Entries by

How hair dye is helping conservation of WA’s sea lion population

An innovative new project is using human hair dye on Australian sea lions at Carnac and Seal Islands off the coast of Perth to track and learn about the local population. Edith Cowan University (ECU) are jointly leading the project with Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) marine researchers, in collaboration with Department of […]

Art and ocean science come together to inspire unique exhibition

A new initiative connecting art and marine science will see a group of south-west artists create a series of contemporary artworks inspired by Western Australia’s unique marine environment. This exciting collaboration between scientists and artists will lead to the aquatic-themed public art exhibition ‘Immerse’ exploring issues about the marine environment early next year. MIX Artists […]

New trial to future-proof Western Australia’s seagrass meadows 

An innovative trial to test the limits of seagrass under different dredging scenarios is underway that could make seagrass meadows more resilient to environmental pressures. The findings could help to future proof seagrass meadows across Western Australia. Edith Cowan University’s Centre for Marine Ecosystem Research has established a new state-of-the-art facility to assess the effect […]

Seeds for Snapper – community spearhead citizen science

An annual program led by leading UWA and WAMSI scientists to address the loss of seagrass in Cockburn Sound, is calling on volunteers to participate in local marine science to help restore the meadows. Community-based initiative ‘Seeds for Snapper,’ is a collaboration between The University of Western Australia and fishing conservation charity OzFish. United by […]

Science Plan to guide $13.5 million investment

One of the largest research programs ever undertaken of Cockburn Sound is underway with the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) and Westport releasing the Science Program for its three-year partnership. The $13.5million investment in understanding the Cockburn Sound environment will drive a sustainable design, ensure a robust environmental impact assessment process, and improve long-term […]

Snubfin dolphins call Roebuck Bay home

A community of snubfin dolphins has taken up residency in Roebuck Bay, according to a new study investigating the species’ use of the area. The study, led by Edith Cowan University, confirms the presence of the resident dolphin community in Yawuru Nagulagun (Roebuck Bay) in the northwest of Western Australia and provides the first insights […]

Traditional knowledge verifies key turtle nesting sites

New research merging modern marine science with Traditional ecological knowledge has uncovered key nesting sites for turtles in Western Australia. Western Australia’s remote Kimberley coastline spans multiple Traditional Owner estates and the findings will contribute towards future co-management plans to conserve turtle populations in the northwest, including continued monitoring for marine turtles. Led by a […]

Recreational fishers report signs of a changing climate

New research has revealed two out of three recreational fishers perceive climate change to be real and have noticed changes in the types and distributions of fish species over time as they regularly venture out in marine waters. A team of researchers assessed fisher demographics and fishing behaviour in a boat-based recreational fishery in Western […]

Introducing the Cockburn Sound Science Program Manager

Cockburn Sound Science Program Manager Dr Alan Kendrick is leading the research study to fill knowledge gaps, investigate potential impacts and improve understanding of Cockburn Sound’s ecosystem. Involvement in large, science-based marine environmental programs has always piqued Alan’s career interests. In his previous role he oversaw marine conservation science at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation […]

A new life for old infrastructure

Coastal development is expanding rapidly across the state and it is estimated there are now more than 7,400 man-made marine structures, ranging from oil and gas infrastructure to shipwrecks and artificial reefs, in Western Australia. In coming years, there will be increasing proposals to build new infrastructure in WA’s marine environment and regulatory approval will […]