news
February 2024
Welcome to the February issue of the Great Southern Reef Foundation's newsletter. This month we have updates from research across the GSR, surprising findings, inspiration for educators and more.
Super-strength Southern Upwelling
Southern Australia is currently experiencing one of its most significant upwelling events in recent years, according to marine researchers. The phenomenon, which brings nutrient-rich waters to the surface, is vital for the marine ecosystem, supporting a diverse range of marine life, including the enigmatic blue whales. [read more]
Reviving Giants Online Premiere
After a successful collaboration on screening events across Tasmania and various film festivals, the Great Southern Reef Foundation are thrilled to announce the online premiere of our 10-minute film, Reviving Giants on our YouTube channel this Wednesday at 3pm AEDT (click the bell icon on the link above to be notified).
We invite you to join the conversation, contribute your thoughts in the comment section and please share the film among your networks.
Your Support Matters
Join the Discussion: After watching Reviving Giants, we'd love to hear your thoughts. Head over to the comments section on YouTube to share your insights.
Spread the Word: If you've had the pleasure of experiencing Reviving Giants at a film festival or event and found it moving, please share this film with a friend. Your recommendation can amplify our message and inspire more people to join our cause.
Learn more: Learn more about restoration efforts on the Great Southern Reef here.
Donate to the GSRF: We want to raise $10K to build a comprehensive schools kit for this film. This resource will enable teachers nationwide to seamlessly integrate this crucial film into their curriculum and inspire students across the country.
Studying Reef Stewardship
We are excited to announce Research Fellow Emma Church has started leading an interdisciplinary research initiative focused on the socioecology of the Great Southern Reef.
Emma is working closely with an Expert Advisory Panel composed of researchers and managers from across UTAS, the Great Southern Reef Research Partnership and Behaviour Works Australia to explore community awareness of the Great Southern Reef, identify drivers and barriers that enhance conservation behaviours, and develop strategies for fostering connection with and stewardship of Great Southern Reef ecosystems.
Surveys across remote parts of the GSR
As part of the Reef Life Survey, Lap of Australia, Graham Edgar and RLS volunteers sailed all the way from Perth to Hobart - conducting surveys along the way. The team revisited dozens of sites that were first surveyed back in the late 1990’s to understand how the reefs have changed.
Heatwave Update
Scientists across the GSR are continuing to monitor marine heatwave impacts. Currently, most of the warm water anomaly remains concentrated around the east and south east coasts of Tasmania, with Maria Island and Marion Bay categorised as Moderate under the MHW severity classification.
More information about the marine heatwave including actions and reporting of heatwave impacts can be found here.
With fewer than 100 red handfish left in the wild, late last year researchers decided to take action to protect them against the marine heatwave, taking 25 into captivity. Last week Minister Plibersek reported "All are doing well. We’re hoping to return them back to their home before winter."
Human-Nature Interface Explored
How does our bond with the natural world shape our actions towards preserving it? A new publication by GSR Science Committee member Professor Gretta Pecl and colleagues has taken a look at the concept of ‘place attachment’, focusing on how people connect to the places around them, and how this can affect their behaviour towards the environment.
The study looked at the East Coast of Tasmania and used a combination of methods like maps, surveys, and interviews to understand how people feel attached to the region. The results showed that participants felt a strong connection to the area, especially to its natural places like protected areas and coastal landscapes. People expressed that interacting with these places was important for their well-being, and this information is crucial for planning efforts in the region.
This type of information and awareness is key to our mission at the GSRF to connect, educate and inspire society to become active stewards of Australia’s kelp forests. With 70% of the Australian population living within 50 kilometres of the Great Southern Reef, the concept of place attachment is pivotal to forge a strong connection to our local marine environments. You can read more about Gretta and her work here.
Southern Bull Kelp
Last week on our social channels we took a deep dive on Southern Bull Kelp. This large leathery kelp species forms important nursery areas for many associated species. Individuals can reach a lengths in excess of ten metres and can weigh up to 75kg.
These seaweeds grow smaller where summer water temperatures rise to 19°C, but grow best where the temperature does not rise above 15°C. With our oceans warming and marine heatwaves becoming more frequent, scientists are cautiously monitoring southern bull kelp populations. Learn more about bull kelp.
Reef Reflections
Last month GSRF's Stefan Andrews linked up with passionate locals of WA's southwest, creating a short film ‘Reef Reflections’. A tribute to the local reefs, biodiversity and pristine nature of this region, Reef Reflections is a collaboration with Save Our Marine Life and shares the stories of Jarvis — a surfer and photographer, Craig — a sea dragon expert, Karen — a diver, Jake — a spearfisher, and Marc — an ex abalone fisher, each sharing their unique bond with the ocean.
Following the completion of the film, which was both filmed and edited within a remarkably short span of a week, Stefan swiftly teamed up with the SOML crew to host well-attended community screenings in both Hopetoun and Esperance.
Perth, there is a screening happening this month on Tuesday the 20th at Luna Cinema Leederville. The entire 15-minute film is also set to be released online later this month. Stay tuned to our social media channels for more. For now, take a listen to Stefan chat on the Out of the Blue radio show about the film.
Milk Thieves
Have you ever heard the term allosucking?
New research from the University of Western Australia has found that some Southern Right Whale calves are suckling from another mother, not only their biological mothers.
Adjunct Research Fellow Dr Kate Sprogis, from UWA’s Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, and Dr Fredrik Christiansen, from Aarhus University in Denmark, were co-authors of the study published in Mammalian Biology.
The team observed the behaviour off Encounter Bay in South Australia and noticed that it was a direct and intentional movement by the calf. Allosuckling could be potentially beneficial to the calves as a strategy to drink extra milk to gain strength and size though it could be disadvantageous to the non-biological mother.
Feature Creator
For Nick Green, the Great Southern Reef has been a constant inspiration and feature of his work. His moody and enigmatic black and white style serves as a meditative exploration of his environment and inner self.
“I find myself drawn to solitary environments, often seeking to capture darker, moodier landscapes that relate closer to my internal psyche."
Attention Teachers
Looking to integrate more GSR themed lessons this year? In addition to our own resources available in our educator hub, we have also hand-picked selection of resources we proudly endorse.
Youth Marine Stewardship Program at Margaret River
Nature Conservation is very excited to announce the inaugural year of their Youth Marine Stewardship program.
The program presents a unique opportunity for young people aged 15-18, to learn about, connect with and have a voice for their local marine environment. The program includes workshops with experts in the marine and coastal sphere, learning about and in the ocean, to inspire and lead environmental change. Applications close 13th Feb! Click here to apply.
Young Ocean Innovators Program in Melbourne
In this 6 week program for 13-18 year olds based around Port Philip Bay, Melbourne high school students explore the extraordinary potential of the ocean in the face of climate change in an array of interactive workshops, field trips, and mentorship. Week 1 is all about the Great Southern Reef and and how are First Nations custodians connected to the oceans. Learn more about the program here. Applications close February 28.
Support the GSRF
The Great Southern Reef Foundation is a registered Australian charity with a vision to inspire society to become active stewards of Australia’s kelp forests. Your donations fuel our work, power our outreach, and make a tangible difference in the future of the GSR.
