Integrated Marine Observing System - IMOS

Dr Natalia Ribeiro Santos, IMOS Science Officer, recently had the incredible opportunity to serve as the Co-Chief Scientist on the CAPSTAN voyage aboard CSIRO research vessel (RV) Investigator.

Learn more 🔗 bit.ly/4eNwoT6

CSIRO Australian-New Zealand International Scientific Drilling Consortium Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies - IMAS

This World Ocean Day, the global focus is on creating strong Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for our blue planet.

IMOS data has supported the planning and monitoring of State and Commonwealth marine protected areas throughout Australia. In particular, information from the IMOS Acoustic Telemetry Facility has improved understanding of connectivity between MPAs, while the IMOS Benthic Monitoring Facility routinely provide biodiversity data.

Internationally, IMOS information has supported the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) framework for monitoring biodiversity in protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures.

Long-term ocean observations are critical to protecting and managing Australia’s marine ecosystems.

Reflections on 20 years of IMOS.

Two recent podcasts highlight the ways IMOS is advancing our understanding of the Southern Ocean.

On the South Pole podcast, Dr Clive McMahon explains how southern elephant seals are equipped with sensors to collect real-time ocean data in remote and ice-covered regions.

On the ConnectSci podcast, Dr Elizabeth Shadwick discusses the long-running Southern Ocean Time Series south of Tasmania, a deep-ocean observatory revealing how the ocean absorbs and stores heat and carbon.

Together, these conversations showcase the scale, innovation and importance of sustained ocean observations for climate research.

Find them on Apple Podcasts.

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2026 is All In. A call to take action every day through listening, learning and working together in genuine partnership.

Earlier this year, the IMOS team had the privilege of joining a kipli takara Bush Tucker Tour with palawa kipli at piyura kitina / Risdon Cove. It was a valuable opportunity to learn more about palawa history, culture, food and connection to Country.

As we mark National Reconciliation Week, we reflect on the importance of listening, learning and building meaningful relationships through experiences that deepen our understanding of First Nations people.

Thank you to the team at kipli for such a generous and memorable experience.

Reflections on 20 years of IMOS.

The IMOS Animal Tracking Facility are currently working alongside the Crocodile Islands Rangers and Australian Institute of Marine Science scientists to tag olive ridley turtles. The turtles help collect valuable oceanographic measurements, as well as providing vital information about their behaviour and habitat use.

This olive ridley turtle was tagged yesterday at Gurriba Island and named Raya by the Crocodile Islands Rangers, who name the tagged turtles after female family members.

On World Turtle Day, we recognise the importance of collaborative monitoring to help protect this remarkable marine species and the environments they depend on.



Crocodile Islands Rangers Sydney Institute of Marine Science Australian Institute of Marine Science

As IMOS continues sharing stories from its 20th anniversary year, the annual IMOS Southern Ocean Time Series (SOTS) deployment highlights one of the long-term observing capabilities helping underpin global climate science.

Today the team return home after retrieving the mooring and deploying its replacement — a complex operation that, in rough Southern Ocean conditions, is no easy feat!

Learn more 🔗 bit.ly/499AhPg

CSIRO Bureau of Meteorology Australian Antarctic Program Partnership.