"Technology can, and should, be used as a force for good".
Scientific knowledge of ocean environments is sparse and intermittent, constrained by the high equipment and access costs of working in the marine environment. Furthermore, knowledge dissemination suffers from the long lead times of scientific publishing and lack of open access. AusOcean aims to address these issues by developing and applying low cost, open source technology to solve ocean science and conservation challenges.
With a strong focus on southern Australia, we partner with NPO's and researchers to solve technical problems relating to marine habitat monitoring and habitat restoration.
PROJECTS
Network Blue School Program
Our student-led citizen science program, Network Blue, provides a platform for students to be the providers of knowledge and drivers for change. Now more than ever the oceans need our help. By bringing marine science into the classroom students can be excited about the opportunities in STEM and passionate about taking a proactive approach to marine science issues. Integrated approaches are needed to create connections between school STEM projects and relevant real-world contexts in which skills can be developed. Learn more
Oyster Reef Habitat Restoration
placeOchre Point
In partnership with The University of Adelaide, we are studying abundance and distribution of the native Ostrea angasi oyster.
Passive Acoustic Cetacean Monitoring
placeKangaroo Island
In partnership with Kangaroo Island Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch we’re monitoring cetacean activity. The north coast waters are frequented by whales and dolphins, including the endangered southern right whale (Eubalaena australis).
Underwater Sensor Network
placeYorke Peninsula
In partnership with The University of Adelaide and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Australia, we are designing and building an underwater sensor network to monitor Windara Reef, the largest shellfish reef restoration project in the Southern Hemisphere.
Reef and Seagrass Health
placeCarrickalinga, Yankalilla Bay
In partnership with Marine Life Society of SA, we are monitoring reef and seagrass health in Yankalilla Bay with low-cost underwater video technology.
Marine Life Surveys
placeSmith Bay, Kangaroo Island
We conducted the first-ever comprehensive marine life survey of Smith Bay, the site of a proposed deep-sea port.
Mangrove Health & Water Quality
placePort Adelaide & Barker Inlet
In partnership with Estuary Care Foundation and Portside Christian College we are monitoring mangrove health and water quality.
Accelerating the Recovery of Oyster Reef Habitat with Low-cost Speaker Technology
Shellfish reefs dominated by the native Ostrea angasi flat oyster were once commonplace in South Australia’s gulfs and bays. These productive and biodiverse systems were destroyed during the 19th and early 20th century through over exploitation.
To assist restoration efforts we're developing and deploying low-cost speaker technology for continuous immersion onto restored reef substrate. Can amplifying the soundscape of a healthy reef in a degraded or "quiet" habitat influence oyster settlement patterns? We’re hoping our tech can help answer this question. Read more
Rig Locations
Reports
Addendum to the Smith Bay Wharf Draft EIS Response, 20 Dec 2019
Smith Bay Wharf EIS Response, 28 May 2019
Smith Bay Marine Ecology Report, C. Larkin, April 2019
Future projects
AusOcean is interested in learning about new projects. Please contact us if you believe you have a project of interest or are interested in learning about Network Blue.