It was Moreton Bay EEC's privilege to join SEQUEST, Jacobs Well Environmental Education Centre and special guests from the University of Queensland Marine Science, Griffith Marine and University of the Sunshine Coast, for a knowledge exchange day on the Changing Ocean Program (COP).
COP is an education program that was developed in order to enlighten students with real-world investigation into the dynamic nature of our planet's ocean. Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures (ARMS), developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (N.O.A.A.) and the Smithsonian Institute, are utilised to collect biological data from a variety of marine environments around the world. The biological data is supplemented by abiotic data collected by loggers during the deployment of the ARMS. The long-term monitoring allows for a valuable collection of data for a true evaluation of marine science concepts.
SEQUEST is gathering data on invertebrate species that recruit to locations across Moreton Bay from north (Pumicestone Passage) to south (Gold Coast Broadwater). The aim of collaboration is to connect this data with the wealth of environmental data the Education Centres have been meticulously collecting for years. Discussions centred around variations in methods and type of data captured, data confidence / repository / entry and the potential of citizen science.
What a fabulous opportunity to engage in rich dialogue, compare notes, celebrate progress and brainstorm for the future. And of course, spend time on the EDUCAT out on the beautiful southern waterways. Extreme thanks to Wettenhall Environment Trust who've supported this collaboration! Moreton Bay EEC are thrilled to become involved in the future.