Reefs and Oceans
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.
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
Latest news
Our Researchers
Daniel Harrison
Associate Professor
Biological oceanography, Fisheries oceanography, Ecosystem restoration, Biogeochemistry, Coral reef restoration
Kirsten Benkendorff
Professor
Marine natural products, Marine biotechnology, Seafood, Environmental science, Aquatic animal health
Peter Harrison
Distinguished Professor
Environmental science, Marine ecology, Coral reproduction ecology, Coral larval restoration, Marine science
Professor Amanda Reichelt-Brushett
Ms Ceylena Holloway
Dr Chris Medcraft
Dr Diana Hernandez
Associate Professor Eric Brymer
Dr Feifei Tong
Dr Helmut Uwe Terton
Associate Professor Joanne Oakes
Associate Professor Judith Rosentreter
Associate Professor Kai Schulz
Mr Luke Harrison
Mr Max Tavener
Mr Nicolas Semami
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 moreMarine 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