Rising temperatures and ocean acidification caused by greenhouse gases are among the greatest threats to the marine environment, particularly coral reefs.
Australia Institute research shows emissions from the recent expansion and extension of Woodside's gas export projects in WA will add around 130 million tonnes of emissions to the atmosphere annually, more than all of Australia's coal power stations.
Woodside also conducts seismic blasting, which is detrimental to marine life, and is proposing drilling close to the pristine Scott Reef, which the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority flagged as unacceptable.
"Woodside is responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than virtually any other company in Australia," said Mark Ogge, Principal Advisor at The Australia Institute.
"This sponsorship is another example of greenwashing by one of the companies doing the most damage to our marine environment and coral reefs.
"We wouldn't tolerate the tobacco industry sponsoring health week. It is just as absurd for the oil and gas industry to sponsor science week, particularly when the emphasis is on the marine environment.
"Woodside is arguably doing more damage to the marine environment than any other company in Australia.
"The Australia Institute has long highlighted the influence of Australia's scientific institutions by the oil and gas industry, particularly the CSIRO though its GISERA "alliance" with the largest fracking companies in Australia.
"These influences are detrimental to the environment."
