“Our Reef is an irreplaceable ecosystem, home to many thousands of marine species, it’s under threat. We need to pioneer new solutions."

Distinguished Professor Peter Harrison

Lead researcher and Coral IVF pioneer

Marine Science research

Driven by the future and a belief in possibilities, our marine scientific research at Southern Cross University highlights what can be achieved with hard work, passion and dedication. Our breadth of marine research projects is information the world, and helping to change it for the better.

Research topics and projects

The below is more than a list of projects, it explains why we research what we do. The reason is simple: For the future. Protection of our marine ecosystems is a mighty challenge.

In the era of climate change, rising water temperatures and threatened species and ecosystems, the health of our oceans is fundamental to a sustainable future.

We embrace these challenges through research that is advancing knowledge, changing perceptions and informing strategies, locally, nationally and globally.

Professor Mary Spongberg
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research)

Marine Science research in the news

Southern Cross Uni Professor to lead multiple ARC projects, work with NASA in 2022

Southern Cross University biogeochemist Professor Bradley Eyre has secured funding for two Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Projects in a single round, and will work with the US space agency NASA on one of them.

10 February 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

Spawn of a new era as Reef's first Coral IVF babies reach maturity

The first Coral IVF babies on the Great Barrier Reef have produced the next generation as part of this year’s mass coral spawning event, becoming the Reef's first breeding population using the innovative process pioneered by a Southern Cross University coral specialist.

13 December 2021

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.

1 December 2021

Postdoctoral Research Fellow Judith Rosentreter investigating carbon dioxide and methane emissions from mangrove-dominated estuaries and tidal creeks in Australia

Southern Cross blue carbon research contributes to global climate change debate

Research from Southern Cross University’s coastal biogeochemistry experts is contributing to scientific debate around the climate benefits of blue carbon and the development of carbon and methane budgets.

1 November 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

The engineering oceanographer Dr Dan Harrison

From tracking tuna across the Pacific Ocean to brightening clouds over the Great Barrier Reef, Southern Cross University’s Dr Daniel Harrison is working to protect our ecosystems before it’s too late.

20 March 2021

Inspired by nature: a deep dive with NMSC 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

06 August 2021

National Marine Science Centre

The National Marine Science Centre, is a world-renowned teaching and research facility in a unique Coffs Harbour location.

See more marine research news at NMSC news.

Contact the Faculty of Science and Engineering

Executive Assistant to Executive Dean

T: +61 2 6620 3557

E: kristy.cocks@scu.edu.au

Please direct all faculty enquires to:

T: +61 2 6620 3650

E: fseinfo@scu.edu.au

National Marine Science Centre

T: +61 2 6659 8100

E: nmsc@scu.edu.au