Ashmore Reef: An island refuge of underwater wonders
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Oceans and Atmosphere
Published: 22 April 2020
Scientists surveyed Ashmore Reef, a remote biodiversity hotspot, mapping corals, fish, birds, and plants. Findings show healthy reefs but declining trees, vanished sea snakes, and threats from invasive species.
Keywords: Ashmore Reef, coral reefs, seabirds, biodiversity, invasive species, marine conservation, ecosystem surveys
Science on an island sanctuary: Surveying Ashmore Reef Marine Park
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Oceans and Atmosphere
Published: 29 April 2020
Surveys of Ashmore Reef reveal healthy corals, diverse fish, and thriving seabirds, but sea snakes are nearly gone. Invasive ants, geckos, and weeds pose major risks, making ongoing monitoring vital.
Keywords: Ashmore Reef, coral reefs, sea snakes, invasive species, seabirds, marine biodiversity, ecosystem monitoring
Sink or Swim: mismatch between land and seafloor debris revealed in global study
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Oceans and Atmosphere
Published: 6 May 2020
Global surveys show shoreline and seafloor debris differ: lightweight items drift away, while bags and fishing gear sink and entangle. Findings stress need for both land and underwater data to guide policy.
Keywords: marine debris, seafloor surveys, citizen science, plastic pollution, ghost gear, waste management, coastal ecosystems
