The latest news from the Australian Institute of Marine Science.
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July 2026 | View previous edition
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Welcome to Waypoint!
Our Long-Term Monitoring Program is now 40 years old. Beginning in 1985/86, it provides one of the longest-running and most comprehensive coral reef monitoring datasets in the world. This long-term outlook on the Great Barrier Reef's status continues to prove extremely valuable for informing the management of the Reef.
We think that's science worth celebrating. But don't take it from us...
What's it really like working on the Great Barrier Reef? The team spend up to 120 days a year at sea, surveying up to five coral reefs a day for 20 consecutive days at a stretch. This means encountering fair and foul weather, spectacular marine life, and watching the Reef transform over the years.
Three LTMP marine biologists share their experiences.
More news from AIMS
Assisted evolution methods can help the survival and growth of corals under high temperatures in some cases. But not all corals from all reefs will benefit, new research has found.
AIMS scientists are measuring the amount of groundwater flowing from the land to the Ningaloo Reef, to help understand the viability of blue carbon storage solutions to reduce the impacts of climate change.
Parasitic analysis, micro-chemistry and genetics are being combined to help ensure the future of Australia’s popular mangrove jack.
Invasive Caulerpa seaweeds are a major concern in New Zealand’s coastal areas. Examining the movements of vessels between locations helped to predict where an invasive seaweed spread, reveal researchers led by AIMS.
Celebrating NAIDOC Week
As NAIDOC Week celebrates 50 Years of Deadly, AIMS is very proud to reflect on our strong partnerships with Indigenous Rangers and Traditional Owner communities throughout Australia's tropical sea Country.
From building relationships through our Indigenous Partnerships program, to two-way learning on projects like the Northern Australian Marine Monitoring Alliance, it's about more than celebrating one week in the year. It's about putting First Nations innovation at the heart of everything we do.
For Manuwuri Forester and Dr Cass Hunter, caring for sea Country isn’t just their work – it’s part of who they are. As members of AIMS’ Indigenous Partnerships team and AIMS Council respectively, Manuwuri and Cass strengthen the connection between Traditional Ecological Knowledge and western science. Beyond AIMS, they are leaders in a broader alliance across the Great Barrier Reef, working together to care for and protect sea Country.
Congratulations to AIMS' Jordan Ivey who has received the 2026 Melissa George Excellence in Sea Country Award from the Australian Marine Sciences Association, and invited to present at AMSA's annual conference in August.
Jordan has been integral to the coordination of the Indigenous Futures Project, which empowers Indigenous Rangers and Traditional Owner communities to lead reef restoration activities for their sea Countries.
Indigenous Futures participants recently concluded their training with a graduation ceremony, where they were presented with AIMS Certificates of Completion.
AIMS In Focus
Dive in to AIMS In Focus – our annual spotlight on the innovative science, dedicated people, and meaningful partnerships that drive our vision for thriving oceans through trusted science and innovation.
Explore our inspiring stories and innovative breakthroughs from across AIMS. Meet the researchers, engineers, partners, and collaborators who transform science into lasting impact.
Strictly socials
How do you find coral-eating flatworms? The SeaSim team have been working on it. LinkedIn (SeaSim)
We looked back on 100 years of reef science – including a few visits from the birthday boy himself. LinkedIn
Celebrating growth, discovery and collaboration at SeaSim
The inaugural SeaSim Year in Review reflects on more than a decade of achievements, research impact and collaboration since the facility opened in 2014, and showcases the milestones that defined 2025. From expanded capabilities to innovative research partnerships, the publication highlights SeaSim’s ongoing contribution to advancing marine science.
Attention Australian researchers!
Fully funded grants are available for sea time on vessels within the Southern Coastal Research Vessel Fleet (SCRVF), including our own RV Solander!
This opportunity is part of the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS)-funded SCRVF project - a collaboration between SARDI and DPIRD, supported by the CSIRO's Marine National Facility.
Applications close 17 September 2026.
AIMS in the news
- The First Scientists: How Indigenous Knowledge can help protect our oceans | Word on the Reef
- The bold plan to save the world's coral | New Scientist
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
