Little Qld station’s huge contribution to reef science
A research station on the Great Barrier Reef is celebrating its profound impact on global marine science, at a time when coral reefs are in the crosshairs.
oceans
Sea level rise threatens island turtle hatchery
A study has delivered more bad news for a globally important green turtle nesting site off Queensland, with climate change predicted to flood all nests by 2050.
Whales indulge in ‘day spa treatments’ off Gold Coast
Humpback whales enjoy spending time exfoliating their skin and appear to have a favourite spot in thea sea bed off the Gold Coast, a researcher has found.
Coastal critters at home on Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Coastal species are living and breeding on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and raising the prospect of a new kind of ecological community.
Unknown risk in plastic rubbish lining Australian coast
Three-quarters of the waste littering Australia's coastline is now plastic with authorities yet to fully assess the risk posed by the pollution.
Scientist in awe of Antarctica’s beautiful frailty
Queensland Scientist Olaf Meynecke says a recent trip to study chubby whales in Antarctica has left him with a odd mix of trepidation and determination.
Deep ocean in deep trouble as Antarctic ice melts
A life-sustaining circulatory system for the deep ocean will quickly slow and may collapse entirely without emissions cuts this decade, Australian experts say.
Study charts decade of loss on Australian reefs
More than half of the most common species on the reefs that ring Australia have suffered population declines over the past decade, a new study has revealed.
Pledge for national plan to splash out on ocean health
The federal environment minister has promised to develop Australia's first overarching plan to protect ocean health in the face of mounting pressures.
Beach walkers help unravel turtle mystery
Regular beach goers are being recruited to help unravel the mysterious nesting habits of sea turtles on busy Gold Coast beaches.
Indigenous advice about environment policy
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has made a series of appointments to an Indigenous advisory committee that provides feedback on land and sea management.
Fight ramps up over Barrier Reef listing
Australia's environment minister has used a nature summit in Canada to tell UNESCO the Great Barrier Reef does not deserve an in-danger listing.
Aussies play key role in new space mission
Australian experts will have a key role in commissioning a new satellite that will change what scientists know about pretty much all water on the planet.
Tiny unsung ocean heroes nab research hub
A new research aquarium will be built in Hobart to unlock the secrets of Antarctic krill, a small creature with a giant role in the Southern Ocean's food web.
Reef bad boy could perish as climate warms
The crown-of-thorns starfish could go from villain to victim as climate change kills off its food source - the Great Barrier Reef.
Scientists to restore tropical seagrass
Researchers will investigate restoration techniques for key tropical seagrass species, from Queensland's Great Barrier Reef to the north of Western Australia.
Proud parent moment for reef restorers
Marine biologists who rescued death-row corals in 2018 and nursed them back to health are celebrating after they spawned for the first time.
Itchy fish use sharks as scratching posts
Itchy fish fearlessly ambush much larger sharks and use the coarse-skinned predators as scratching posts, an Aussie researcher says.
Coral makes comeback on Great Barrier Reef
Coral is making a comeback across much of the Great Barrier Reef but the record resurgence could be quickly undone, scientists warn.
Shark nets take toll on threatened species
About a fifth of the 376 marine animals caught in NSW shark nets last season were threatened species, a government report has revealed.
Salad on menu for whale sharks off WA
Whale sharks have displaced the Kodiak bear as the world's biggest omnivore after Aussie researchers discovered they like a bit of salad with their krill.
Fisheries face risk from climate change
A study on the impact of climate change in five countries has found fisheries are more at risk than agriculture or farming.
Plibersek hits global stage at ocean forum
Tanya Plibersek will have her first chance to demonstrate Australia's green leadership ambitions at a UN conference on ocean conservation in Portugal.
New cash splash on blue carbon: Plibersek
Five new blue carbon projects will be funded across Australia in the battle against climate change, the environment minister has told the UN Ocean Conference.
ACF bid to halt Scarborough gas project
The Australian Conservation Foundation has asked a court to halt progress on the Scarborough gas project off Western Australia until reef impacts are assessed.
Vast plant as old as pyramids found in WA
The world's largest plant has been found in Western Australia's Shark Bay, covering hundreds of square kilometres with scientists ageing it at 4500 years old.
Lost turtles cut laps in tricky migrations
An Australian professor has helped bust the myth that sea turtles are master navigators, demonstrating that their migrations can be hit and miss.
Search continues for missing Qld fisherman
Police say there are no plans to scale back rescue efforts in the search for a fisherman missing off the coast of northeast Queensland.
Death fears for ancient WA coral formation
On Western Australia's stunning Ningaloo coast, a coral bommie that began life 1000 years ago sits ghostly white in the green waters of Bills Bay.
Bleaching minor at Ningaloo reef
Scientists believe Ningaloo reef will escape a mass coral bleaching event like the one still unfolding on the Great Barrier Reef, a month after summer ended.
breaking_news
conservation
environmental politics
oceans
waste
waste management and pollution control
Budget blasted for ‘ignoring’ climate
The 2022/23 federal budget has confirmed $1 billion for the Great Barrier Reef over the next decade, but the environmental spend has also attracted criticism.