing field of ocean literacy: 

• Research examining public understanding of marine issues and barriers to engagement

• Education programs in formal and informal settings building ocean knowledge and connection

• Indigenous knowledge systems and sea country management

• Citizen science expanding research capacity while deepening participant understanding

• Stakeholder engagement initiatives bridging science, industry, and policy.

Building on momentum and interest in Australian ocean literacy (and resulting outputs) garnered at AMSA 2024 and 2025, this symposium provides a platform to share findings, recent developments, and identify next steps for ocean literacy research and practice. We explore the role of ocean literacy as an enabler that translates marine science into meaningful action.

Convenors:

• Dr Rachel Kelly, University of Tasmania

• Asoc Prof Prue Francis, Deakin University

• Dr Rebecca Shellock, University of New South Wales

Key ideas: The geomorphological, geological, and climatic controls on coastlines and shallow marine habitats

Australia’s coastal and shallow-marine environments are shaped by the interplay of geomorphic processes, hydrodynamics and a rapidly changing climate, and these interactions are increasingly central to understanding future landscape and seascape trajectories. As sea-level rise accelerates, we are seeing shifts in inundation patterns, sediment mobility, wave–reef interactions and tidal-to-supratidal connectivity that influence the stability and functioning of beaches, dunes, tidal wetlands, mangroves, nearshore flats and reef-fringed shorelines. Coastal water tables and salinity regimes adjust alongside these changes, interacting with surface and nearshore processes without singularly driving them.

Our capacity to detect and interpret these evolving systems is expanding rapidly. High-resolution remote sensing, UAV photogrammetry, LiDAR, multispectral and hyperspectral imagery, satellite altimetry and InSAR ground-motion analyses combined with in situ observations from eddy-covariance systems, coastal hydrological monitoring, CTDs, wave and current sensors, sap-flow measurements and geophysical surveys, is revealing fine-scale geomorphic and hydrological dynamics previously invisible in coarse datasets. Paleo-environmental archives including coral microatolls, reef cores, sediment cores, beach-ridge sequences and wetland stratigraphy provide the essential long-term context needed to distinguish contemporary change from natural variability, illuminating past sea levels, sediment pathways and shallow-marine landscape evolution.

Building resilience across Australia’s coasts and shallow-marine environments will require integrating these diverse lines of evidence into planning, management and adaptation frameworks. Combining geomorphic process understanding, paleo records, modern hydrological observations and multi-sensor remote-sensing products allows clearer identification of thresholds, feedbacks and response timescales. Embedding this knowledge in decision-making will support robust adaptation strategies, sustain ecosystem function and guide communities and industries as they navigate the realities of accelerating sea-level rise.

Convenors:

• A/Prof Ruth Reef

• Prof Kerrylee Rogers

• Dr Juliet Sefton

Key ideas: social science, socio-ecological, marine system management, policy

Managing Australia’s marine and coastal resources for both healthy ecosystems and thriving communities under climate change is a profound challenge. Effective policies, and supporting planning and action, are increasingly recognising the interdependence between the ecological social, economic, and governance dimensions that shape outcomes. In this context, the social sciences are providing important insights into how to mobilise individual and collective action, anticipate risks, support more equitable outcomes and help marine governance and management adapt —critical levers for achieving resilience. This symposium will present a suite of social science research that is equipping policy makers and managers with practical strategies to integrate social science into planning and decision-making processes to support ecological, social, cultural and economic outcomes from marine systems.  

By leveraging social science alongside biophysical research, this symposium will demonstrate how policy makers can develop adaptive, inclusive, and cost-effective solutions that strengthen ecosystem resilience and community well-being. 

Convenors:

• Dr Anthea Coggan (CSIRO)

• Dr Matt Curnock (CSIRO)

• Dr Tracy Shultz (University of Queensland)

• Dr Gabriela Schuefele (CSIRO)

• Prof Karen Vella (QUT)

Key ideas: restoration, regulation, policy, barriers, coral

Marine science and technology are expanding rapidly, creating exciting opportunities for reef restoration. However, most regulatory systems were designed to prevent environmental harm rather than enable innovation, creating uncertainty, overlapping responsibilities, and delays that limit the safe scaling of restoration efforts.

The opportunity is clear: we have approximately a decade to establish resilient reef ecosystems using cutting-edge restoration technologies. Promising policy instruments are emerging—including the EPBC Reform Act (2025), the High Seas Treaty, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targeting 30% ocean protection by 2030. These signal growing recognition that regulatory systems must evolve to match the pace and ambition of modern marine science.

Restoration programs have demonstrated proof-of-concept success—now we need regulatory frameworks that enable responsible scaling. This session will explore the 'regulatory preparedness' of marine and coastal restoration activities, including wetlands and macrophytes, to deliver coral restoration at the speed of relevance. Papers are invited by those familiar with existing literature and legislation to map where regulation can be streamlined and identify policy instruments that better support reef, wetland and macrophyte restoration.

This session seeks papers addressing: How can marine science inform smarter policy? We will identify regulatory bottlenecks, showcase innovative policy solutions, and chart clear pathways for reform that maintain environmental protection while unlocking the full potential of restoration science.

Convenors:

• Dr Maxine Newlands, Center for Policy Futures

• A/Prof Pedro Fidelman, Center for Policy Futures

Key ideas: high latitude, polar, marine communities, climate change

As global climate change is being felt around the world, high latitude regions are being impacted disproportionately. Polar and sub-polar regions are experiencing rapid warming, freshening and changing sea ice dynamics, with resulting impacts through food webs and ecological processes. Yet these regions remain understudied due to harsh conditions and difficulties with access and logistics. Understanding how marine communities in these regions function, and how they may change into the future, is increasingly important.

This symposium will bring together researchers to present recent research in the Antarctic, sub-Antarctic and other cold-water regions, focusing on marine communities and their relationship with changing environmental drivers. It directly addresses “marine science with impact”, as Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions are high in existence and bequest values, and changes in these regions have strong policy implications. Changes in sea ice, seabirds, keystone species and megafauna are all in the public consciousness, and awareness of impacts on lesser-known communities such as benthic algae and invertebrates is increasing. This symposium targets polar scientists, managers and conservationists specifically, and stakeholders more generally who wish to broaden their knowledge into new regions.

Convenors:

• Dr John Turnbull, University of Sydney

• Dr Steph Gardner, University of Sydney

• Jakob Quade, University of Sydney

• Dr Graeme Clark, University of Sydney

Key ideas: plastic

The pervasive presence of plastic pollution is one of the most critical challenges facing coastal and marine environments worldwide. This session invites researchers, policymakers, and conservationists to discuss innovative strategies for understanding, mitigating, and preventing plastic pollution in our coastal and marine ecosystems. This session will explore recent findings on the sources and accounts of plastics (including marine debris, microplastics, and nanoplastics) in coastal and marine environments, and the subsequent impacts of these plastics on marine biodiversity, including fish, seabirds, and coral reefs, as well as on marine biogeochemical processes and carbon cycling.

As the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee is working overs the last several years, we are heading towards a Global Plastic Treaty. Within Australia, different initiatives, including legislative measures are taken in recent time to address and minimise plastic pollution. Hence, research works and practices on policy and management around plastic pollution at household, local, state, regional and global scale are highly encouraged to submit. Specially, the season will highlight successful case studies of community-led initiatives, innovative waste management solutions, and policy recommendations to minimise plastic use and improve recycling practices, ultimately safeguarding coastal and marine systems. By fostering a collaborative dialogue, this session aims to identify actionable steps for stakeholders at all levels.

Convenors:

• Tanveer Adyel, Centre for Nature Positive Solutions, School of Science, RMIT University, Australia 

Key ideas: Indigenous partnerships, cultural knowledge, connecting to modern science, Indigenous data sovereignty

The state of Australia’s marine ecosystems is being challenged by a spectrum of existing and emerging human activities and pressures. These challenges have the potential to dramatically alter some of these ecosystems. The full spectrum of human knowledge and know-how will need to be effectively drawn upon to rise to these challenges. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s cultural and traditional knowledge has been held and maintained for generations and is inherent to their connection to land, sea and sky. This knowledge and connection have enabled them to navigate a spectrum of environmental challenges over extended periods of time to provide for healthy country and healthy people. There is a growing recognition among modern policy makers and scientists that traditional and cultural knowledge are an important part of the spectrum of human knowledge that needs to be drawn upon to protect and sustainably use marine ecosystems. This symposium will provide insights and examples of partnerships designed to connect cultural and traditional knowledge with modern science and policy for coastal and marine ecosystems, in particular through Indigenous prioritised and led research. This will include practical approaches to value and protect Indigenous knowledge and how to promote Indigenous data sovereignty.

Convenors:

• Mr Paul Hedge, University of Tasmania

• Jessica Riley, University of Tasmania

• Damien Burrows, James Cook University

Key ideas: ocean observations, marine ecosystems, ocean biogeochemistry, biological and physical oceanography, IMOS data

Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) has fundamentally transformed Australia’s capacity to observe, understand, and predict changes in the marine environment. Established in 2006 under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), IMOS has enabled the collection and delivery of open-access, quality-controlled, long-term ocean datasets through the IMOS Australian Ocean Data Network (AODN). Supporting cutting-edge research across disciplines including oceanography, marine ecology, fisheries, climate science, and coastal resilience, IMOS demonstrates how long-term national collaboration can translate ocean data into knowledge, and knowledge into impact. This symposium will showcase the impact of IMOS data and explore how sustained ocean observing and open data continue to drive management, innovation, and resilience for Australia’s coasts and oceans. We are looking forward to showcasing work that highlights the power of collaboration, data integration, and sustained observing in creating enduring benefits for science and society. We invite contributions from all users of IMOS data that demonstrate the impact of IMOS in connecting science to policy and people, advancing national priorities and sea Country management, and shaping a sustainable ocean future for Australia. 

Convenors:

• Dr Natalia Ribeiro, Science Officer at IMOS

• Dr Fabrice Jaine, Principal Science Officer at IMOS

• Dr Richard Saunders, Impact and Engagement Officer at IMOS

Key ideas: science,policy, decision-making, impact, translation

Effective marine management relies on robust science translated into actionable policy. This symposium will explore how marine science has informed and shaped decisions that deliver real-world impact. We invite presentations that demonstrate successful integration of scientific evidence into policy frameworks and management strategies across diverse contexts, including fisheries, marine parks, emergency response, and emerging sectors such as offshore renewable energy. 

The session aims to highlight practical examples where collaboration between scientists and policy makers has resulted in measurable outcomes. We particularly welcome abstracts co-authored by researchers and decision makers, showcasing joint approaches to problem-solving and implementation. Contributions may address challenges in bridging the science-policy interface, innovative tools for translating research into policy, and lessons learned from case studies at local, regional or national scales. In addition, we propose a panel discussion with senior representatives from science, policy and community to discuss key issues in the science–policy interface. 

By sharing experiences and strategies, this symposium will foster dialogue on strengthening partnerships and ensuring marine science continues to inform impactful decisions. 

Convenors:

• Dr Jodie Smith, Branch Head - Oceans, Reefs, Coasts and the Antarctic, Geoscience Australia

• Belinda Jago, DCCEEW

The AMSA2026 Scientific Committee is also encouraging presentations on the following topics which will be managed as conference symposia including fisheries, marine acoustics, marine ecology, oceanography, offshore renewable energy, science communication, or other topics that may not suit any other symposia topic.