The marine waters of south-east Australia are in a global warming hotspot where the East Australian Current is extending pole-wards, warming the ocean at more than four times the global average. Anecdotal evidence indicates that the ecosystem has changed. The South-East Australian Marine Ecosystem Survey (SEA-MES) is revisiting a survey conducted 30 years ago to understand what is driving the changes being seen and why.
SEA-MES is a multi-voyage, integrated biophysical research program conducted aboard RV Investigator, Australia’s national marine research vessel. Over four voyages, the survey has combined demersal and mid-water trawling, deep-towed video, and detailed physical and biogeochemical measurements of the water column, while also trialling emerging technologies to strengthen national marine monitoring capability.
The south-east marine ecosystem underpins nationally significant industries including fisheries, oil and gas, shipping, and a rapidly developing offshore wind sector, and contains areas of high conservation and cultural significance, including the Southeast Marine Park Network and proposed Indigenous Sea Country such as tayaritja Sea Country IPA. SEA-MES is delivering national benefit by providing the evidence needed to support sustainable ocean use, protect environmental and cultural heritage, and improve Australia’s capacity to manage climate-driven marine change.