Darwin, 3-4 September 2013
Welcome to the first North Australia Coastal Science Symposium!
Charles Darwin University and the Australian Institute of Marine Science conduct high-quality social
and biophysical research on coastal systems, including freshwater, estuarine and marine
environments, across Northern Australia. Both institutions have strong track records in delivering
evidence-based input to Government policy/planning and commercial coastal operations. However,
the roles of research and teaching institutions are evolving as Australia redefines its role in a rapidly
changing Asia.
The goal of this symposium is to acquaint new and established researchers with current capabilities
and coastal science activities of CDU and AIMS relevant to Northern Australia. In doing so, the
symposium aims to provide a valuable forum for discussion of the past and future of integrated
coastal science in Northern Australia, further strengthening links between CDU and AIMS.
Speakers are challenged to reflect on the evolution of their fields and share their vision for inspired,
strategic research in the North.
Keynote speakers are challenged to broadly:
- reflect on lessons learned from their past coastal science research activities and experiences;
- discuss how their field of expertise has evolved during their career; and,
- share their vision of the most useful future research directions for CDU and AIMS.
Researchers are asked to be more specific by:
- outlining a key research project and its progress to date;
- describing how they see their work addressing key issues of policy/planning relevant to
Northern Australia; and,
- outline opportunities in (and risks to) their future careers in Northern Australia, within the
context of the strategic directions of CDU and AIMS.
We hope you enjoy the symposium and look forward to seeing lots of co-authored papers!
DAY 1 – Mal Nairn Theatre (CDU Building Red 7) & ATRF/NARU (located to the north of CDU Blue Precinct)
0800 – 0830
Registration and coffee in Mal Nairn foyer
0830 – 0845

Welcome to CDU by Sue Carthew
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Engineering, Health, Science and the Environment.
0845-0930
 AIMS & CDU research capacity (15 min each, incl. questions)
o Andrew Campbell (CDU)
o Ruth Wallace (CDU)
o Jamie Oliver (AIMS)
0930 – 1030
 Ecological dynamics: productivity and connectivity from catchments to coasts
o Michael Douglas (CDU; 25 min incl. Qs)
o Miles Furnas (AIMS; 25 min incl. Qs)
1030 – 1100
Morning tea
1100 – 1200
 The coastal setting: physical framework for social-ecological systems
o Mike Miloshis (CDU; 15 min incl. Qs)
o David Blondeau-Patissier (CDU; 15 min incl. Qs)
o Dan Alongi (AIMS; 25 min incl. Qs) – unable to attend
1200 – 1300
Buffet Lunch (and Poster Session) at ATRF Staff Lounge & Patio
1300 – 1400 ARTF & NARU (including report back session of 15 min in Mal Nairn Theatre)
 Break-out session I: where have we been; where are we going?
o Where are we on the timeline/trajectory of development of Northern Australia? Is the North
really relatively pristine?
o What role can/should CDU and AIMS researchers play in future management and governance of
coastal ecosystems across Northern Australia
1400 – 1500
 Human dimensions: knowledge systems, society and sovereignty
o Natasha Stacey (CDU; 25 min incl. Qs)
o Linda Ford (CDU; 15 min incl. audience discussion)
o Paul Carter (CDU; 15 min incl. Qs – possibly via video link)
1500 – 1600
 Shifting baselines I: development & the coastal environment
o Neils Munksgaard (CDU; 25 min incl. Qs)
o Andrew Negri (AIMS; 25 min incl. Qs)
1800 – onwards
Casual dinner & drinks: Darwin Sailing Club
DAY 2 – half day hosted by The Northern Institute (CDU Building Yellow 1, level 2)
0800 –0830
Morning meet
0830 – 0900
 Ian Poiner (former AIMS CEO) plenary session
0900 – 1000
 Shifting baselines II: climate change in Northern Australia
o Lindsay Hutley & Clint Cameron (CDU; 25 min incl. Qs)
o Claire Streton-Joyce & Tiffanie Nelson (AIMS; 15 min incl. Qs)
o Sven Uthicke (AIMS; 15 min incl. Qs)
1000 – 1100
 Conservation planning & environmental decision-making
o Britta Schaffelke (AIMS; 25 min incl. Qs)
o Vanessa Adams (CDU; 15 min incl. Qs)
o Stephen Garnett (CDU; 15 min incl. Qs)
1100 – 1130
Morning tea
1130 – 1230 (including report back session of 15 min)
 Break-out session II: finding the sweet spots of research collaboration
o What are some potential ways in which CDU and AIMS could collaborate more fully; in terms of
research capacity, future projects & communication?
o What could we achieve together that we couldn’t alone?
o Models for sharing of core infrastructure, approaches to building essential human capability,
building linkages with key international centres of excellence.
o Options for full or part-time colocation of key program staff.
o Employing savings from shared use of infrastructure etc. to support enhanced science investment
1230 – 1245
 Ed Butler wrap-up and future plans
1245
Lunch