December 2025
Welcome to the final Great Southern Reef newsletter for 2025. And what a year it has been. Our Great Southern Reef community has continued to grow quickly, with even more than ever using the name across media, online publications and broadcast. It’s clear the identity of the reef is taking hold. Across our social channels, our audience has more than doubled thanks to your steady support.
This year was also a milestone for the Great Southern Reef Foundation as we secured Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. Your engagement, advocacy and financial contributions help us grow our programs in education, communications and impact, and strengthen the partnerships that make this work possible. DGR status also makes it easier for new supporters to back the reef in a practical way.
Thanks for sharing our content and keeping the conversations going. It makes a real difference for the reef and the people working to protect it. Enjoy the summer and time on the coast, and we look forward to sharing more from the reef in 2026.
Algal Bloom Update from SA
The algal bloom across South Australia remains highly variable. While state monitoring shows no or low Karenia levels at most metropolitan sites, parts of Kangaroo Island continue to record persistent impacts. Emu Bay remains the only coastal location consistently showing elevated bloom levels, with green water, foam accumulation and reduced visibility. Offshore fish mortalities continue to be observed, along with unusual dolphin movements. In contrast, many KI beaches remain in good condition, highlighting how localised and changeable the bloom continues to be.
Elsewhere, divers have been reporting improving conditions on the Fleurieu and Yorke Peninsula, with clearer water, increasing fish diversity and very good visibility in some places. Encouraging sightings include young weedy seadragons, fiddler rays and breeding blue devils. However, scientists caution it is still too early to talk about recovery. The return of visible fish does not yet reflect broader ecosystem impacts or losses. Ongoing monitoring through summer remains essential to understand what is returning, what is missing, and how reefs across the region respond over time.
Clear conditions and healthy seagrass at Edithburgh this week
What Do Australians Know About the Great Southern Reef?
In the first ever Great Southern Reef Community Survey, the socio-ecology team behind the GSR Research Partnership reached over 2,200 adults across the five states bordering the GSR. The aim? To set a national baseline of awareness, connection and concern for this vast yet often overlooked reef system.
So what did they find? While these are just early insights (with more detail to come once the paper is published), two key takeaways are already clear. Awareness remains relatively low, with only 41% of respondents having heard of the GSR before the survey.
At the same time, the vast majority of Australians (86%) had visited a coastal or marine area along the GSR, even if they didn’t realise it at the time. Once the concept of the GSR was explained, nearly nine in ten of those visitors recognised its importance. This points to a real opportunity: by naming and celebrating the reef, we can turn everyday experiences into long- term care and recognition.
Art, Story and Great Southern Sea Country
Great Southern Sea Country shapes identity for Southern Saltwater peoples. In this new article, Barngarla woman Emmalene Richards explains how art, language work, and cultural storytelling keep Sea Country knowledge strong across generations. Her reflections highlight how cultural leadership and public art help protect history, strengthen identity, and celebrate ongoing custodianship along the coast.
“Our stories are still here. Our connection to Sea Country has never been lost.”
Ecosystem Gains Through Giant Kelp Restoration
New modelling shows that restoring giant kelp increases primary production to levels far higher than current Ecklonia dominated reefs, leading to measurable increases in energy flowing through Tasmania’s kelp forest food webs.
The study combined multi-year productivity measurements with ecosystem modelling and found that higher kelp productivity strengthens food web pathways supporting species such as abalone, reef fish and lobsters. In the Tasmania-wide model, extra production from giant kelp increased the energy available to herbivores like abalone, which then moved upward to predators.
Researchers measured how much biomass giant kelp and Ecklonia produce each day across multiple Tasmanian sites, revealing that giant kelp generates roughly 40 times more primary production per unit area. This difference is important because primary production is the energy that fuels the whole food web, which explains why increases in kelp productivity lead to gains in species higher up the chain.
“Restoring dense surface canopies creates more habitat and refuge for juvenile fish, which may lead to even higher increases in fish productivity than we predicted.”
Restoring giant kelp also aligns local action with global goals. As lead author Tess O’Neill explains, “this study is an example of how global restoration goals can be downscaled to create regional restoration targets that are relevant to local ecosystems and communities.” The modelling translates a broad 30 percent restoration target into outcomes that matter to Tasmanians, such as healthier kelp forests and stronger fisheries.
What Long-Term Monitoring Reveals at Jurien Bay, WA
Researchers have been in Jurien Bay Marine Park continuing a long running survey program that began in 1999. This represents the 13th year in which these surveys have been conducted, adding to an invaluable long-term dataset that has proven critical in understanding how temperate reefs are responding to climate change.
Among the findings, the team recorded a lone Scytothalia dorycarpa at the southern end of the marine park. The species was lost from Jurien Bay after the 2011 marine heatwave, so its presence is noteworthy, though far too early to interpret as recovery. This cold water sighting sat alongside a clear rise in tropical species, with butterflyfish and dottybacks appearing in much higher numbers than seen in many years.
Scytothalia dorycarpa, one surprising find on this year’s surveys. Image: Scott Bennett.This year the priority was to survey deeper offshore reefs in the southern part of the marine park, and despite challenging conditions the team was able to survey 20 sites. See some of the spectacular imagery and find out more about what they found in this write-up by Hunter Forbes and Nimisha Nair.
White Rock Educator Masterclass
We are excited to announce the White Rock documentary will be available to schools throughout Australia via the ClickView platform for the 2026 school year. A comprehensive school resource kit will also launch alongside the film on the GSRF Educator Hub.
Teachers are invited to join our Educator Masterclass (Years 7–12) on the 22nd of January, to explore how White Rock can be integrated into the classroom. The session will walk you through the new curriculum-linked resource kit and offer an exclusive preview of a new urchin board game.
Update on the South-east Marine Parks
The rezoning of the South-east Marine Park network has now come into effect, with several new sanctuary zones added across key parts of the Great Southern Reef. These upgrades protect important deeper reef systems, from the granite monolith of Joe’s Reef to the calcified dune reefs of Beagle Marine Park and the canyon incised shelf-break reefs in Flinders.
“Our scientific studies have been utilised in the formation of these plans and I’m super proud of the tremendous amount of science we have done that has contributed”
Researchers say this is a positive step that reflects years of deeper reef science and long-term monitoring. The new protections provide a stronger base for managing biodiversity into the future.
Co-developed Heatwave Plan Supports NSW Abalone Industry
Marine heatwaves are now a repeated pressure point for climate sensitive fisheries. A new study shows how the NSW abalone industry is responding to this threat through a co-developed heatwave plan. Created jointly by the NSW Abalone Association and NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the plan uses early warnings from SST forecasts, diver temperature logs, and biological stress indicators to pick up risk before it escalates.
Starved abalone. Image: S. Bunney.A simple response matrix guides actions. If more animals show signs of stress, the industry shifts to higher response levels. Actions include avoiding harvest during warm spells, adjusting handling to reduce thermal shock, and voluntary closures when conditions deteriorate. The framework is already being adapted for Victoria and could translate to other sectors dealing with warming-driven stress.
Heatwave response matrix linking stress indicators to the actions taken by industry and managers.This initiative was funded by the NSW Government through the Marine Estate Management Strategy.
GSR Scientist Named WA Awards Finalist
Professor Thomas Wernberg was recently recognised as a finalist for the 2025 WA Scientist of the Year, highlighting the growing profile of Great Southern Reef research. While Thomas didn’t take out the top honour, reaching the finalist stage places his work among the state’s leading scientific contributions.
His nomination focused on long term research into Australian kelp forests, including their climate sensitivity, ecological role and the evidence base needed to guide restoration. This research continues to inform management conversations across the Great Southern Reef.
Scaling Up Seagrass Restoration in Western Port
Ecogenetics Lab at Deakin Marine, together with collaborators from Melbourne Water and the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, took to the mudflats to plant the next phase of our large-scale seagrass restoration trial. Using Zostera muelleri seeds and seedlings carefully cultivated in our dedicated seagrass nursery, the team planted more than 4,500 seedlings and 20,000 seeds across intertidal sites in Western Port.
This marks a major milestone: the upscaling phase of their long-term project which is building on years of research to develop and refine techniques for restoring intertidal seagrass meadows. These vital ecosystems stabilise sediments, support fisheries, and sustain rich biodiversity.
Tracking Change along the Batemans Bay Coast
In November, researchers also returned to continue long-term monitoring surveys at the Batemans Bay Marine Park on the NSW south coast, a collaboration led by the NSW Department of Primary Industries.
Over two weeks, the research team surveyed 20 sites spread along the coast from Barunguba/Montague Island to Moruya and up to Batemans Bay. Here, the team was particularly interested in monitoring the status of sanctuary zones, as well as the extensive urchin barrens.
Urchin barrens now dominate much of the region's underwater landscape. Image: Hunter ForbesResearchers also measured kelp density at different depths, contributing to an ongoing GSR-wide research project. Batemans Bay Marine Park encompasses a long stretch of coastline that many Australians will enjoy over the coming summer, meaning this ongoing collaboration between scientists and government agencies is vital to monitor and manage this much loved section of the GSR.
Tracking Oyster Recruitment in SA
A large oyster recruitment experiment is being rolled out at 28 sites from Kangaroo Island to Port Lincoln to identify what organisms are spawning and recruiting in the wake of the harmful algal bloom.
At each nearshore site, four settlement units will be deployed designed to capture a broad range of recruiting larvae such as oysters, razorfish, crabs and other critters. After 3 months, all units will be collected to understand the early recruitment patterns along bloom impacted coastlines.
Passing the Torch in Cowaramup
Last week marked a beautiful moment for the Cowaramup Primary School community: the final “passing of the torch” between this year’s Year 5 and 6 cohort participating in Waatu Kaatijin | Ocean Knowledge. The program - delivered through Educational Marine Areas Australia and the Undalup Association - has been guided throughout the year by Dr Kim Lema and the Undalup Cultural Rangers.
An Educational Marine Area is a stretch of local coastline that students study and care for with teachers, cultural custodians, marine experts, and community members. Students learn on Country, explore ecological and cultural values, and make local decisions that build stewardship skills.
The Great Southern Reef Foundation is proud to support the EMA program in the South-West, and this year we were privileged to gift a special print for the students to pass on to next year’s cohort, symbolising continuity and the growing group of young ocean stewards. Thanks to the school, Undalup Association, local partners, and dedicated educators, Cowaramup’s EMA continues to thrive as a space for connection and community learning.
Questions on Climate Change?
Sea Change Australia is running a national call for questions about climate change from anyone connected to fishing. You can submit a question if you are a commercial fisher, recreational fisher, aquaculture operator, processor, supplier or part of any related business in the seafood supply chain.
The Q&A portal is open year round, but questions sent in during this campaign go into the draw for some prizes.
Hidden World of Sea Slugs
Deakin Marine Bachelor of Science (Honours) student Kayden Verhagen's groundbreaking research is one of the first systematic studies of sea slugs at Point Lonsdale. His work is helping to build a vital scientific baseline for understanding how invasive species and environmental changes impact these fragile ecosystems.
As rock pools remain one of the ocean’s most understudied habitats, Kayden hopes his research will elevate our knowledge of the incredible biodiversity hidden between the tides.
Sometimes the best way to introduce people to the Great Southern Reef is to slow things right down. These new Nocturnal Worlds episodes do exactly that. They use calm storytelling and hydrophone recordings to help listeners drift off while still picking up simple insights about reef life. Scientists shaped each episode with notes on biology, ecology and field observations, which Audiocraft then built into long soundscapes.
New Sleep Podcasts Feature GSR Marine Life
The series is a collaboration between Audiocraft, SIMS, DCCEEW, Taronga Conservation Society and NSW National Parks and Wildlife, with Season 3 supported through the Seabirds to Seascapes project.
The Reef You Rarely See
Photographer Nicolas Horniblow has spent years searching for the tiny reef creatures most of us never see. From cryptic sea slugs to cave dwelling invertebrates, his images show a side of the Great Southern Reef that’s easy to miss but hard to forget. It’s a sharp reminder of how much life sits out of sight. Check out the new feature to meet these species and see the reef through his lens.
Doing a Fun Run in 2026?
If you’re signing up for a fun run in 2026, you can now support the Great Southern Reef Foundation at the same time. We’ve partnered with Grassrootz, Australia’s leading community event fundraising platform, to help you raise funds for the reef with zero fuss.
more gsr news
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November 2025
Welcome to the November issue of the Great Southern Reef newsletter. This issue is packed with new stories of action and collaboration, from Sea Country leaders uniting in NSW Parliament, to restoration and research projects across southern Australia, plus exciting announcements for educators and partners.
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OCTOBER 2025
Welcome to the October edition of the Great Southern Reef newsletter. This month features new research from across the GSR, an update on South Australia’s ongoing algal bloom, fresh citizen science opportunities, and two new ocean-themed card games designed to spark curiosity and learning, plus a whole heap more.
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AUGUST 2025
The harmful algal bloom along South Australia’s coast has now attracted widespread national and international attention. This momentum has been driven in no small part by the extraordinary efforts of citizen scientists, fishers, divers, and community members who have documented impacts and shared them widely. Your photos, observations, and stories have helped build a groundswell that decision-makers cannot ignore.
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MAY 2025
Over the past three weeks, White Rock has hit the road with sold-out screenings, passionate conversations and fresh urchin feasts. The Em-Urchin-cy Tour kicked off with a packed premiere at Hobart’s State Cinema. From there, the tour hit the east coast with events in Bendalong, Bawley Point, Melbourne, Torquay, Warrnambool, Narooma, Merimbula, Byron Bay and Manly.
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APRIL 2025
White Rock hits the road! With a sold-out Hobart launch, our Em-urchin-cy Tour is officially underway. Dive into updates on school resources, lobster recovery, sea lion science, climate-fuelled fish kills, and citizen-powered species tracking. Plus, new research reveals not all reef species are heading south. Let’s get into it.
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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.
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January 2025 news
Packed with exciting updates, inspiring stories, and opportunities to get involved, this edition has something for everyone passionate about the Great Southern Reef.
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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.
