- More than 120 experts convene at Marine Heatwave Symposium in Perth
- WA has experienced the most severe marine heatwave in the State's history
- The full extent of the heatwave's impacts is still being determined
Researchers, marine park managers, policy makers and Traditional Owners have come together today during National Science Week to discuss the marine heatwave that has caused widespread coral bleaching and mortality off the WA coastline.
The Marine Heatwave Symposium at the University of Western Australia's Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre is being coordinated by The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and the Western Australian Government.
It is the first time experts have come together in one location to share learnings from the monitoring and research that is underway for the current event.
The Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn opened the symposium, highlighting the government's strong support for long-term marine ecosystem monitoring and management programs.
The symposium's program includes presentations on oceanography and climate, as well as impacts on coral and seagrass communities delivered by experts from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, AIMS, CSIRO, the Bureau of Meteorology, the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification and university researchers.
A free public talk and panel discussion, 'Beyond the surface: understanding WA's marine heatwave', will follow the symposium, starting at 6.30pm. For more information and bookings, visit trybooking.com/DEHKT
Comments attributed to the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"The Western Australian community is deeply invested in our marine environment, from conservation right through to ecotourism and recreational amenity.
"The information shared at the symposium will improve overall understanding of the marine heatwave event and help prioritise the next steps in monitoring, research and future management.
"Long-term marine park monitoring programs can provide important and early insights into the impacts and recovery of marine ecosystems from environmental events, as well as human-induced activity."
