Water Archives

Biodiversity

Maugean skate baby delivers hope for endangered species

In a world first, a Maugean skate has hatched from an egg laid in captivity. Scientists hope it’s the first of many.

Biodiversity

‘Wake-up call to humanity’: Research shows the Great Barrier Reef is the hottest it’s been in 400 years

The Great Barrier Reef is vast and spectacular. But repeated mass coral bleachings, driven by high ocean temperatures, are threatening the survival of coral colonies which are the backbone of the reef.

Biodiversity

How the Great Barrier Reef shows record growth AND intense bleaching

High coral cover amid intense heatwaves and bleaching? Here’s how both can be true on the Great Barrier Reef.

Flora & Fauna

The world’s rarest whale has captivated scientists since the 1800s

A spade-toothed whale washed up on a New Zealand beach earlier this month. To understand how momentous this is requires a look back at the history of the enigmatic species.

Climate

Ancient know-how meets a modern challenge

Contemporary marine park management is infused with traditional knowledge to tackle new threats on the Great Barrier Reef.

Nature & Wildlife

A beautiful disaster

Does last summer’s mass coral bleaching event sound a death knell for Australia’s beloved Great Barrier Reef? “Not on my watch!” is the message coming from the army of heartbroken, but resolute, marine scientists who’ve responded to the crisis by doubling down on their research.