The future of Tasmania’s crowded ocean
Join the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) for a discussion on the future of Tasmania's crowded ocean.
The future of Tasmania's crowded ocean
Presented by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, Australian Academy of Science and the Royal Society of Tasmania, this event will bring together leading scientific experts to explore the rapid changes occurring in Tasmania’s marine environment and the implications for fisheries, aquaculture, coastal communities and the state’s economy.
Tasmania’s waters are warming faster then almost anywhere else in the Southern Hemisphere, driving significant ecological and economic changes. Through expert presentations and discussion, this event will examine the shifting marine ecosystem, the increasing prevalence of harmful algal blooms and how science-based tools can help governments, industries and communities prepare for the future.
The program will feature insights from:
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Dr Alistar Hobday FTSE on the changing climate and changing activities around Tasmania.
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Professor Gustaaf Hallegraeff FTSE on Harmful Algal Blooms - what are they and why do they seem to be on the rise?
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Dr Beth Fulton FTSE FAA on what the future may look like for Tasmanian waters and how can science-based tools can help us prepare for it.
Date
Wednesday 29 April 2026
Time
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Research Director, Sustainable Marine Futures, CSIRO
Dr Hobday is a world-renowned marine scientist, currently focussing on climate change impacts on biodiversity and fishery resources. He works on developing, prioritizing and testing adaptation options for sustainable use and increasing resilience of oceans. He led development of ecological risk assessment approaches used by governments and other organizations (e.g. FAO, NOAA, MSC) worldwide. He is developing marine heatwave and seasonal ocean forecast systems to improve the productivity of fisheries and aquaculture. His work has influenced marine research in the fields of ecosystem-based fisheries management and climate adaptation. He is frequently contracted and consulted by government agencies and international bodies.
![Gustaaf Hallegraeff Portrait [398334] Copy](/media/rcjhts4v/gustaaf_hallegraeff_portrait_-398334-copy.jpeg?width=120&height=120&v=1dcbb0dd02fba30 "Gustaaf Hallegraeff Portrait [398334] Copy")
Prof Hallegraeff is recognised nationally and internationally for his marine biosecurity work on harmful algal blooms impacting on human health, the fish farm and shellfish industries, their stimulation by coastal eutrophication and global spreading via ship's ballast water. He has published over 140 papers and 8 books, including a stage setting UNESCO Monograph on Oceanographic Methodology on Harmful Marine Microalgae. Working through agencies such as AQIS, BHP, IMO, UNESCO, SCOR and WHO his research has underpinned the development of technologies and monitoring strategies to manage and mitigate the impacts of harmful algal bloom outbreaks, and reduce their translocation via ship's ballast water.
Chief Scientist, Domain Leader Integrated Ocean Stewardship, CSIRO
Dr Elizabeth Fulton is a trailblazer in the sustainable management of marine environments. Her whole-of-system modelling tools are considered world-best by the UN Food and Agricultural Organization.
Beth’s influential doctoral thesis set out the theory and rules for large-scale marine ecosystem modelling. It is required reading for fisheries graduate courses globally. She is acclaimed for developing Atlantis, the first marine systems model to span microbes and nutrient dynamics, through the food web, to human decision-making and management processes.
Beth collaborates widely and is helping to push for greater First Nations involvement in research at CSIRO.
Hailed as a ‘once in a generation scientist and thinker’, Beth advises governments and global institutions. At mid-career, she is already a global leader.
Beth’s influential doctoral thesis set out the theory and rules for large-scale marine ecosystem modelling. It is required reading for fisheries graduate courses globally. She is acclaimed for developing Atlantis, the first marine systems model to span microbes and nutrient dynamics, through the food web, to human decision-making and management processes.
Beth collaborates widely and is helping to push for greater First Nations involvement in research at CSIRO.
Hailed as a ‘once in a generation scientist and thinker’, Beth advises governments and global institutions. At mid-career, she is already a global leader.
