UniSC works directly through research and engagement with industries to maintain and extend existing ecosystems. By collaborating with various sectors, UniSC can develop and implement strategies that promote sustainable practices and mitigate harmful impacts on the environment. Research initiatives can provide valuable data on ecosystem health and biodiversity, guiding conservation efforts and policy-making. Engaging industries in these efforts ensures that economic activities are aligned with environmental goals, fostering a balance between development and conservation. This integrated approach not only helps protect and restore ecosystems but also supports the resilience and sustainability of both natural habitats and human communities.

UniSC is leading the way on multiple research marine ecology projects, one study shows that marine species are fleeing the equator in search of cooler waters. This leads to an understanding of the magnitude of climate change impacts on marine ecosystems, and how these risks might escalate.

Professor Schoeman, from UniSC's School of Science, Technology and Engineering, is an international leader in his field. His research over the past decade has expanded understanding of the magnitude of climate change impacts on marine ecosystems, and how these risks might escalate. He was a coordinating lead author on the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on oceans and coasts.

Associate Professor Townsend from USC's School of Science, Technology and Engineering is a world leader in research into plastic ingestion in marine animals. She recently co-authored the UN environment program report, “From Pollution to Solution: A global assessment of marine litter and plastic pollution.” Her field-based research programs use a multi-disciplinary approach and focus on global-scale issues such as the impacts of marine debris and marine pollution. Her research has found up to 30 percent of Australia’s sea turtles have ingested marine debris, while up to half of the world’s sea turtles have plastics in their guts. Another study by Associate Professor Townsend and CSIRO of nearly 1,000 turtles found dead and washed up on beaches around Australia found that a turtle had a twenty-two percent chance of dying if it ate just one piece of plastic. That increased to a 50 percent likelihood once a turtle had 14 plastic items in its gut.

Dr Dominic Potvin research has uncovered the plight of the eastern bristlebird, a critically endangered species native to the central east coast of Australia. Once common, its population has drastically declined over the past 40 years, with only three populations remaining. The northernmost population in southeast Queensland has as few as 70 birds. The eastern bristlebird’s decline is primarily due to changes in fire regimes, which refer to the frequency, intensity, and coverage of fires. While Australian landscapes are adapted to fire, the wrong type of fire at the wrong time can be devastating. The bristlebird’s preference for low, dense vegetation makes it particularly vulnerable to frequent and intense fires. The eastern bristlebird endangered species status emphasizes the importance of protecting this under-appreciated bird, which serves as an indicator of the health of its ecosystem.

UniSC is the project lead on the Leaf to Reef Team at Lady Elliott Island. This initiative aims to investigate the resilience of the island and its surrounding reefs to the impacts of climate change and is funded the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Lendlease, the Australian Government, the Queensland Government, and the Fitzgerald Family Foundation. The project has many topics including: cataloguing all vertebrae species on and around Lady Elliot Island, turtle health, manta ray tracking, water sampling, listening stations and sound traps, bird counts, red-tailed tropicbird studies, capricorn silvereyes and photographing spot patterns on epaulette sharks. In 2023, the island underwent a huge revegetation program to restore specific areas to the coral cay’s native vegetation. This will aid with extending the ecosystems of both plants and animals, especially the nesting sea turtle population.

Summary

UniSC is committed to working with industries through research and engagement to maintain and extend marine ecosystems and their biodiversity, especially those under threat.

More information

• Avoiding a sea of regret
• Science in action: the Leaf to Reef team
• 2023 revegetation update
• Meet the eastern bristlebird tragically under appreciated and one fire away from local extinction