ACRN 2024 Symposium

#ACRN2024

Nature repair of Australasian marine and coastal ecosystems

Dates: 28-29th May and field trip on Thursday 30th May

Location: Messel Lecture Theatre, Sydney Nanoscience Hub (A31), The University of Sydney, Physics Road, Camperdown NSW Australia

Approaches and methodologies

Restoration science is continuously changing, and new approaches, methods and tools are required. Advances to the field are made as we consider restoration from new perspectives, learning from previous project and other disciplines. Similarly, novel methods and tools (often rapidly and/or more cost effectively) are required to generate data and test if techniques are successful. This theme includes talks discussing on-ground restoration techniques to tools for managing restoration projects.

Case studies and experiments

Well planned and developed experimental studies are needed to inform future restoration projects. This theme includes case studies from a range of different habitats, and to direct the potential outcomes of restoration success.

Indigenous perspectives

Traditional Owners have had a connection to Sea Country for tens of thousands of years. Living with a strong sense of stewardship of sea and land, recognition and understanding of indigenous perspectives will enhance restoration and conservation of coastal habitats. This theme includes restoration studies that have been co-designed with Traditional Owners and present important indigenous perspectives as well as challenges.

Lessons learned and ways forward

Not all restoration projects are success stories. ACRN provides a forum for practitioners to share their knowledge and advice, so mistakes are not repeated. We can learn from our experiences and propose ways forward for future successful restoration. This theme covers lessons learned from specific habitats, but they will be useful in all habitats.

Long term studies and outcomes

Many restoration projects that have been developed over the years. There is uncertainty as to how long a project should be monitored until it is determined to be successful. ACRN has been on the journey together with many of the projects, it will be exciting to find out where they are now. This theme will share insights from long-term projects and how they may shape the trajectory of future outcomes.

Restoration challenges and solutions

There are challenges that many will be faced when working in the restoration space. This theme will introduce some new challenges, provide some potential solutions, and instigate further discussions. It is hoped that there are ideas and solutions that will help future restoration projects and ACRN grow in the future.

Socio ecological integration and impact

Gaining social license is essential for the success of all restoration projects. This can be done through engagement and consultation whereas others are led by community groups. Restoration is often considered through an entirely ecological lens, particularly the goals and measures of success. For restoration to be truly successful, however, we must also integrate socio-ecological perspectives.

Marine and Coastal Nature Repair Workshop

¼ day workshop, Wednesday 29th May

Based on feedback from the 2023 symposium we offered a ¼ day workshop session on the second day of the 2024 symposium – providing attendees the opportunity to engage in active discussions.

The workshop aimed to consolidate the information that is needed to plan programs of investment into nature repair in marine and coastal habitats in Australia.

The workshop’s outcomes contributed to the project “An Ecological Knowledge System (EKS) for the Nature Repair Market.” (https://www.csiro.au/en/research/natural-environment/natural-resources/natural-capital-accounting/ecological-knowledge-system ). The project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to CSIRO and was intended to deliver information for use by participants in the nature repair market and others interested in enhancing and protecting biodiversity.

Participation in the workshop session was optional and could be withdrawn at any time.

Field trip

Thursday 30th May (08:30 - 12:00 noon)

3-hour private charter visiting restoration sites around Sydney Harbour.

08:30 am - Meet at Circular Quay, for 9:00 am departure

Introduction to Sea Country
Kirribilli - Volvo Living Seawalls, investigation of ecosystem functioning
Balmain - Living Seawalls
Chowder Bay - Seahorse Project and SIMS
Watsons Bay - Impacted site that needs restoration and future Project Restore seascape restoration
Quarantine - Seascapes including intertidal mosaics
Opera House - Fish Pods

12:00 - Disembark the Mari Nawi (Big Canoe)