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An 'Underwater Bushfire' Sparks Urgent Calls Urgent Calls for Action in South Australia
Environment Institute Members are at the forefront of the algal bloom crisis, with the federal government announcing $14 million funding packing to help South Australia. We are fortunate enough to house leading expert researchers that have been on the front foot to inform the media and government about about the impacts and implications of the agal bloom.
Uncovering The Truth About Sea Snakes
ABC’s brand new nature series 'Dr Ann’s Secret Lives' follows presenter Dr Ann as she ventures into the wild with leading scientists to uncover the fascinating and often hidden behaviours of some of the world’s most elusive creatures. In Episode 2, Dr Ann joins Associate Professor Kate Sanders, Dr Jenna Crowe-Riddell, and their team in Dampier Marine Park to explore the secret lives of these mysterious marine reptiles.
Tickets Now Available for the International Symposium on Green Urban Futures
Registration is now open for the International Symposium on Green Urban Futures, taking place at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide, South Australia, on 3–4 December 2025. Presented by the Environment Institute, in partnership with Green Adelaide and Treenet, the symposium is chaired by Professor Veronica Soebarto, initiative lead of Green Urban Futures and Planetary Health at the Environment Institute.
[Read more about Tickets Now Available for the International Symposium on Green Urban Futures]
100 Years of The Koonamore Project
The Koonamore Project based in The TGB Osborne Vegetation Reserve at Koonamore, is celebrating its 100th Anniversary year this year, and which makes it the oldest long term ecological study in Australia and one of the oldest in the world. The site is a clear demonstration of the capacity of recovery in Australian arid ecosystems, even after extreme degradation.
Applying the IUCN Species Conservation Cycle in Australia
At the IUCN Species Survival Symposium, Dr Jess Marsh co-led a workshop and joined a panel discussion focused on applying the IUCN species conservation cycle—assess, plan, and act—to support national conservation efforts. These three steps work together: assessing species' status, planning tailored strategies, and—most critically—acting on the ground to deliver conservation outcomes. Each step is essential to preventing extinction, especially for data-poor or hyper-diverse taxa like fungi and invertebrates.
[Read more about Applying the IUCN Species Conservation Cycle in Australia]
How South Australia's Algal Bloom Is Threatening Marine Life and Public Health
Environment Institute members have expressed concern over the toxic algal bloom affecting South Australia's coastline. Professor Justin Brookes highlighted that while algae play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, the current Karenia mikimotoi bloom is toxic and spreading rapidly due to warm temperatures and nutrient-rich waters. Future Making Fellow Dr Dominic McAfee described the event as an “underwater bushfire,” urging a coordinated response similar to land-based natural disasters. Both experts emphasised the need for continued monitoring and proactive measures to protect marine life and coastal communities.
[Read more about How South Australia's Algal Bloom Is Threatening Marine Life and Public Health]
Fighting for Cape York’s Future
Dr Ania Kotarba, Future Making Fellow at the Environment Institute, has co-authored a recent piece for The Conversation calling for Cape York to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Drawing on her experience as a former member of the ICOMOS World Heritage Nomination Bids Review Panel, Ania brings deep expertise in cultural heritage and conservation. Her research focuses on partnerships with Aboriginal communities, particularly within the Kaurareg Archipelago, and highlights the importance of meaningful engagement with Traditional Owners in protecting Cape York’s globally significant landscapes.
Professor Rob Fitzpatrick Awarded the Raymond Murray Medal
Professor Rob Fitzpatrick was awarded the inaugural Raymond Murray Medal by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) in recognition of distinguished international contributions to Forensic Geology at the 2025 Forensic Geology Conference in Rome. The Medal was awarded in honour of the late Dr Raymond Murray, who is credited as the Founder of Forensic Geology in the 20th Century.
[Read more about Professor Rob Fitzpatrick Awarded the Raymond Murray Medal ]
Biodiversity Win: South Australia’s New Act Sets a National Benchmark for Environmental Protection
Future Making Fellow Dr. Philippa McCormack, writing in The Conversation, praised South Australia's new Biodiversity Act as a bold step forward, noting that “nature laws can truly help the environment to flourish even as the climate changes,” while also addressing long-standing gaps between national and state responsibilities.
Frances Perry Awarded as 2025 Jill Landsberg Trust Fund Winner
PhD candidate Frances Perry, with Environment Institue member, Prof Phill Cassey, has been announced as the 2025 winner of the prestigious Jill Landsberg Trust Fund scholarship!
Frances is currently a PhD Candidate at the University of Adelaide and Securing Antarctica's Environmental Future. Her PhD is investigating the potential for marine invasive species to arrive in Antarctica through biofouling on vessels.
[Read more about Frances Perry Awarded as 2025 Jill Landsberg Trust Fund Winner]
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