Australian Marine Sciences Association

17/01/2026

Have an idea that can make waves? 🌊 Submit a workshop proposal and be part of the conversation

AMSA is now inviting workshop proposals for the 2026 AMSA Conference, themed “Marine Science with Impact.”

We’re looking for workshops that highlight how marine science drives evidence-based policy, community engagement, and the sustainable management of Australia’s marine environments.

🧪 Workshops may be held before, during, or after the main conference.

🔗 Full details and submission guidelines are available on the conference website.

🗓 Submission deadline: 10 April 2026

WORKSHOP SUBMISSIONS SUBMISSION DEADLINE FRIDAY 10 APRIL | SUBMISSION DEADLINE FRIDAY 10 APRIL | We invite proposals for workshops at the AMSA 2026 Conference, which will form an integral part of the program.  Workshops addressing specific aspects in the context of the conference theme “Marine Sc...

12/01/2026

Share your work with the world!
Ocean Storytelling Grants Now Open

Ocean Culture Life is a global ocean conservation charity that has now launched their 2025-2026 Storytelling Grants. Successful applicants receive project funding, mentorship and a platform to share their work with a global audience, helping amplify voices that inspire action for marine conservation.
Whether you are an emerging creator or seasoned ocean storyteller, this is a great opportunity to make your project matter and contribute to a broader movement raising awareness and driving change for ocean sustainability.

Applications end 31 January 2026

For full details and how to apply, visit the Ocean Culture Life website.

Our mission is to promote the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural marine environment by seeking to widen and deepen public understanding of the ocean's issues and challenges.

08/01/2026

A reminder that AMSA is seeking nominations from individuals to attend Science Meets Parliament 2026. Science Meets Parliament is an annual opportunity for scientists to engage with policy-makers: https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/science-meets-parliament-2026/

In 2026, SMP will be taking place from 25–26 March at Australian Parliament House. Previous attendees have indicated that the event was very valuable in learning how to reach out to policy makers to communicate and pitch your science to them.

Those interested in attending Science Meets Parliament should submit a 4-page (max) CV with a 300-word statement addressing the below criteria:

• Why should you be nominated to attend SMP on behalf of AMSA?
• If you had two minutes with a politician, what would you say?
• How have you contributed to or been involved with AMSA to date?

Please submit your CV & Statement to AMSA National Secretary ([email protected]) before 5pm on Friday 16 January 2026. Applications will be assessed the week of Monday 19 January 2026.

19/12/2025

AMSA is seeking nominations from individuals to attend Science Meets Parliament.

Science Meets Parliament is an annual opportunity for scientists to engage with policy-makers. In 2026, SMP will be taking place from 25–26 March 2026 at Australian Parliament House (https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/science-meets-parliament-2026). Previous attendees have indicated that the event was very valuable in learning how to reach out to policy makers to communicate and pitch your science to them.

Those interested in attending Science Meets Parliament should submit a 4-page (max) CV with a 300-word statement addressing the below criteria:

1) Why should you be nominated to attend SMP on behalf of AMSA?
2) If you had two minutes with a politician, what would you say?
3) How have you contributed to or been involved with AMSA to date?

Please submit your CV & Statement to AMSA National Secretary ([email protected]) before 5pm on Friday 16 January 2026. Applications will be assessed the week of Monday 19 January 2026.

01/12/2025

👏 Meet your AMSA National Executive

Chris Frid is a Professor of marine biology at Griffith University, our former Treasurer and Immediate Past President.

With a background as a benthic ecologist working on the dynamics of intertidal and shelf sediment communities, much of his work relates to human impacts on benthic ecosystems and how these can be mitigated.

If Chris was a marine animal he'd be an octopus - intelligent, attractive (and changeable) appearance, three hearts and doughnut brain. And the dexterity and intelligence to open a jar of Vegemite!

Share your favourite octopus facts with Chris at our next Queensland event.

If Chris were a marine animal he'd be an octopus - intelligent, attractive (and changeable) appearance, three hearts and doughnut brain. And the dexterity and intelligence to open a jar of Vegemite!

25/11/2025

AMSA2026 conference symposium* submissions close soon!

By proposing a symposium, you help guide the key conversations, highlight emerging issues, and foster collaboration among marine scientists, Indigenous knowledge holders, policy makers, industry leaders, and environmental managers.

This year’s theme, “MARINE SCIENCE WITH IMPACT,” celebrates the powerful connections between science, policy, and communities that drive research shaping Australia’s sustainable future.

Even a single idea can inspire multiple sessions.

Don’t miss the chance to bring people together, ignite discussion, and influence the direction of Australia’s most impactful marine science conference.

*A symposium is a thematic session centred on a specific topic in marine science, and these sessions form the 2026 AMSA conference program.

Head to the AMSA2026 website to submit your symposium idea:

24/11/2025

👋 Meet your AMSA National Executive

In addition to being our Secretary, Amy Carmignani is also the Vice President of AMSA WA and a PhD Candidate with AIMS@UWA.

Amy's research spans the ecophysiology and biochemistry of both mesophotic and shallow-reef corals, with an interest in how different nutrient types influence the coral–algal symbiosis under varying conditions.

As she also enjoys macro diving and underwater photography, share your favourite underwater camera settings and shots with her at our next AMSA event.

20/11/2025

Call for Symposia & Workshops for the 60th Annual AMSA Conference coming in 2026 on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country in Canberra themed “Marine Science with Impact.”

Proposals are sought for:

🔬Symposia to be featured as concurrent sessions within the scientific program

🌊Workshops to be held before, during, or after the main conference

Submission deadline is 5th December 2025.

Check out the website for more details.

We’re thrilled to announce that submissions are now open for symposia topics and workshops for the AMSA 2026 Conference!

16/11/2025

👋 Meet your AMSA National Executive ... next up we have our Vice President, Dr Paula Cartwright.

Paula is a Senior Research Scientist working on tropical marine and freshwater ecosystems at James Cook University.

Her work as a coastal biogeoscientist focuses on understanding how river catchments and metocean processes influence marine environments across tropical northern Australia.

Pop in and meet your VP at the AMSA North Queensland end-of-year event.

11/11/2025

👋 Meet your AMSA National Executive

First up we have our President, Dr Alicia Sutton

Alicia is the Research Manager at the Western Australian Marine Science Association (WAMSI), and is also Director and Principal Marine Scientist at Carijoa Marine Consulting.

Alicia has turned from a specialist (on krill) to a generalist, collaborating on a range of projects involving strategic science planning, literature reviews, data management and analyses, risk assessments and conservation action planning.

Feel free to say Hi to Alicia at our next AMSA event or conference.

09/11/2025

With the silly season approaching we're asking the real science questions

07/11/2025

AMSA Queensland South branch is looking for social media volunteers to be part of their committee (note all AMSA committee members are volunteers).

We are looking for 2-3 individuals from South Queensland that are keen on volunteering to create social media content for the branch. All AMSA committee members are volunteers.

This is an excellent opportunity for students or individuals looking to build a portfolio of professional social media content. It's especially valuable for those interested in careers in science communication, digital outreach, or marine science with a focus on social media engagement.

Expressions of interest can be emailed to [email protected]

This volunteer position can be done remotely, with some in person team catchups (usually at AMSA events!).

In your email, please include:
- Your University (current or prior)
- The degree you are currently studying, and your year level (post graduate students welcomed too)
- A statement about why you would like to get involved
- State any relevant prior social media experience
- Optional: Attach some examples or provide links to the type of social media content you like to create/photograph/graphic design. *Prior examples are not a requirement at all!
- Optional: The kinds of creative software you like to use (i.e. canva, capcut etc.)

*Note there is no need to spend an excessive amount of detail on these points

Applications are ongoing.