Marine Waters

WA researchers recently travelled 2,600 km to Christmas Island to check for aquatic pests, as part of an agreement between the Australian Government and DPIRD.

The marine pest biosecurity team conducted SCUBA, snorkelling and shoreline surveys, looking at structures such as jetties, moorings, chains and buoys, as well as the natural substrate.

The great news is that initial results showed no detections of invasive species of concern.

Click on the link in the comments to learn more about the unique marine life in the Indian Ocean Territories, with our FREE Marine Waters educational resources.

For more details about the survey, check the link to the media release.

A rare endemic pygmy perch, previously thought to be extinct north of Margaret River, has been a surprise find in the Perth hills.

Balston’s Pygmy Perch (Nannatherina balstoni) is a relatively large freshwater pygmy perch which grows up to 9 cm long, usually only found in the extreme southwest corner of WA.

Members of the Bibbul Ngarma Aboriginal Association took eDNA samples 3 years ago as part of a program to assess and restore the health of Mandoon Bilya (Helena River). Genetic material (DNA) from the perch was found in their study, showing that they were present in the environment.

A recent survey by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation confirmed the discovery, when the fish were found not only to be present, but thriving!

Read more about the Bibbul Ngarma Aboriginal Association’s discovery in the post below, or from the link in comments.

70% of the Earth is covered in water. The oceans regulate our climate, contain 80% of the worlds biodiversity and provide oxygen for every second breath we take. The oceans also provide food, and livelihoods for millions around the world.

The action theme for today, World Ocean Day 2026, is ‘Strong Marine Protected Areas for Our blue Planet.’

What action can you take to protect our oceans?

🌊 Teach and learn about the ocean; visit Marine Waters website for FREE educational resources; or Saltwater Schools for their MSC education program.

🌊 Cook and eat only sustainable seafood – look for the MSC blue fish tick. www.msc.org

For more World Ocean Day resources, events you can join or ways to take action, visit worldoceanday.org

Here’s a World Ocean Day quiz to get you thinking – can you name Earth's five oceans? (Go on, have a try then check your answer in the comments. 😉)

This years World Environment Day theme is straight forward – ‘Climate Action’.

Not only tomorrow, 5 June, but every day, we all need to step up and help create a more sustainable future by taking action to repair and protect our Earth. 🌏

Reduce your use, pick up some rubbish, plant a tree, or donate to an important environmental cause. Make everyday World Environment Day. 🏝️🚮🌱

All in – two little words which can mean so much. ‘All In’ is the theme for National Reconciliation Week 2026, a call to commit to reconciliation every day.

is the 25th anniversary of this important time, held every year from 27 May to 3 June.

Just like the ocean, where everything plays its part in a healthy ecosystem, people from all walks of life can work together to create a better world.

This years artwork, Gaagal, is by Otis Hope Carey, whose paintings connect to water. Gaagal means ‘ocean’ and is a totemic emblem of the saltwater and freshwater Gumbaynggirr people.

Visit reconciliation.org.au for more about .

Applications are open now for ‘Storm Chasers’, an amazing new community volunteering opportunity hosted by AQWA.

From mid-July to September 2026, volunteers will learn to become a coastal custodian, with the program providing knowledge of the plants and animals found on our metropolitan beaches during the weekly expeditions.

Storm Chasers who are passionate about the environment will also gain basic marine studies skills from the in-field experiences which include cataloguing, surveying, sampling and wildlife watches.

Interested? Apply now, link in first comment. Applications close 5 June 2026.

Great to see some future Marine Scientists in this group of Year 10 students we worked with recently!

For free marine-themed educational resources to support your classes’ learning, visit marinewaters.fish.wa.gov.au

WA researchers are using thermal imaging to learn more about humpback whale migration, using the distinct thermal signature of their ‘blows’. 🐳

The Working for Whales project aims to refine how we protect migrating humpbacks to mitigate potential entanglements with fishing gear. 🪢

The camera is currently located at Leeuwin Lighthouse for the northern whale migration season, to help determine the peak migration movements of whales heading both north and south. 📹

To learn more about this project, read the DPIRD media release - link in first comment.