PROJECTS
All of our projects are fueled by cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability, tackles key challenges in marine conservation. From deploying low-cost sensors for real-time data collection to engaging in community-driven conservation efforts, our projects span a broad spectrum of activities. They not only contribute significantly to scientific research but also to the public's awareness and involvement in ocean health. Explore our projects to see how technology and passion come together in our quest to protect the marine environment.
Beneath the Bloom:
Understanding Our Changing Seas
Understanding the Harmful Algal Bloom
Our coastal waters are currently experiencing an intense harmful algal bloom (HAB), driven by a mix of warm temperatures and nutrient-rich conditions. Algal blooms occur naturally, but this one is unusually widespread and powerful. Onshore, you might notice discoloured water, washed-up seaweed or stressed marine life. Beneath the surface, however, the changes are far more complex—and far less visible.
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Why It Matters
HABs can disrupt marine ecosystems, damage fisheries and alter entire food chains. Understanding how these events unfold below the surface is essential if we’re to protect our coasts and the life they support. Building a clear picture of what’s happening under the waves helps scientists and communities respond more effectively now and prepare for the future.
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Documenting the Underwater Story
AusOcean is creating a long-term visual record of this bloom and its aftermath. By gathering images and video from beneath the waterline, we can reveal the true scale of the impact and track how these ecosystems recover over time.
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To explore this work and see how you can be part of it, visit our HAB project page at AusOceanTV—our open platform for sharing and learning from the underwater world.​
Photo: Shreyash Rane
Our underwater speakers helped restore an extinct oyster reef
Our team developed a full software and hardware stack to propagate sound underwater to attract baby oysters to settle onto newly restored reef substrate off the coast of Adelaide. This project was so successful we won the Excellence for Science and Industry Collaboration at at the 2023 South Australian Science Awards alongside our partners at the University of Adelaide, The Nature Conservancy and The Department for Environment.
AusOcean partners with RecFish SA and Pembroke School to monitor Murray cod
High school students from Pembroke School built one of our Rigs to monitor the endangered Murray cod in Happy Valley Reservoir as part of AusOcean's school program Network Blue. This collaborative effort between AusOcean, RecFish SA, and Pembroke School aims to gather crucial data to aid in the conservation of this iconic Australian species.
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The Rig constructed by the students is equipped with an underwater camera attached to a "cod pod" built by RecFish. Murray cod prefer dark, secluded areas for breeding, and the barrel aims to provide an optimal breeding environment. The underwater camera offers a unique opportunity to capture and study breeding behaviors, potentially for the first time in Australia.
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Check out the live stream at https://www.youtube.com/@RecFishSA
Restoring Shellfish Reefs Using Underwater Acoustics
We developed a full software and hardware stack to propagate sound underwater to attract baby oysters to settle onto newly restored reef substrate.
Port River Dolphin Monitoring
We're using cameras and hydrophones built by students to monitor the dolphins in the Port River.
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Sounds of the Ocean
We're developing novel ways to record sound in the ocean for both long-term and intermittent applications.
Great Southern Live
We're building and deploying the world's largest array of live streaming underwater cameras.
Underwater Sensor Network
We're developing a low-cost solution for long-term continuous monitoring at sea.
Open Fish
We're creating an open source software project using machine learning that automatically identify species found in underwater video footage.
