Marine science continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Australia’s policy landscape, informing decisions that safeguard ecosystems, support sustainable industries and strengthen national resilience. This keynote will explore how scientific evidence has been successfully translated into policy and management across diverse contexts — from fisheries and marine park planning to emergency response and the rapidly expanding offshore renewable energy sector. Drawing on case studies at local, regional and national scales, it will highlight how robust monitoring, modelling and co‑design with stakeholders have underpinned effective, evidence‑based decisions that deliver real‑world impact.
From the perspective of the National Marine Science Committee, this keynote will reflect on how national coordination and strategic priority‑setting can accelerate the uptake of science, ensuring Australia’s marine domain is managed sustainably, responsibly and with enduring benefit for communities and the environment.
The presentation will examine lessons learned at the science–policy interface, including the importance of trusted relationships, clear communication of uncertainty, and adaptive frameworks that allow science to evolve alongside emerging challenges. It will also address persistent barriers — such as fragmented governance, data accessibility and the need for long‑term investment — and outline practical approaches to strengthen the integration of marine science into policy, regulation and operational decision‑making.