GSR RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP
Safeguarding Australia’s Temperate Reefs
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.
Funded by the Ian Potter Foundation, the partnership aims to investigate the unique biodiversity and ecological processes that underpin the GSR and increase understanding of how social dynamics and human behaviour promote sustainable outcomes for the reef.
Unique & Valuable.
The Great Southern Reef, a network of cool-water reefs spanning over 8000 km along the southern half of Australia's coastline, is among the most diverse, unique, and valuable marine ecosystems on the planet.
Despite its global significance, public awareness and scientific understanding of the reef remain low. It is recognised as one of Australia's most at-risk ecosystems under climate change.
Research Priorities
The new partnership has several ambitious research priorities to increase understanding and to ensure the long-term protection of the Great Southern Reef system. These priorities include:
1) national monitoring of reef biodiversity inside and outside of protected areas.
2) integrated assessments of critical reef processes that influence the health and stability of the reef.
3) investigate how social dynamics and human behaviour promote stewardship and sustainable outcomes for the reef.
Priorities within the partnership are focussed on establishing long-term and integrated national programs that promote the management, sustainable use and protection of the reef into the future.
Image (left): Scott Ling
“This Partnership presents an exciting opportunity to combine social and ecological sciences in order to raise community awareness of the Reef’s importance, promote behaviour change in key groups and lead to real-world outcomes that protect the Reef and its natural values.”
- Dr Mark Boulet, Monash University
Understanding Stewardship
Building on 30 years of foundational ecological research, scientific activities will be expanded across the Great Southern Reef. Ecological and behavioural sciences will be integrated to understand the drivers of positive change.
Dr. Scott Bennett from the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Science highlights this goal, "The partnership provides an exciting opportunity as it is the first time we are integrating social and ecological sciences across the entire Great Southern Reef to understand and improve the health of the reef".
Empowering Sustainability
This project aims to provide a step-change in the way temperate reefs are understood and managed in Australia, providing a foundation for intergenerational sustainability and stewardship of the Great Southern Reef.
The GSR holds immense cultural and spiritual value for Indigenous Australians. It also plays a vital role in local communities and economies along Australia's southern coastline, for a range of recreational and environmental reasons, and by supporting important industries such as fishing and tourism. The partnership aims to increase recognition of these values by the 17 million Australians that live along the GSR, positively affecting the way we engage with and manage the reef.
“Our shared scientific fascination with the GSR has grown over decades, yet we've often operated in isolation. Now, through the power of the Partnership, we can unite our collaborative efforts and that is the exciting momentum we need."
-Professor Thomas Wernberg, University of Western Australia
Studying Reef Stewardship
As part of the GSRRP, Emma Church 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.
Key Partners
Key partners involved in the Great Southern Reef Research Partnership include the University of Tasmania, University of New South Wales, Deakin University, University of Adelaide, University of Western Australia, Monash University, Reef Life Survey Foundation, Great Southern Reef Foundation, NSW Department of Primary Industries, WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, SA Department for Environment and Water, Parks Victoria, Parks Australia, the Centre for Marine Socioecology, and the National Environmental Science Program Marine and Coastal Hub.
Stay Informed
Safeguarding the Great Southern Reef ensures the continued well-being of the communities around Australia that depend on it. Stay informed with all the latest research from the partnership through the Great Southern Reef Foundation’s monthly newsletter, website and social media channels or get in touch by emailing info@greatsouthernreef.com
Learn more about some of the scientists involved here.
image (left): Matt Testoni
