February 2025
Welcome to the February 2025 Newsletter. Packed with exciting updates, inspiring stories, and opportunities to get involved, this edition has something for everyone passionate about the Great Southern Reef.
Parliamentary Friends of the Great Southern Reef
On February 12, the Great Southern Reef Foundation will be heading to Parliament House in Canberra for the launch of the Parliamentary Friends of the Great Southern Reef event.
The gathering will bring together politicians, scientists, and industry leaders to highlight the significance of the GSR and discuss urgent issues like the longspined urchin crisis. We’ll be showcasing a teaser of White Rock and contributing to discussions on sustainable solutions.
If you have key messages you’d like us to share with policymakers, we encourage you to get in touch.
Hidden Heat
As we start the year facing floods, extreme heat, and fires across the country, it’s also time to consider extreme events unfolding in a less visible but equally critical environment—underwater.
Right now, a marine heatwave is underway off Western Australia. We know it’s happening, but we don’t yet know how severe it is or how much impact it is having on marine life. That’s why ongoing monitoring is crucial.
Keeping a close watch on our ocean’s health is key to protecting the marine life and industries that rely on it. We strongly encourage any Great Southern Reef fishers, boaters, divers or beachcombers to keep an eye out and Spot, Log and Map any out-of-range or uncommon species sightings to Redmap via the website.
Image: SST Anomalies (week ending 2/2/25) source: BOMEarly Signs of Heatwave Stress in WA
Recent monitoring by Professor Thomas Wernberg and his team in Jurien Bay has revealed concerning signs of stress in kelp forests as marine heatwave conditions develop along the Western Australian coast.
Long-term temperature loggers, which have been recording hourly bottom temperatures since 2006, recently detected sustained temperatures exceeding 25°C, peaking at 26.2°C—second only to the extreme 2011 marine heatwave.
Typically seen later in the season or in more sheltered areas, the early appearance of excessive epiphyte growth signals that the ecosystem is under strain.
While the full impact remains uncertain, scientists are closely tracking conditions as warm waters continue to move south. With surveys already completed across multiple reef sites, the team is well-placed to detect shifts in seaweed, invertebrate, and fish communities as this marine heatwave unfolds.
Image: One striking indicator of thermal stress is the unusual level of epiphyte growth on kelp blades seen in this image taken by Wernberg last week.Marine Heatwave Response Plan launched in NSW
As marine heatwaves intensify due to climate change, researchers and policymakers in New South Wales have developed a Marine Heatwave Response Plan to protect marine ecosystems, fisheries, and industries from the escalating impacts of ocean warming.
The response plan, led by NSW Department of Primary Industries, provides a structured, science-based approach to responding to these extreme ocean events. The plan is designed to guide decision-making before, during, and after heatwave events, ensuring a coordinated and effective response.
By rapidly implementing monitoring programs, engaging fishers, and adapting management strategies, scientists gained valuable insights into how industries can prepare for future extreme events.
Image: The plan was successfully applied during the 2023/24 Austral summer, when NSW faced anomalously warm waters.Have Your Say: National Diver Survey Now Live!
Our friends at Divers for Climate have launched Australia’s first national survey capturing divers' experiences with climate change. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting out, your insights can help shape future policy and marine conservation efforts. This is a unique opportunity for divers across the Great Southern Reef to share their stories and contribute to meaningful action.
The survey is open until 3rd March 2025 and takes just 10 minutes to complete. Plus, participants go in the running to win some amazing ocean-loving prizes! Click the link below to take the survey and help ensure divers' voices are heard in the climate conversation.
Deeper Reefs: Blue Groper Refuges
New research has revealed concerning trends in the abundance of the eastern blue groper, an iconic species of the Great Southern Reef. While populations remain relatively stable on deeper reefs (20–40m), significant declines have been recorded on shallower reefs (5–10m), particularly in the Manning and Hawkesbury Bioregions.
This pattern suggests that deeper reefs may act as climate refuges, buffering populations from rising ocean temperatures. Similar declines in other temperate wrasse species reinforce the broader impacts of climate change on reef fish communities. These findings align with patterns seen in golden kelp, which is also retreating to deeper waters in response to warming. Similar declines have also been observed in WA with the western blue groper.
Additionally, the study highlights potential human pressures in heavily populated areas, such as Sydney, where fish numbers are lower than expected. These findings support the recent trial prohibition on fishing for blue gropers in NSW, reinforcing the need for ongoing monitoring and adaptive management to protect this species as our oceans continue to change.
Image: As a large, long-lived predator, the blue groper plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy reef ecosystems. © Mike Jones.Kelp Refuge Insights
A new study by has used predictive models to map kelp refuges within Victoria’s Marine Protected Areas, identifying the regions most likely to sustain kelp into the future. By analysing 20 years of kelp cover data and environmental factors like temperature and wave energy, researchers have pinpointed key areas where conservation efforts should be prioritised.
This research provides a crucial tool for marine management, helping to focus restoration efforts—such as urchin culling and habitat protection—on the most resilient kelp forests. With further declines predicted for golden kelp, targeted action is essential. Identifying and safeguarding these refuges ensures kelp forests remain a thriving part of Australia’s coastal ecosystems for generations to come.
Seagrass mapping in proposed Tayaritja Milaythina Muka IPA
Seagrass beds around Tayaritja (Bass Strait Islands in the Furneaux Group) are among the most extensive in south-eastern Australia, reaching depths of at least 25 metres. In collaboration with the Pakana Rangers, scientists from the University of Tasmania and Deakin University are mapping these seagrass beds within the proposed Tayaritja Milaythina Muka Indigenous Protected Area (IPA).
This work, supported by the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program Marine and Coastal Hub, aims to understand habitat changes and support the Pakana community in seagrass conservation.
Too much epiphyte cover can reduce light availability and alter seawater chemistry. To support long-term monitoring, Pakana Rangers are learning to use drop cameras and intertidal sampling techniques to track seagrass health. Recognising the cultural significance of these habitats, the project fosters co-management approaches to ensure the ongoing protection of seagrass ecosystems in the proposed IPA.
Learn more about the project here.
Image 1 : The project also investigates the impact of epiphytes on seagrass health; .Image 2: Researchers use a BOSS camera to capture seafloor images, validate satellite data and study ecological communities.Restoration Roadmap
The reef repair hub from IMAS continue monitoring remnant giant kelp forests across Tasmania, to better understand reference conditions for restoration efforts and to identify natural forests that could benefit from passive restoration efforts (e.g. urchin removal) to augment the resilience of these forests.
Last week the team was in north eastern Tasmania diving some incredible reefs with healthy giant kelp populations and very healthy abundances of some of the GSR’s most iconic species such as weedy sea dragons, rock lobster, ornate cowfish and pencil urchins.
"It was incredible to see reefs in such terrific health in a region that has suffered devastating losses of kelp forests due to ocean warming and sea urchin overgrazing." explained Dr. Scott Bennett. These reefs offer an encouraging example of resilience and exciting lessons of how giant kelp forests can survive into the future in Tasmania.
Craybies
Through strategic planting and monitoring, Operation Crayweed has successfully re-established crayweed at numerous sites where it had disappeared.
Recent success at Maroubra marks a major milestone. Planted in winter 2024 and monitored in early February 2025, the site exceeded expectations—over 1,500 juvenile crayweed (craybies) were counted in a single dive, despite concerns about high herbivory. This resilience highlights the impact of careful management. The site will continue to be monitored and supplemented with new crayweed as water temperatures drop.
Thanks to the ongoing support of Investa and the Ian Potter Foundation, Operation Crayweed is thriving. Follow their progress on Instagram and their new TikTok!
Batemans Biodiversity Monitoring
The GSR Research Partnership continue their long term reef biodiversity monitoring, most recently in the Batemans Bay Marine Park in NSW.The team—comprising scientists from DPI and IMAS, including Nathan Knott, Antonia Cooper, and Scott Bennett—surveyed 30 reefs across the network, recording the abundances of fish, invertebrates, and seaweeds.
These surveys, now running for over 20 years, provide critical insights into ecological changes within the marine park, helping to track shifts in biodiversity, habitat health, and species distribution over time.
Batemans Bay is an important nursery area for grey nurse sharks and hosts large populations of wobbegongs. At the same time, the region is heavily impacted by urchin barrens, making long-term monitoring essential to understanding the trajectories of these habitats and informing future conservation efforts.
Image 1: Researcher Nathan Knott conducting a survey by Toni Cooper; Image 2: Rosy Weedfish at Batemans Bay by Scott Bennett; Image 3: Spotted Wobbegong on transect by Scott Bennett;Kelp Forest Photo Awards Exhibition
In 2024, the Kelp Forest Alliance launched its first-ever Kelp Photography Competition to celebrate and raise awareness of these vital underwater ecosystems. From over 350 submissions spanning 17 countries, 28 stunning finalist and winning images have been selected for a special exhibition at Waverley Library Galleries.
These awards celebrate these incredible ecosystems, the life they support, and the people who depend on them for their well-being. Find yourself lost amongst the golden swaying branches of the kelp and reimagine your relationship with the ocean. Just remember to tell your friends and take a peek under the water next time you get the chance.
If you're in Sydney, don’t miss the exhibition, on display at Waverly Public library from 10am-5pm daily until Feb 19th
Image: Winner of the Kelp & Wildlife Category by Phil Lemley
Great Southern Reef Teacher Workshop Success!
Thanks to everyone who attended last month's professional development workshop, exploring our revamped Educator Hub and new restoration resources. If you missed the session or would like to revisit it, you can watch the recording here. Use the chapters within the YouTube description to navigate directly to specific sections of the workshop.
This workshop and the revamped educator hub were made possible thanks to Australian Ethical Foundation.
Watch: Recording of Professional Development Session by Catia Freitasmore gsr news
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december 2024
This issue includes an exclusive look at our collaboration with artist Amok Island, spotlighting a spectacular limited edition print featuring iconic GSR species.
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november 2024
In this issue, we celebrate the long-awaited launch of WA’s South Coast Marine Park, share important updates on the South-east Marine Park Draft Management Plan, and dive into research exploring cancer-fighting compounds in temperate sponges.
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October 2024
In this issue, we celebrate the launch of our new Teacher’s Guide for Ocean Literacy, share major milestones from Project Restore, and highlight recent developments in kelp restoration across Australia.
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september 2024
This month, we're offering a sneak peek into one of the Great Southern Reef’s most unique environments - Bathurst Channel. Plus and an exciting opportunity for teachers to trial some new school resources.
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august 2024
Exciting updates from from the final days of filming our urchin documentary White Rock, to the latest research, sealion mounted camera footage and insights from our GSR Research Partnership meeting in Hobart.
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july 2024
This month we are thrilled to share with you Sea Country stories, spider crab science, monitoring updates plus a sneak peek of our new documentary White Rock.
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june 2024
In this month's issue and to celebrate the arrival of the Southern Right whales, we're thrilled to announce the release of our new film, Eye to Eye.
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may 2024
In this issue, we explore some urgent challenges facing the GSR as well as highlight promising developments and opportunities to get actively involved in caring for our precious kelp forests.
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The longspined sea urchin is native to New South Wales and eastern Victoria. But in 1978 the first animal was detected in Tasmania where it has since increased dramatically in numbers. The urchin arrived in Tasmania due to changes in ocean climate and ocean current conditions, specifically an increase in strength of the East Australian Current.
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White Rock is a 45-minute documentary uncovering an overlooked impact of the climate crisis: the explosion of longspined sea urchins which are devastating Australia's kelp forests. With stunning visuals and impactful storytelling, the film captures the urgent threat to these ecosystems and presents tangible solutions to save them.
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Looking to deepen your knowledge on the rich biodiversity found in Australia's temperate reefs? This space is designed for you.
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Australian researchers are working at the global forefront of marine habitat restoration, with projects underway in every state along the Great Southern Reef. Habitat restoration is a resource intensive exercise used as a last resort for areas where vital habitats have been lost or are in decline and natural recovery is not occurring. Currently there are active restoration projects on the GSR working to restore seaweeds, seagrasses, and oyster reefs.
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Every month, we feature a creator from around the Great Southern Reef (GSR), showcasing their unique connection, creative expression, and passion for this extraordinary marine ecosystem. Through photography, art, storytelling, and film, these creators highlight the reef’s beauty, biodiversity, and the critical challenges it faces.
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What is the Great Southern Reef? What is unique about it? and how is climate change affecting it? Find out answers to these questions and more in our FAQ page.
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Associate Professor Ling has been instrumental in discovering the complex factors contributing to the urchin problem, casting new light on how climate change, predatory interactions, and ecological balance play into the crisis.
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The Great Southern Reef Research Partnership is a collaboration between universities, management agencies, and NGOs from across Australia, is taking a whole-of-system approach to safeguard the critical functions, fisheries, and biodiversity of the Great Southern Reef.
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The Great Southern Reef Foundation has partnered with Fremantle-based multidisciplinary artist Amok Island to create a stunning limited edition print, Iconic Species of the Great Southern Reef. This artwork showcases 18 unique species found along this extraordinary marine ecosystem.
