Workshops

Date: Friday 4 September
Time: 8:30AM - 12:30PM
Location: Eucalyptus Seminar Room, in the R.N. Robertson Building, Biology Place, Australian National University, Acton, 2601, Canberra
Co-convenor: Lyndon Llewellyn, Deputy Chair, National Marine Science Committee, Hobart, TASMANIA, Australia

The workshop is designed to discuss the recommendations and priorities outlined in the National Marine Science Committee’s new Decadal Marine Strategy (2025–2035) and to explore pathways for their coordinated implementation across the national marine science community. The Strategy provides a framework for aligning research, infrastructure, and policy priorities, including the Sustainable Ocean Plan, over the next decade. This workshop will bring together key stakeholders to identify practical steps for executing the Strategy effectively.

Participants will review recommendations across multiple themes, including climate change prediction and impacts, mitigation and adaptation, ocean health and biodiversity, the blue economy, maritime security, and First Nations knowledge and leadership. Crosscutting, enabling areas such as observational and data infrastructure, data management, ocean literacy, workforce development, and industry engagement will also be addressed.

The workshop will provide a platform for collaborative brainstorming and decision-making, fostering alignment across sectors, research institutions, government partners, and communities. By engaging stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, the workshop will ensure implementation plans are practical, efficient, and leverage existing capacity while avoiding duplication of effort.

Outcomes from the workshop will feed into broader NMSC engagement and coordination, guiding prioritisation of activities, identifying gaps, and ensuring efforts are directed where they can have the greatest impact. The workshop will also support the national marine science community in presenting a unified vision to funders, policymakers, and industry partners, helping to translate strategic recommendations into actionable outcomes and long-term impact for Australia’s marine research and management priorities.

Key audience: Lead authors of the NMSC White Papers, subject matter experts across key marine science themes, and early-career researchers to help align their projects with national priorities, representatives from research organisations, government and policy agencies, industry partners, community groups, and other relevant stakeholders.

Date: Sunday 30 August
Time: afternoon (TBC)
Location: Foresty 102, Australian National University, Acton, 2601, Canberra
Cost: Free
Co-convenors:

• Véronique Lago, UNSW

• Fernando Sobral, UNSW

• Phellipe Couto, UNSW

• Moninya Roughan, UNSW

The IMOS-FishSOOP subfacility has rapidly expanded its reach, generating high-resolution ocean temperature data from commercial and recreational vessels around Australia, the Equatorial Pacific, and the Southern Ocean. As the network grows, so does the need for clear guidance to both contributors and data users on the hardware, data flow, quality control processes, and pathways for accessing and using the data. 

This workshop will bring together current and future data collectors (marine park representatives, Sea Country Rangers, indigenous organisations, divers, scientists, government agencies, and industry) as well as end-users of FishSOOP data. It will introduce the full lifecycle of FishSOOP data, from sensor installation and deploymentthrough to real-time transmission, automated QC, archival, and access. Likewise, this workshop will also be an opportunity to identify user needs for new or improved data products and usability. 

Participants will learn how the system works, what data products are available, and how to interpret and apply QC flags and metadata correctly. For contributors, the workshop will clarify expectations, best practices, and opportunities to participate. For data users, it will provide training in accessing, interpreting, and integrating FishSOOPtemperature data into scientific, cultural, and operational workflows. For the convenors, it supports identifying opportunities to improve data products, delivery pathways, and community engagement. 

By strengthening the link between the data collectors and the scientific community, this workshop will contribute to build capacity across diverse groups, enhance data usage, and reinforce FishSOOP’s commitment to reciprocal, rigorous, and robust research quality in community-driven marine science. 

Key audience: Ocean modellers, Sea Country Rangers, marine park representants, indigenous organisations, government agency scientists, diving charters, industry partners, academics, and community-based monitoring groups.

Date: Sunday, 30 August
Time: 10:00AM - 3:00PM
Location: Eucalyptus Seminar Room, in the R.N. Robertson Building, Biology Place, Australian National University, Acton, 2601, Canberra
Cost: $25 per person
Morning tea and lunch provided to participants.
Co-convenors:

• Dr Jennie Mallela, ANU

• Jamie Pittock, ANU

• Bhavnah Komul Kalidin, ANU

• Alistair Graham, WWF

The Indian Ocean is under mounting pressure from land-based pollution, coastal development, and climate-driven change. The Management of Rivers Discharging into Ocean Realms (MORDOR) initiative focuses on how river catchments, freshwater flows, and national governance systems shape ocean health. The workshop introduces the concept of ocean catchments, a new way of identifying where pollution reduction efforts can be targeted most effectively across the region and invites stakeholders to get involved.

The workshop timing is significant. The recently ratified High Seas Biodiversity Agreement (commonly known as the BBNJ Agreement) will enter into force in 2026. It requires countries to work together to protect biodiversity in areas far from shore and to consider how local and regional pressures affect wider ocean systems. Similarly, Target 3 of the recently adopted Global Biodiversity Framework, commits nations to conserve at least 30% of land, coasts, and oceans by 2030, with a strong emphasis on improving water quality and managing pressures that begin on land.

This workshop will bring Australian researchers, government departments, and policy specialists together with regional partners to explore how pollution from major river systems affects the wider Indian Ocean. Participants will discuss how to share resources such as new mapping tools, pollution data, and governance options drawn from initial MORDOR analysis. Together we will develop a draft roadmap for collaboration that supports BBNJ implementation, improves catchment-to-reef management, and strengthens Australia’s contribution to regional marine stewardship in the Indian Ocean.

Key audience:

• Australian marine scientists (ANU, CSIRO, AIMS, universities)

• Canberra-based environmental policy and governance experts

• Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)

• Parks Australia marine and regional network managers

• DFAT staff working on oceans and environmental agreements

• Australian Marine Conservation Society representatives

• NGOs (Tangaroa Blue, Reef Life Survey, waste-reduction groups)

• Fisheries and coastal-planning specialists

• ANU researchers in water governance, hydrology, and environmental management

• Early-career researchers and postgraduate students

• Local community and citizen-science representatives

• Regional partners (invited remotely or in person): IORA, WIOMSA, UNEP Regional Seas

Workshop sponsored by:

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Date: Saturday 29 - Sunday 30 August 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Frank Fenner Seminar, Australian National University, Acton, 2601, Canberra
Cost: free
Co-convenors:

• Rita Franco-Santos, University of Western Australia

• Danielle Smith, University of Queensland

• Rosa Maria Cañedo-Apolaya, University of Tasmania

Ocean professionals who prioritise wellbeing are better equipped to bridge the vital connections between science, policy, and communities, and to ensure that marine research continues to shape Australia's sustainable future. But early and mid-career professionals (EMCRs) often experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression as job and financial insecurity, extreme competition, lack of support, field work conditions, toxic power dynamics, poor work-life balance, unusual work hours, and high-performance expectations contribute to poor mental health. Compounded by internal stressors (productivity guilt, imposter syndrome), these factors can make it difficult for EMCRs to manage emotional challenges. Mental health conditions are further unequal across professional groups - non-male gender categories, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), and other marginalised groups can experience more severe conditions than other well-represented groups in STEMM, as marginalised groups largely shoulder the invisible and emotional burden of professional and academic service (taking on additional commitments to support their community). These highlight a pressing need for proactive strategies to support mental wellbeing in academia.

The Australia/New Zealand Node of the UN Ocean Decade Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Programme works to support and empower ocean professionals and will offer, free of charge, a two-day Standard Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course. The MHFA is an internationally recognised course based on guidelines developed and informed by people with lived experience, their caregivers, and mental health professionals. This evidence-based program provides participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to recognise the signs and symptoms and to understand mental health problems and crises, thus building the capacity of individuals, workplaces, and communities to support/respond to anyone experiencing a problem or crisis until professional help arrives or the crisis resolves.

Early and mid-career professionals interested in completing this two-day MHFA course will need to apply to be considered - a link to the application form will be sent to those who register for this course. You will be asked to submit an Expression of Interest answering (a) if you identify with underrepresented groups in STEMM, (b) what is the benefit to your personal development and career progression of attending the course, and (c) how will you use this training to positively impact the lives of others. We aim to select participants from different institutions covering all states and territories, with especial consideration given to applicants self-identifying as underrepresented in STEMM and/or from vulnerable backgrounds (e.g., victims of domestic/racial violence and people who experience(d) financial difficulties, a.o.). Of the 22 places available in the course, 14 are reserved for early-career (those within the first 10 years since obtaining their terminal degree, excluding career breaks) and 8 for mid-career applicants. 

‍Accepted applicants will receive the course free of charge, as well as a stipend to help cover an additional night of accommodation (up to $165) and meals for the two days of the workshop (up to $82.50 per day). After course completion, the Node expects that participants will become accredited Mental Health First Aiders (at no extra cost, valid for 3 years), champion personal and workplace wellbeing, and help increase awareness of and support for mental health within the ocean sciences in Australia.

‍Key audience: Early and mid-career ocean professionals who wish to learn more about mental health to better manage their own wellbeing and to help those around them. We aim to select participants from different institutions and professions covering all states and territories and encourage applications from all, especially from individuals self-identifying as belonging to underrepresented groups in STEMM or from vulnerable backgrounds.

Date: Sunday 30 August 2026
Time: 10:00AM - 3:00PM
Location: Foresty 101, Australian National University, Acton, 2601, Canberra
Cost: free
Co-convenors:

• Dr Jeff Cosgrove, Dept of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Western Australia

• Dr Simon Bryars, Dept of Environment and Water, South Australia

In recent years, attention on marine HABs has intensified, driven by major events such as the multi-species bloom in South Australia. These incidents have spurred substantial research efforts alongside response and management initiatives. The proposed workshop will provide a forum for state and territory representatives who have a deep involvement in the monitoring and management of marine/estuarine microalgae and HABs and have knowledge of policy and procedures across government as well as close links to the technical experts (potential for a technical expert from each state/territory to attend as well). This would be a round table workshop with each state/territory providing an update on any shifts in policies, plans or monitoring efforts, as well as any incidents, key knowledge gaps and current or planned research. Part of this approach is to encourage a level of standardisation across Australia. The workshop would also allow for some round-table discussion and consideration of any common issues where collaboration could be beneficial and reduce duplication of effort. This format mirrors that of the well-regarded and successful National Estuaries Network meetings.

This workshop is invitation-only.

Date: Friday 4 September 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: TBC, Australian National University, Acton, 2601, Canberra
Cost: TBC
Co-convenors:

• Elena Kupriyanova, Australian Museum Research Institute

• Pat Hutchings, Australian Museum Research Institute

Polychaetes play a major role in marine ecosystem functioning as they dominate marine benthic habitats both in terms of abundance and richness. However, accurate identification, even to the family level, remains a formidable taxonomic challenge and is a significant barrier to undertaking environmental assessment studies of Australian benthic habitats. This workshop aims to provide the skills required to recognise Australian polychaete families and their ecology. It will also provide resources for recognition of some of the common species. The workshop is aimed at students, researchers and environmental consultants.

Topics to be covered:

• An overview of polychaete ecology, reproduction, and phylogenetic position within Annelida,

• Introduction to polychaete morphology using new online illustrated flossary, and

• Identification of polychaetes to the family level using a new interactive digital key

This workshop has previously been held at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (March 2025) and the Western Australian Museum (Nov 2025)

Date: Sunday 30 August2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00PM
Location:‍ ‍Forestry 108, Australian National University, Acton, 2601, Canberra
Cost: Free

Co-convenors: 

• Eduardo Klein Salas, IMOS, Battery Point, TASMANIA, Australia

• Thomas Galido, IMOS, Battery Point, TASMANIA, Australia

• Denisse Fierro Arcos, IMOS, Battery Point, TASMANIA, Australia

• Leo Li, IMOS, Battery Point, TASMANIA, Australia

The Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) Australian Ocean Data Network (AODN) is updating its data collections to cloud-optimised formats, such as Zarr and Parquet. This transition changes how researchers interact with data; rather than downloading large files to a local drive, users now need to access and filter data programmatically in the cloud.

Understanding the specific tools and libraries required to work with these formats is essential for efficient research. This workshop provides a hands-on technical guide for students and researchers with existing Python or R coding skills to master these new workflows.

The session is built around practical application. After introducing the AODN data collections and the cloud-optimised formats, we will provide a suite of ready-to-work notebooks featuring specific use cases, which will be selected where possible to align with the research interests of the participants. By working through these examples, attendees will learn how to connect to cloud-optimised repositories, query and subset large datasets without full downloads, and integrate AODN data directly into their existing analysis pipelines.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have the code templates and technical knowledge to use the updated AODN infrastructure effectively, making their data processing faster and more reproducible.

Date: Friday 4 September 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00PM
Location: TBC
Cost: TBC
Co-convenors:

• Carl Grant, AIMS, Cape Cleveland, QLD, Australia

• Dr Hannah Allan, AIMS, Cape Cleveland, QLD, Australia

• Shenade Muller, AIMS, Cape Cleveland, QLD, Australia

Traditional Owners hold deep, place‑based knowledge of sea Country that is integral for holistic and effective marine management. National policies relating to marine science have started to require the inclusion and elevation of First Nations knowledges and priorities, yet few organisations have taken clear steps to change their practices and implement this. Furthermore, the new National Marine Science Strategy has highlighted the need for better collaboration and shared decision-making between First Nations peak bodies, the marine science community and government. 

Sea Country is governed by long-standing cultural, legal and relational systems that continue today. When researchers enter these spaces, they become part of an existing network of responsibilities and connections. As more Western science and policies intersect with sea Country, researchers and other members of the marine sector must navigate cultural authority, community priorities, protection of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), and the requirement to obtain Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). This workshop responds to a clear need for structured, experience‑based guidance that help scientists, industry and policymakers move from good intentions to confident, culturally informed practice. The focus of this workshop will be building genuine working partnerships with Traditional Owners through the FPIC process with guidance on early engagement, truth-telling, best practices and avoiding common pitfalls. Furthermore, this workshop will introduce practical tools and steps to facilitate meaningful co-design and support Indigenous leadership and equity in marine science, including ICIP and ethics frameworks that should be considered. 

Date: Friday 4 September 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:30PM
Location: Room TBC, Australian National University, Acton, 2601, Canberra
Cost: Free
Co-convenors:

• Dr Zhi Huang, Geoscience Australia, Canberra, AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY, Australia

•  Rachel Nanson, Geoscience Australia, Canberra, AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY, Australia

• Kerrylee Rogers, Environmental Futures Research Centre, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia

• Ruth Reef, School of Earth Atmosphere and Environment, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

• Juliet Sefton, School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

A 5‑hour workshop presents a the two‑step marine geomorphology mapping scheme and associated semi‑automated GIS tools developed by the International Seabed Geomorphology Mapping Working Group (ISGMWG). ISGMWG is an ongoing collaboration between geoscience agencies in the United Kingdom, Norway, Ireland and Australia, focused on promoting consistent and reproducible approaches to seabed geomorphology mapping.

The mapping framework applies a two‑step process that distinguishes Morphology (Step 1) and Geomorphology (Step 2) and is designed for application across multiple spatial scales and marine environments (Nanson et al., 2026). To support practical implementation, several semi-automated ArcGIS Pro toolboxes including CoMMa, GA‑SaMMT (Geoscience Australia Semi‑automated Morphology Mapping Tools) and ISGM‑SGC (ISGM Semi‑automated Seabed Geomorphology Classifier), developed under the ISGMWG collaboration, which operationalise the two-step mapping approach (Huang et al., 2023; Arosio et al., 2024).

Together, the mapping scheme and associated tools represent an emerging Ocean Best Practice for marine geomorphology mapping, enabling more standardised, transparent and reproducible seabed interpretation across research, applied and management contexts.

During the workshop, the convenors will illustrate the two‑step marine geomorphology mapping scheme using worked examples from coastal settings, continental shelves and deep‑marine environments, demonstrating how the framework can be applied consistently across diverse marine settings and spatial scales. Participants will then undertake hands‑on GIS exercises applying GA‑SaMMT and ISGM‑SGC to real‑world datasets and mapping case studies.

These practical exercises will demonstrate how semi‑automated methods can efficiently generate morphology and geomorphology mapping products across a range of spatial resolutions and geomorphic complexities, while also highlighting the strengths and limitations of automated and semi‑automated approaches.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• describe the conceptual basis of the two‑step marine geomorphology mapping scheme;

• apply the scheme consistently across different marine environments and spatial scales;

• use semi‑automated GIS tools to generate morphology and geomorphology mapping products; and

• evaluate the suitability of semi‑automated approaches for research, habitat mapping and marine management applications.