Reefs and Oceans

Scuba divers in coral colony
Diver studying coral

Our focus

Restoring the Reef, caring for our oceans

Healthy reefs and oceans are essential for ecological balance, economic prosperity, and cultural heritage. Today, these environments are experiencing momentous and accelerating change due to climate pressures, pollution, and human activity—threatening marine biodiversity and the communities that depend on them.

Southern Cross University’s Reefs & Oceans research cluster works with industry, government, and communities to unlock the ecological, environmental, economic, and cultural value of our precious marine environments. Our world-renowned reef restoration research has led to the development of innovative and proven solutions for the restoration and protection of coral populations.

Through hands-on marine conservation, coral reef restoration, and advancing our understanding of ocean chemistry and marine biodiversity, the cluster leads research that supports resilient ecosystems and sustainable futures.

Coral

Our projects and research focus on:

  • Coral reef restoration and protection
  • Mapping and monitoring the biodiversity of marine life to support resilient and thriving ocean ecosystems
  • Ocean chemistry and blue carbon
  • Water quality and pollution mitigation
  • Community engagement and marine stewardship
  • Working with industry, government, and local communities to empower action and foster sustainable use of marine resources

 

National Marine Science Centre (NMSC)

State-of-the-art marine laboratory and field facilities

UN Sustainable Development Goal

Addressing #14 Life Below Water

ARWU Top 100 Oceanography

Top 100 universities for ocean studies and research

Our Researchers

Dr Daniel Harrison

Daniel Harrison

Associate Professor

Biological oceanography, Fisheries oceanography, Ecosystem restoration, Biogeochemistry, Coral reef restoration

Professor Kirsten Benkendorff in the research lab

Kirsten Benkendorff

Professor

Marine natural products, Marine biotechnology, Seafood, Environmental science, Aquatic animal health

Distinguished Professor Peter Harrison

Peter Harrison

Distinguished Professor

Environmental science, Marine ecology, Coral reproduction ecology, Coral larval restoration, Marine science

Our projects

Coral IVF

Our innovative Coral IVF technique is giving nature a helping hand to bolster reef systems.

Led by Distinguished Professor Peter Harrison, the Coral Larval Restoration Team harnesses the natural reproductive cycle of corals. The Coral IVF process involves collecting many millions of egg and sperm bundles released during coral spawning, then nurturing the larvae in floating nursery pools for several days before releasing millions of coral larvae directly onto areas of depleted or damaged reefs to restore and repopulate colonies.

Learn more

Marine Cloud Brightening

Our Marine Cloud Brightening research team is pioneering a new way to help coral reefs withstand a warming climate.

Led by Associate Professor Daniel Harrison and his team at the National Marine Science Centre, the program builds on a natural process that involves spraying a fine mist of seawater into the air. As the mist rises, sea salt particles interact with low-lying ocean clouds, making them brighter. Brighter clouds are more reflective and send more sunlight back into space, reducing the amount of heat that reaches the ocean below.

Learn more