More than 250 scientists, policymakers, and reef managers will gather in Townsville from September 16-18 for the Australian Coral Reef Society (ACRS) annual conference.
This year's event will welcome a record attendance, with all involved focused on evidence-based decision-making for Australia's coral reefs.
Delegates from James Cook University (JCU), the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Reef Authority), the Australian Institute of Marine Sciences (AIMS), and many other universities and organisations throughout Australia will discuss how best to protect the Great Barrier Reef and other Australian reefs amid escalating climate and environmental pressures.
ACRS president and JCU Professor of Marine Biology Dr Jodie Rummer said Townsville is the natural home for a summit where science meets policy.
"Decisions about reefs must be anchored in evidence, and Townsville is where that evidence meets the people who set policy. We are in the centre of the Great Barrier Reef, and we have the Reef Authority, our highest governing entity of how the reef is managed, right here," Dr Rummer said.
This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act.
"Half a century on, the Marine Park Act has shown what strong, science-led management can achieve," Dr Rummer said.
"The next 50 years will demand even sharper tools — rapid translation of monitoring into action, climate-ready management, and the courage to act at pace when the data are clear."
Professor Rummer said co-location matters.
"With the Reef Authority, AIMS, and JCU working side-by-side — and the Reef on our doorstep — we can shorten the distance between new data and on-water decisions. Science alone won't save reefs; partnerships do," she said.
Dr Carly Randall, Senior Research Scientist at AIMS said it will be fantastic to hear from so many marine scientists across the country and throughout the region here in Townsville, united by the goal to provide the research to protect our coral reefs.
"Marine science is critical to improving coral reef resilience and accelerating adaptation to climate change," she said.
"The world's coral reefs face increasing pressures, and Australia makes important global contributions through our highly skilled experts, world-class infrastructure, and strong partnerships."
The conference takes place over three days from Tuesday, September 16 at The Ville and features keynote address, technical sessions, and workshops culminating in a Gala Dinner on Thursday evening.
The conference will also recognise outstanding contributions to reef science and stewardship.
Greens leader Senator Larissa Waters will open the conference on Wednesday morning at The Ville. The conference will also recognise outstanding contributions to reef science and stewardship.
