Healthy oceans and coastlines

Sustainable, solutions-orientated research to protect our marine ecosystems.

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Ocean and coastlines throughout the world are as valuable as they are unique. Not only do we need to protect our marine ecosystems as they battle the impacts of climate change and other anthropogenic pressures, but there is an ongoing need to respond to risks to our coastlines and estuaries too.
Challenges like sea level rise, storm surge and pollution all require action — but the solution must be fit for the local environment and context. We help to research and implement activities that improve predictions and include both natural and engineered solutions.

Our activities

  • Marine ecosystem protection

  • Advancing the blue economy

  • Capacity building for water quality protection

  • Solutions for coastal monitoring and erosion control 

  • Citizen science initiatives

  • Pollution control systems and technologies

  • Sustainable aquaculture projects

  • School education and outreach. 

Sustainable Development Goals addressed:

Zero hunger
SDG2
Good health and well-being
SDG 3
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
SDG 9
Sustainable cities and communities
SDG 11
Responsible consumption and production
SDG 12
Climate action
SDG 13
Life below water
SDG 14

Latest news

Project Halophyte recruiting team members for humanitarian engineering and mangrove research in the Pacific

Jul 10, 2024
Healthy Oceans and Coastlines Global Water Institute

When floodwaters reach the sea, they can leave a 50m thick layer of brown water – and cause real problems

Floodwaters pulsing into the sea normally clear within six days. But the 2022 floods in eastern Australia were different.

Jan 23, 2024
Science Science & Tech Climate Change Research Centre (CCRC) Climate change Oceans Healthy Oceans and Coastlines

Will a monster eddy current off the coast of Sydney bring a new marine heatwave?

Giant eddy currents in the sea spread heat. But if trapped in place, they can cause marine heatwaves deadly to sea life. And there’s a big one shaping up off Sydney right now.

Nov 03, 2023
Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes (CLEX) Science Tyree Energy Technologies Building (H6) School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering Built Environment Science & Tech Climate change Oceans School of Built Environment Healthy Oceans and Coastlines UNSW Institute for Cyber Security SDG SDG13 SDG14

Other impact areas

Water Governance and Security

This area drives equitable water management to ensure just and sustainable outcomes for towns, agriculture and the environment. The work focuses on and building resilient and sustainable communities, improving water quality, alleviating poverty and reducing conflict.

Safe Water: Access and Equity for All

Our activities are linked to Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to achieve water and sanitation for all by 2030. Projects are focused on the intersection of engineering, environmental humanities and public health disciplines where culturally appropriate approaches are co-designed to reduce disease and improve quality of life. 

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