News, research and teaching relating to the National Marine Science Centre

A woman wearing a SCU shirt in front of an underwater mural

Kirsten Benkendorff shines as Superstar of STEM for next generation

A seafood sentinel marine scientist from SCU has been announced as one of Australian's newest Superstars of STEM, a program that tackles the gender inequity of visible diverse role models in the media.

18 November 2022

Girl standing in ocean looking out to sea

Not a moment to waste for marine science graduate Zoe

For many, Byron Bay is a magical place of incredible natural beauty. But Byron's marine habitats face increasing threats and need scientists and managers ready to tackle them head-on with solutions. one of these is Southern Cross graduate Zoe White. She worked as a scuba driving instructor for several years in the Bryon shire, developing a strong connection to the land and sea.

1 November 2022

Research into the impacts of pesticides on prawn

Dr Peter Butcherine at the National Marine Science Centre

9 September 2022

Wave of success as Oceanography leads University ranking rise

Southern Cross University is now listed among the world’s top 100 universities for ocean studies and research, according to the latest Shanghai Rankings.

2 August 2022

A man wearing beanie and red jacket in front of island moutain range

AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship awarded to Southern Cross University student

Southern Cross University Bachelor of Science student Luke Austin is among a select group of next generation rural leaders to receive a prestigious Horizon Scholarship.

11 April 2022

Marine Science Student Rhiannon Mitchell at the beach

Rhiannon Mitchell is making waves for young Aboriginal women

Rhiannon Mitchell, a Mununjali woman and Marine Science student at Southern Cross University, is making waves. She wants to change the future of Indigenous girls and women through ‘Saltwater Sistas,’ a mentoring program that creates a safe, culturally appropriate place to learn about culture, wellbeing, and ocean conservation.

07 April 2022

Leaf oysters: the unsung heroes of estuaries are disappearing, and we know almost nothing about them

Camouflaged by a layer of silty mud, most people probably wouldn’t notice the large flat oysters lurking beneath shallow water in Australia’s coastal estuaries. These are remarkable “leaf oysters”, and they can form reefs, produce mauve pearls, and reach the size of a dinner plate.

20 January 2022

Sea cucumber manual a global success story for Southern Cross Uni researcher

A Southern Cross University manual for postharvest processing of small-scale fishery products is now available in eight languages.

01 December 2021

Olly Pitt, General manager for Australian Seabird Rescue and Southern Cross Uni science graduate

Olivia (Olly) Pitt, Southern Cross University marine science graduate, grins from ear to ear. “It just never gets old,” she says. “We’ve released hundreds of turtles and every time it’s the same feeling.”

21 October 2021

Woodchip bioreactors may help farmers reduce fertiliser pollution in waterways

Prototype woodchip bioreactors may reduce nitrogen pollution entering nearby waterways by as much as 85% in the right conditions.

12 October 2021

Plume of seawater droplets from sprayer rises into the sky

Taking to the skies to shade corals using new technologies

Southern Cross University-led field trials of an innovative new technique that aims to prevent coral bleaching by spraying microscopic seawater particles into the air is producing exciting preliminary results.

26 August 2021

Selective breeding can produce heat-tolerant corals: new study

Coral populations have genetic potential to adapt to warming oceans, according to new research by Southern Cross University researchers.

23 August 2021

Coral, meet coral: how selective breeding may help the world’s reefs survive ocean heating

A single generation of selective breeding can make corals better able to withstand extreme temperatures, according to our new research. The discovery could offer a lifeline to reefs threatened by the warming of the world’s oceans.

21 August 2021

Helping conservation groups save marine wildlife

Southern Cross University expertise and resources will bolster rescue and research for marine animals off the Mid North Coast in a new partnership.

11 August 2021

Scientist holds up beaker with green liquid

Southern Cross aquaculture specialist exploring climate change impact

Southern Cross lecturer and researcher Dr Benjamin Mos specialises in aquaculture and human impacts in oceans and waterways. Working from the National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour, Ben is a descendant of the Turrbal people, the original inhabitants of Meeanjin (Brisbane). He believes this rich heritage has helped with his career as a scientist.

14 September 2021

Inspired by nature: a deep dive with National Marine Science Centre director Kirsten Benkendorff

From cancer cures to potent water filters, marine molluscs – all things snail, slug and octopi – have a lot to offer. Just ask the Director of the National Marine Science Centre, Professor Kirsten Benkendorff.

6 August 2021

Declining growth rates of global coral reef ecosystems

If the trend of declining coral growth continues at the current rate, the world’s coral reefs may cease calcifying around 2054.

11 June 2021

Cauliflower-like cauliflower with a yellow seahorse

Endangered purple Cauliflower Coral pushed closer to brink of extinction after recent flooding

The gardens of purple, cauliflower-like corals that have long-delighted divers in Port Stephens waters are in significant decline.

1 June 2021

Woodchip bioreactors may help farmers reduce fertiliser pollution in waterways

Prototype woodchip bioreactors may reduce nitrogen pollution entering nearby waterways by as much as 85% in the right conditions.

12 October 2021