Project description

The OzCoasts project provides web-based tools, geoscientific data, coastal environmental information through OzCoasts as well as knowledge-brokering through the National Estuaries Network to help bridge gaps between science, management, the community and policy making organisations.

Project outcomes

Improved natural resource management and environmental conservation of Australia's coastal zone, estuaries and near-shore environments.

Project outputs

1. Geoscientific advice to the Australian Greenhouse Office Coastal Vulnerability Program.
   The Coastal Vulnerability Program includes a coastal geomorphological mapping project which is run by the University of Tasmania and aims to identify regions of the Australian coast that are most sensitive to erosion due to the likely impacts of climate change in the marine environment. The project is aimed at providing advice about the development of a national coastal geomorphological classification scheme, the location of appropriate datasets which can be used in mapping and the location and storage of datasets obtained during the project.
2. New NRM reporting module in OzCoasts.
   Geoscience Australia is the national custodian for coastal geoscientific data and information as well as the OzCoasts website and draws together a diverse range of information on almost 1,000 of Australia's estuaries. These activities are aimed at enhancing OzCoasts with the development of a new natural resource management reporting module for the National Land and Water Resources Audit and the continued upgrading of web-based information products based on consultation with key stakeholders
3. Sponsor and Coordinate National Estuaries Network meetings.
   The National Estuaries Network evolved during the first National Land and Water Resources Audit as the result of a recognised need for an organised network for coastal managers to exchange knowledge and keep up-to-date with scientific research. The bi-annual National Estuaries Network forums are now a key mechanism for linking estuarine decision makers and scientists.