Local marine science projects endorsed by UNESCO

• WA Government provides two $800,000 grants to address marine science challenges
• Projects support the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 (Ocean Decade)
• Research plays key role to ensure long-term wellbeing of WA's marine environments

Two Cook Government funded marine science projects have been endorsed by the Ocean Decade, a UNESCO program to manage ocean sustainably.

Science Minister Stephen Dawson said the Ocean Decade initiative was being coordinated by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (IOC/UNESCO).

Murdoch University's project will use a combination of Indigenous knowledge and western science to enhance marine management, while also developing a framework for knowledge exchange.

Meanwhile, the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) is aiming to improve the forecasting of marine heatwave events and study their impact on marine ecosystems along the WA coastline.

Each project will receive $800,000 over four years.

The research being undertaken in WA translates to similar issues around the world and will contribute to the international knowledge base through involvement with the Ocean Decade.

The projects join an ever-growing portfolio of more than 400 endorsed Decade Actions worldwide, which are all working towards the same goal – achieve the 'ocean we want' by 2030.

The Ocean Decade is a call to action to drive international collaboration across science, policy, and integrated ocean management to reverse the decline of ocean health.

Comments attributed to Science Minister Stephen Dawson:

"Having endorsement under the Ocean Decade will help foster an international collaborative response to assisting with our marine science issues as well as showcase the State's leading science expertise.

"The Cook Government is committed to the sustainable management of the marine environment for the benefit of local communities and visitors to the State.

"These important research projects will provide vital information to support decision making and management of the local marine environment."

Comments attributed to Fisheries Minister Don Punch:

"I welcome this significant body of work which aims to improve the forecasting of marine heatwave events and help our understanding of how to better manage our fisheries in the face of climate change.

"Listening to the science is vital to support the sustainability of Western Australia's $3 billion fisheries sector, ensuring our world class seafood will be enjoyed on the plates of many future generations to come."