Treasure trove of eco data ‘mapped’ online to help future marine heatwave response

/in , /by

A century of data sources on Western Australia’s sea life, including fish, invertebrates and their habitats, has been collated and made publicly available as part of an innovative project aimed at better forecasting and managing marine heatwaves.

The data sources have been used to create a public digital dashboard within an online StoryMap site to allow scientists and the community access to the valuable information using interactive maps and text.

Professor Kathryn McMahon from Edith Cowan University’s (ECU) School of Science, who is a co-lead on the project’s ecological impact theme, said there had been a focus on getting as much information as possible from almost 20 organisations to help researchers understand the ongoing impact of marine heatwaves on sea life.

“By collating this data, we can use it to see patterns and trends that emerge, which can contribute to understanding changes to fisheries abundance and distribution.” Professor McMahon said.

“They cause fish and seagrass to die, and some species migrate to new areas and there are huge ramifications for the ecology, fisheries and tourism.”

“This data mapping project has the practical application of helping to predict what will happen in the future so we can better manage these destructive events.”

Theme co-lead Dr Sharyn Hickey from The University of Western Australia’s School of Agriculture and Environment said users of the system would be able to search specific regions to find out more about local species and available data sources.

“By bringing this together it also helps researchers collaborate on projects by identifying who has gathered the information,” Dr Hickey said.

“This product is a big step forward in helping us understand how marine heatwaves, which are increasing along our western Australian coastline, may be affecting our marine ecosystems,” Dr Hickey said.

“More work is needed to develop appropriate responses for these extreme events.”

Data from the project is expected to be used as a reference for future research to assess trends in species’ abundance and distribution.

This initiative is part of the ‘Advancing predictions of WA marine heatwaves and impacts on marine ecosystems’ program, which is managed by the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI).

Program scientists come from organisations including the Bureau of Meteorology, Curtin University, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University and The University of Western Australia.

The StoryMap can be found at: https://arcg.is/1LvKXn0

Sea snake surprises all in a day’s work for prominent marine scientist

/in /by

For marine scientist Dr Alicia Sutton, underwater fieldwork is full of awe-inspiring surprises.  During one dive trip in Exmouth Gulf a sea snake suddenly appeared in front of her; slowly swimming between her head and the clipboard she was holding.

“It was just curious and followed me slowly as I finished my survey,” Dr Sutton said.

Sea snake

A sea snake appears during survey work. (Photo: Alicia Sutton)

“At other times I’ve seen huge rays that seem to hover behind me as I measure seagrass.”

 

“I’ve often glanced up during surveys to see I’m being watched by schools of fish.”

“I find underwater surveys to be quite calming work. When it’s not like a ‘washing machine’ that is.”

Dr Sutton is Research Manager at the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) and national president of the Australian Marine Sciences Association (AMSA).

The joys of underwater work and discovering more about the state’s incredible seascape through her WAMSI position remind her how grateful she is to have taken marine science units during her undergraduate years. The decision steered her away from working in the terrestrial environment, and possibly spiders, and she hasn’t looked back.

“Every time I jump into a project at WAMSI it means I get to do a deep dive into a particular marine environment or issue and soak up all the knowledge.”

“I really value being able to help shape future science priorities.” Dr Sutton said.

Like many marine scientists she is concerned for the future health of the world’s oceans from pressures including climate change.

“For a lot of people, I think ocean health is a case of ‘out of sight, out of mind’, so we need to continue to educate, raise awareness and get everyone’s help to keep it as healthy as it can be.”

Alicia Sutton doing a seagrass survey at Rottnest Island

Alicia Sutton doing a seagrass survey at Rottnest Island.

Her work history has so far been filled with a variety of experiences including spending weeks at sea onboard CSIRO’s research vessel Southern Surveyor during post-graduate studies.

“We were a multi-disciplinary team investigating the physical and biological components of the ocean between Geraldton and Perth.”

“There were storms and big swells and for me a lot of sea sickness but despite that I valued the experience.”

“It was challenging and physical but so rewarding to be surrounded by a large team of people working on different methods, and it gave me good insights into collaboration and how much can be achieved.”

Ahead of International Women’s Day Dr Sutton remains grateful to the women who have encouraged and guided her during her career and in her personal life.

“I hope that I can provide that same support for female scientists moving forward and I encourage all scientists to surround themselves with a friendly and supportive network, particularly if you’re in the business of tackling big environmental challenges.”