Australian Marine Sciences Association

01/07/2026

We are very excited to announce our 2026 AMSA Award recipients!

These very deserving recipients will be celebrated at the upcoming 2026 conference in Canberra. A big thank you to everyone that applied. It was inspiring to read about all the fantastic work and achievements of those in our marine science community.

🌟 2026 Jubilee Award – Dr John Keesing from CSIRO, an internationally recognised marine scientist whose career has transformed our understanding of Australian marine ecosystems from foundational species ecology to integrated, ecosystem‑scale science.

🌟 2026 Emerging Leader in Marine Science – Dr Dominic McAfee from Adelaide University, a leader in marine restoration science addressing coastal ecosystem loss by integrating ecological theory, applied restoration, and social-ecological systems.

🌟 2026 Melissa George Excellence in Sea Country Award – Jordan Ivey from the Australian Institute of Marine Science, an Indigenous Futures Coordinator designing and delivering programs that are reshaping how Traditional Owner groups engage with and lead marine science and reef restoration in Australia.

🌟 2026 Technical Award – Antonia Cooper from University of Tasmania, a marine scientist and operations leader with 20 years’ experience in marine ecosystem monitoring, scientific diving, and program management (Reef Life Survey).

🌟 2026 Allen Student Travel Award – Olivia Sharp from Adelaide University, a PhD candidate focusing on social and natural sciences and the representation of cetaceans in Australian media.

Full profiles of the winners are available on the AMSA website: https://www.amsa.asn.au/amsa-home/awards/

Congratulations to all on this recognition of your achievements!

16/06/2026

PhD Opportunities: Seadragon Conservation in Southern Australia

The The University of Western Australia, in partnership with SeadragonSearch, is offering two PhD opportunities focused on the conservation of Australia's iconic seadragons.

One project will investigate seadragon ecology, using citizen science and eDNA approaches to address key conservation challenges. The second will focus on seadragon genomics, using whole-genome sequencing to improve understanding of population structure and inform conservation management.

Both projects are based in Perth and will contribute directly to the conservation of seadragons and the Great Southern Reef. Applications close 31 July 2026.

10/06/2026

Are you part of Darwin's marine science community? Then join us at Marine Snapchat on 17 June!

AMSA membership is not required, and the event is free. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/eDXf6bEH

To secure a speaking spot, please email [email protected]

19/05/2026

GROW YOUR AMSA NETWORK AT STUDENT NIGHT

MONDAY 31 AUGUST 2026 | MOLLY’S, CANBERRA

For the first time, AMSA 2026 Student Night will be held in collaboration with the ECOP (Early Career Ocean Professionals) Network, bringing together the next generation of ocean leaders. Student Night is your chance to meet others at the same career stage, exchange ideas, and become part of a growing professional community passionate about the future of our oceans.

Molly is one of Canberra’s iconic hidden bars, a local favourite that feels like a well-kept secret. Tucked beneath the city behind an unmarked door, it blends speakeasy charm, live jazz, and an intimate, buzzing atmosphere perfect for conversation.

Join us at Molly for an evening of networking, conversation, and career-building connections. Student Night tickets are included with registrations (valid with a Student Registration only). Spots are limited!

Register now https://amsa2026.amsa.asn.au/registration

23/04/2026

🦈 Are you going to Sharks International and want to connect with others from the Australian Marine Sciences Association?

🇱🇰 Join our WhatsApp group to organise catch-ups and stay in the loop

💬 Email our team for the link and be added to the chat

🌊 It all kicks off with workshops next weekend, so contact us by the end of the month at [email protected]

17/04/2026

Our latest issue of the Australian Marine Sciences Association's BULLETIN is out, and FREELY available online for everyone!

We're excited to see all our team's hard work come to life on these pages, highlighting the accomplishments of our members

If you'd like to read about:
⛴️ CAPSTAN turning students into ocean stewards
⛴️ Marine taxonomy
🐋 Listening to humpback whales
🌊 Committing to Science in Sea Country
🪸 Student spotlight
🧪 Water quality
🦈 Focus on early career researchers

Find it here:
https://www.amsa.asn.au/amsa-home/publications/amsa-bulletin/current-bulletin-issues/

17/04/2026

Don't miss this upcoming event by AMSA Queensland South!

Investigate local corals, and learn about citizen science (Coral Watch) and research in Moreton Bay in a one-day hands-on learning workshop.

13/04/2026

Calling all students! - Apply for a travel award to the AMSA2026 conference!
AMSA offers two student travel awards:
* Allen Student Travel Award
* Allen Indigenous Student Travel Award

The awards provide financial support to outstanding postgraduate students to attend the upcoming AMSA conference with the aim of providing the student with the opportunity to gain experience and contacts.

Applications are due tomorrow 14 April. For more information about the award, visit the AMSA website.

13/04/2026

ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS EXTENDED

UNTIL THIS FRIDAY 17 APRIL.

THERE WILL BE NO FURTHER EXTENSION.

Last year’s AMSA was described as “a success on a broad range of fronts” with strong Indigenous participation and diverse program topics that focused on current issues/challenges.

By submitting an abstract and bringing your research and ideas to the program, you contribute to the diversity of topics, the strength of discussion, and the conversations that matter most in marine science.

ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS SUBMIT NOW AMSA 2026 embraces the theme ‘Marine Science with Impact’—bridging the vital connections between science, policy, and communities to ensure marine research continues to shape Australia's sustainable future. This conference will provide a unique platform for visi...

08/04/2026

ONLY 1 DAY LEFT!

SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT BEFORE 10 APRIL
https://amsa2026.amsa.asn.au/abstract-submissions

DON’T LET THE CONVERSATION HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU

With 39 SYMPOSIA spanning the full spectrum of marine science, from deep-sea governance and marine megafauna to AI-driven ocean monitoring, genomics, policy, restoration, and Indigenous knowledge, this year’s program is where new ideas are debated, tested, and shared.