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Voyage Number

IN2024_V05

Voyage Dates

13 Nov, 2024 to 13 Dec, 2024

Voyage Location

Hobart to Hobart

Chief Scientist

Dr Richard Little

Institution

CSIRO

Voyage livestream

Watch our livestream from RV Investigator's 31-day research voyage to study the marine ecosystem off southeast Australia.

Voyage summary

Research voyage out of Hobart to conduct a repeat survey of the biodiversity and habitats of the marine waters of south-east Australia. Called the South-East Australian Marine Ecosystem Survey (SEA-MES), this is the third of four voyages in the project. 

The marine waters of southeast Australia are one of a series of global ocean-warming hotspots. In this region, the ocean surface is warming at a rate four times the global average and many species have extended their distributions southward, with apparent changes in local abundance. Projections show that these changes will continue for the next century.

Fishery and ecosystem assessments were last conducted in this region 25 years ago. This voyage will repeat the surveys to document changes and establish a new biological and environmental baseline. The knowledge generated will be essential for better planning and managing current and emerging industries, and protecting important habitats and species throughout the region.

There are two other projects on this voyage:

  • FishSOOP Sensor Testing (Moninya Roughan; Veronique Lago, UNSW): Testing of newly developed temperature sensors for use in the Fisheries Ships of Opportunity Program (FishSOOP).
  • Carbonate chemistry sampling in Bass Strait (Zanna Chase, UTAS): Collection of water samples as part of an initiative to investigate ocean alkalinity enhancement in Bass Strait. 

The voyage has 34 science participants from 3 institutions, including the University of Tasmania and Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (WA), and 23 crew from MMA Offshore Ltd.

The CSIRO Indigenous Research Grants Program provided a grant to Dr Richard Little's team for 'Supporting Indigenous Scientists and Community in the South-East Australian Marine Ecosystem Survey'.

The South-East Australian Marine Ecosystem Survey team led by Dr Richard Little acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the seas in which we are conducting this research. The research area includes Tasmanian, Victorian, New South Wales and Commonwealth waters. We pay our respects to elders past and present, and thank them for their continued stewardship over the lands, seas and skies in which we live, work and rest.

 

COVID Protocols
To safeguard the health and well-being of participants, all activities on this voyage are being conducted in accordance with the MNF COVID Management Protocols.

Voyage outcomes

Voyage outcomes will be published approximately 3-6 months after the completion of the voyage.

Voyage media

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