may 2024 news
Welcome to the May edition of the Great Southern Reef newsletter.
In this issue, we explore some urgent challenges facing the GSR as well as highlight promising developments and opportunities to get actively involved in caring for our precious kelp forests.
GSR Delegation to Canberra
In response to the escalating urchin crisis on the Great Southern Reef, a delegation of concerned scientists, fishers and industry leaders have formed an alliance to bring the issue to the attention of political leaders in Canberra.
The purpose of the visit was to present the $55 million Centro Task Force Business Plan, endorsed by a recent Senate Inquiry which includes significant investment in reef monitoring and community engagement, including with First Nations communities. [learn more]
The path forward is clear: by embracing innovative solutions and fostering collaborative efforts, Australia can transform an ecological crisis into a sustainable solution. [learn more]
New video release: Unlocking Seadragon Secrets
Few creatures capture the imagination quite like the seadragon. Yet, despite their popularity, seadragons remain shrouded in mystery.
In this brand new video launched today, Chrissy Tustison from SeadragonSearch shares her passion for understanding these majestic creatures and how SeadragonSearch is employing advanced machine learning techniques to map the distribution and abundance of seadragons across the Great Southern Reef. [learn more]
SeadragonSearch harnesses the power of citizen science to track seadragons through a simple yet effective tool: photography. Similar to human fingerprints, seadragon patterns are distinctive and stabilise once they mature at about one year old. [learn more]
Image: Michael Roelens
Port Phillip Bay Golden Kelp Restoration
Researchers at Deakin University have been developing techniques to grow local kelp in the laboratory, starting with microscopic spores from healthy adult kelp. The baby kelp have been nurtured in specialised aquaria for about eight weeks before being ready to be out planted into the Bay. [learn more]
Image: Dr. Prue Francis showcases baby kelp at the Queenscliff Marine Science Centre.
Upscaling Restoration
Researchers from the Green Gravel Action Group have outlined crucial strategies and insights for scaling up kelp forest restoration globally. This new paper, led by Georgina Wood and a diverse team of international experts, provides a comprehensive overview of the obstacles and breakthroughs in kelp forest restoration.
The study identifies several critical challenges, including funding limitations, technical barriers, and the complex interplay of restoration activities with existing policies. Despite these hurdles, it offers optimistic solutions such as novel funding avenues, advanced cultivation techniques, and strategic policy enhancements to enable effective upscaling of restoration projects.
Have Your Say on WA's new Marine Park
There are only six weeks left to make a submission on the four indicative management plans for Western Australia's South Coast Marine Park. This will be the first marine park along WA's south coast, filling a key gap across the Great Southern Reef’s marine reserve system.
We strongly encourage people to take a look at the plans and get involved in this important part of the process by sharing your input. Submissions can be made on the management plans and zoning schemes on the DBCA website.
Turning the tide on Plastics
The Great Southern Reef benefits from a strong coalition dedicated to curbing the tide of marine debris. With nearly 5,000 clean-up events recorded across the Great Southern Reef since the beginning of 2021, the community's response to keeping our coast and oceans clean has been formidable.
Thanks to Tangaroa Blue and partners, over 216 tonnes of debris have been removed by nearly 23,000 participants, clearing over 3.4 million items from the marine environment. These figures are a testament to the power of collective action and the pivotal role of citizen science in shaping a sustainable future for our oceans. [learn more]
Marine Biology Field Course in Tasmania
24 high school students recently participated in the 9th edition of the Marine Biology Field Course run by the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, on Maria Island. Selected from 430 applicants, students were offered a hands-on introduction to temperate marine biology in a course that counts toward a Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science.
Rebecca Ju from North Sydney’s Girls High School reflected on the trip:
“We collected zooplankton, analysed sediment infauna, counted intertidal organisms and even conducted formal fish surveys on snorkel. The course allowed us to hone our practical scientific skills and connect with people just as enthusiastic and passionate about the ocean and the environment.”
Reef Life Survey training in Tassie
Reef Life Survey Tasmania welcomes seven new members to the crew after a four-day temperate surveying extravaganza.
The crew met with playful seals, stunning cryptics, shimmering schools, and even a sevengill shark, with everyone completing the training in high spirits and inspired for more. [read more]
Sea Country in Schools
Trawlwoolway Artist Vicki West brought GSRF film Sea Country to the Port Dalrymple School in George Town, TAS. After watching the film, students were asked to respond to the film by asking questions and creating art. In coming weeks students will be working on artist statements about their work as well as working with kelp to create a vessel or jewellery.
We always love to see the work of students connecting with our kelp forests through our resources and films. Thanks Vicki for being such a powerful ambassador for our Great Southern Reef.
Letters to the Sea
Teachers - looking for a fun activity to engage your students? 'Letters to the Sea' showcases letters from young ocean lovers from all over the world. The idea behind the initiative is to provide a platform for the younger generation to express themselves and be heard regarding their feelings about the ocean.
Letters will be exhibited at various ocean conferences and meetings throughout the year, where they will be read aloud. Moreover, ocean leaders, policy-makers, and scientists will have the opportunity to "adopt a letter" and respond directly to the young authors. [learn more]
GSR Local Hero
Big shout out to Hayley Davies for her recent 10K run in the Mornington Running Festival in support of the Great Southern Reef. Hayley raised funds and awareness by signing up for the event through GSR partner Grassrootz.
"We’re here to make a difference and to help bring back our invisible reef" explained Hayley.
If you're based in Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide there are more fun-run fundraising opportunities including the Beach2Beach Sydney, City2Surf Sydney, Run Melbourne and the Adelaide City to Bay Fun Run. We rely on fundraising efforts like this to fuel our initiatives and every contribution counts.
Commissioned Artwork
We are thrilled to announce the completion of a commissioned artwork by the talented Barngarla artist, Emma Richards, created especially for the Great Southern Reef Foundation.
Emma's commitment to the project—designing, painting, and digitising the artwork—reflects her deep connection to the Great Southern Reef, describing her Saltwater Sea Country as "sacred, beautiful, spiritual, and peaceful".
This art commission was made possible thanks to generous donations by our GSRF supporters. Thank you!
Secrets of Seaweed Exhibition in SA
Fuelled by a passion for the conservation of marine life and biodiversity, seaweed-inspired artists Jo Fife and Sally O’Connor present artworks of diverse materials and approaches in "Secrets of Seaweed". This exhibition delves into the unique character of an incredible stretch of the Great Southern Reef, aiming to inspire a deeper understanding and appreciation of our precious kelp forests. [learn more]
Secrets of Seaweed will be on display at the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre, Mount Gambier SA until June 2nd.
Explore more of the Great Southern Reef
People
Impactful people with a close connection to the Great Southern Reef.
Places
Feature locations along the Great Southern Reef.
Marine Life
The weird and wonderful creatures found along the Great Southern Reef.