Oceanographic intelligence: Lowering risk, enabling growth
SARDI nationally recognised for its cutting-edge ocean observing systems
South Australia’s seafood industry – globally renowned for premium products like Southern Bluefin Tuna and Rock Lobster – depends not just on clean waters, but on a deep understanding of our marine environment. At the centre of that understanding is the South Australian Research and Development Institute’s (SARDI) oceanography capability.
For more than two decades, SARDI has built a nationally recognised program combining cutting-edge ocean observing systems with advanced, high-resolution modelling. This work is led by a dedicated team based at the South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre and supports the state’s contribution to the national Integrated Marine Observing System, or IMOS, unlocking new insights into the role of oceans on climate, ecosystems and seafood.
Modelling giving real-time insight
SARDI scientists deploy ocean gliders, moorings, and smart buoys that measure key variables like temperature, salinity, plankton and currents – giving us real-time insight into the health and behaviour of our coastal waters. But the real value lies in the models.
These tools simulate how water moves, how waste disperses, how fish larvae drift, and how environmental changes unfold. They’ve been vital in planning aquaculture zones, tracking algal blooms, expanding tuna farming, and guiding approvals for major infrastructure like the Northern Water Supply and desalination projects. This is science that lowers risk, builds investor confidence, and enables growth – all while protecting the marine environment.
SARDI oceanography supports fisheries science, helping us understand spawning zones and recruitment for species like sardines and snapper, supporting sustainable harvests. It also underpins work on marine biodiversity, animal health, and even biosecurity, modelling the potential spread of marine pests or pathogens.
Importantly, it also connects ocean science with agriculture – helping forecast climate-driven events like marine heatwaves or drought and rainfall events that affect both land and sea.
Oceanography intelligence driving blue carbon opportunities
SARDI’s capability is essential to enabling blue carbon opportunities, assessing ocean-driven emissions, and identifying climate-smart investments in seaweed farming and carbon capture.
Industry partners and government agencies rely on this science for environmental approvals, emergency response, and long-term planning. And as climate variability increases, this capability will play a growing role in de-risking new ventures and securing sustainable marine development.
With vast and diverse blue carbon ecosystems in South Australia covering more than one million hectares across 5,000km of the state’s coastline, SARDI plays a key role in protecting and restoring these habitats through leading research and development, informing policies and projects that support blue carbon opportunities.
More than just research
SARDI’s oceanography capability is not just research – it’s an asset that gives us the evidence, foresight, and tools to sustainably grow our seafood industry, protect our marine environment, and lead in the development of a resilient, innovation-driven blue economy.