The latest news from the Australian Institute of Marine Science.
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April 2026 | View previous edition
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What did you do the first time you logged onto Google Earth? Look at your house from space? Dr Eric Lawrey had other ideas, scanning the northern Australian coast and seeing patterns in the swirling, turbid waters that looked like possible reefs.
But why weren't they showing up on maps?
This month, AIMS revealed the results of Dr Lawrey and his team's work to provide detailed mapping for well over 1000 uncharted reefs along the coastline of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
More news from AIMS
AIMS spatial ecologist Dr Marji Poutinen dives into details of the long-lived cyclone that passed close to all our northern reef sites.
Courtship calls among two species of fish commonly found on Australian coral reefs have been described, and researchers say their ‘accents’ can vary significantly between regions.
A ‘perfect storm’ of conditions combining upwelling from the deep with run off from the land may be driving crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) outbreaks on the Great Barrier Reef.
AIMS teams are currently working with partners in the Dominican Republic to improve and fast track large-scale coral reef restoration processes on Caribbean reefs.
A new tool to help scientists and reef managers consider the ecological risks of different coral reef interventions around the world has been developed by researchers from AIMS.
Uncle Bob honoured as a trailblazer, bringing together scientists and Traditional Owners
AIMS Indigenous Partnerships Coordinator Uncle Bob Muir has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of James Cook University for "his eminent contributions to marine science and the field of valuing and incorporating Traditional Knowledge and Indigenous perspectives in marine stewardship, nationally and internationally".
Further congratulations to all our AIMS@JCU graduates this year. The partnership between AIMS and James Cook University produced a record-breaking crop of future marine science leaders this year: eight PhD graduates and one MPhil graduate.
Pictured (L-R): Dr. Cherie Motti (AIMS@JCU Research Director), Prof. Mia Hoogenboom (JCU supervisor), Dharini Jha, Dr. Marine Lechene, Dr. Taylor Whitman, Dr. Kelsey Webber, Dr. Martina Burgo, Dr. Sarah Kwong, Dr. Carly Randall (AIMS supervisor). AIMS@JCU 2026 graduates not pictured: Dr Marko Terzin, Dr Alfonso Ruiz Moreno, Dr Ana Grillo Monteiro.
AIMS Impact
We've implemented an organisation-wide shift from engagement to genuine partnership. A recent social values study found the Woppaburra Coral Project set a new benchmark for collaboration creating significant social, economic and cultural value.
Science collaboration for Western Australia's reefs
We're proud to contribute our expertise to the recently announced WA Reef Regen Program led by the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) at a critical time for reef ecosystems across Australia.
Strictly socials
Australia’s ability to manufacture critical maritime materials is entering a new era and we’re proud to play a role in shaping it. LinkedIn (SeaSim)
New research, led by AIMS and Flinders University, proposes a dynamic, community-led approach to researching with Indigenous groups. LinkedIn
National Marine Science Strategy
AIMS is proud to have contributed to the new National Marine Science Strategy 2026–2036, led by the National Marine Science Committee.
Our CEO, Prof Selina Stead, headed an AIMS contingent at the official launch in Canberra, alongside leading figures in Australian environmental science and policy.
AIMS in the news
- Smelly spawning heralds new life on fragile reef | Daily Mail
- Satellite images reveal more than 1,000 unmapped coral reefs in Australia | Discover Wildlife
Get social!
- Follow AIMS on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube
- Follow SeaSim on X, LinkedIn and BlueSky
- Follow ReefWorks on LinkedIn
- Sign up for regular survey updates from AIMS' Great Barrier Reef Long-Term Monitoring team
