National Marine Science Centre

Coffs Marine students - this looks fun!

✨ Twilight Fest is back! ✨
One of CHSA’s most-loved annual events is returning — join us for a relaxed evening of free pizza, live music, and good vibes on campus.
📅 Thursday 13 August
⏰ 5:00pm – 8:00pm
📍 Uni Lounge Outdoor Space

Limited spots available — RSVP is essential to attend!
When you RSVP, you’ll also go in the draw for our lucky door prize 🎉
Bring your friends and come enjoy a winter evening on campus 🌙

🎟️ RSVP here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KXJ8BLC

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🌏🐟 This , we’re thinking about rivers, Sea Country... and the people who know them best.

Indigenous rangers have been caring for Country for generations. Now, new research is building on that knowledge, with a PhD opportunity to be part of it.

Led by Dr Maarten De Brauwer and co-funded by Minderoo Foundation and Southern Cross University, this project will see a PhD candidate working alongside Indigenous rangers using eDNA sampling across NSW estuaries.

It builds on earlier work that created the first biodiversity map of NSW estuaries using environmental DNA, detecting hundreds of species from just a bucket of water. It’s a powerful, cost-effective way to monitor ecosystems, especially after floods or fires.

Importantly, Indigenous rangers aren’t just involved - they’re leading the sampling.

There’s also another exciting PhD opportunity led by Professor Kirsten Benkendorff, in partnership with Ngiyambandigay Wajaarr Aboriginal Corporation and Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation. This project focuses on strengthening estuary management on Gumbaynggirr Sea Country, combining eDNA, underwater video and deep cultural knowledge.

📍 Interested? Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/4b83se53

📧 Or reach out: [email protected]



Pictured: Kait Harris (DPIRD), Maarten de Brauwer, Yaegl rangers Shaun Laurie and Amos Ferguson.

Discover the hidden life of New South Wales’ estuaries at our next Marine Discovery Series (MDS) Lecture on 4 June at 6 pm. Using cutting-edge environmental DNA techniques, researchers detected thousands of species across the state. This talk explores what’s living in our waterways, why it matters, and how this knowledge can help manage and protect estuaries for the future. No need to book and entry is free.

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Sawfish far afield.
A new Forbes feature highlights how Southern Cross University PhD student Adrienne Gooden’s research is reshaping our understanding of endangered sawfish and supporting vital conservation efforts.
🔗

How Two Sawfish Are Rewriting Australia’s Marine History By combining museum specimens, DNA analysis and historical records, researchers are revealing how these ancient animals once lived and what it will take to prevent their complete disappearance.

Marine Estate - Volunteer for the first statewide Dolphin Census Communities across NSW are invited to register as a volunteer and help protect dolphins by taking part in the first statewide Dolphin Census on Saturday 30 May.