Call for Abstracts

Abstract/ Synopsis

2027 National Oceans & Environment Summit

Marine Environmental Reform, Ocean Protection, Coastal Resilience & Environmental Risk

18–19 May 2027 | Townsville, Queensland

Abstract Submission Deadline: Friday, 26 February 2027

Presented by Oceans & Environment

Invitation to Submit an Abstract

Oceans & Environment is pleased to announce that abstract submissions are now open for the 2027 National Oceans & Environment Summit, bringing together environmental regulators, government agencies, marine scientists, researchers, industry leaders, environmental consultants, coastal engineers and technical specialists from across Australia.

Taking place in Townsville, Queensland, on 18–19 May 2027, the Summit will provide a national interdisciplinary platform for examining the environmental, regulatory, scientific, operational and economic challenges shaping the future of Australia's oceans and coastal environments.

Australia's marine and coastal environments are entering a period of significant change.

Environmental regulatory reforms, increasing pressures on marine ecosystems, emerging contaminants, climate-related coastal hazards, maritime environmental risks and growing infrastructure exposure are creating complex challenges for government, industry and environmental professionals.

At the same time, advances in scientific research, environmental monitoring technologies, marine management and coastal adaptation are providing new opportunities to strengthen environmental protection, improve decision-making and deliver measurable outcomes.

The 2027 Summit seeks to bring these perspectives together, connecting scientific evidence, environmental policy, regulatory responsibilities and practical industry experience.

We invite abstracts that contribute to a deeper understanding of emerging environmental challenges, demonstrate innovative approaches, examine regulatory and operational implications, or present evidence-based solutions relevant to Australia's marine and coastal environments.

Submissions are encouraged from both established experts and emerging professionals, including those whose work bridges traditional disciplinary boundaries.

We particularly welcome contributions that move beyond identifying environmental challenges to examine what is changing, what has been learned, what is working and what practical actions are required.

Summit Themes & Abstract Submission Categories

Abstract submissions are invited across the following themes. These categories are intended to guide submissions and are not exhaustive. Relevant interdisciplinary proposals and emerging issues outside the listed areas will also be considered.

Day 1 — Tuesday, 18 May 2027

Marine Environmental Policy, Ocean Protection, Water Quality, Scientific Innovation & Coastal Environmental Management

Day 1 will examine the evolving environmental policy, scientific and technical landscape affecting Australia's marine ecosystems, waterways and coastal environments.

Submissions are particularly encouraged in the following areas:

1. Environmental Policy, Regulation & Marine Approvals

Australia's environmental reforms and the National EPA.
National Environmental Standards and environmental assessment frameworks.
Marine and coastal development approvals, compliance and environmental accountability.
Australia's Sustainable Ocean Plan and integrated marine governance.
Regulatory challenges, policy implementation and environmental decision-making.

2. Great Barrier Reef Health, Marine Ecosystems & Biodiversity

Coral bleaching, marine heatwaves and reef recovery.
Great Barrier Reef management and climate resilience.
Marine biodiversity protection, threatened species and ecosystem health.
Seagrass, mangroves, coral reefs and coastal habitat restoration.
Scientific approaches to assessing ecosystem recovery and resilience.

3. Water Quality, Catchment Management & Emerging Contaminants

Reef 2050 Catchment Water Quality Strategy and implementation priorities.
Sediment, nutrients and catchment-to-reef pollution pathways.
PFAS, microplastics and emerging marine contaminants.
Industrial discharges, wastewater, stormwater and coastal water quality.
Environmental exposure pathways, ecological risk assessment and monitoring.

4. Ports, Dredging & Marine Environmental Management

Port development, dredging and marine infrastructure.
Sediment disturbance, turbidity and marine habitat impacts.
Environmental impact assessments and cumulative effects.
Marine environmental management plans, monitoring and compliance.
Balancing responsible development with marine ecosystem protection.

5. Environmental Technology, Monitoring & Scientific Innovation

Artificial intelligence and machine learning in environmental assessment.
Remote sensing, satellite observation and environmental modelling.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) and biodiversity monitoring.
Autonomous underwater vehicles, drones and marine monitoring systems.
Translating environmental data into regulatory and operational decisions.

6. Coastal Environmental Planning & Climate Resilience

Coastal erosion, shoreline change and sea-level rise.
Extreme weather, storm surges and coastal hazard assessment.
Climate adaptation and environmental planning frameworks.
Coastal ecosystem resilience and nature-based approaches.
Integration of scientific evidence into long-term coastal management.

Day 2 — Wednesday, 19 May 2027

Coastal Economic Risk, Infrastructure Resilience, Marine Pollution, Environmental Liability & Adaptation Investment

9.00am–2.00pm

Day 2 will examine the financial, environmental, regulatory and operational implications of Australia's changing coastal and maritime risk landscape.

Abstract submissions are encouraged in the following areas:

1. Coastal Economic Exposure & Climate Risk

Economic modelling of sea-level rise and coastal inundation.
Infrastructure and property exposure to coastal hazards.
Financial consequences of storm surges, flooding and shoreline retreat.
Environmental economics, climate risk assessment and adaptation priorities.
Implications of Australia's projected long-term coastal economic losses.

2. Coastal Infrastructure Resilience & Asset Protection

Climate vulnerability of ports, transport networks and coastal infrastructure.
Critical asset protection, infrastructure adaptation and engineering solutions.
Long-term infrastructure planning, maintenance and investment.
Coastal infrastructure risk assessment and resilience strategies.
Practical case studies demonstrating adaptation measures and outcomes.

3. Marine Pollution, Hazardous Substances & Environmental Liability

Oil spill prevention, preparedness and emergency response.
Hazardous and noxious substances transported by sea.
The international HNS Convention and implications for maritime liability.
Environmental incident management and multi-agency coordination.
Pollution containment, environmental monitoring, clean-up and recovery.
Regulatory responsibilities, compensation arrangements and environmental accountability.

4. Coastal Insurance, Financial Liability & Adaptation Funding

Insurance exposure and affordability in vulnerable coastal areas.
Climate-related property risk and financial assessment.
Government, industry and private-sector adaptation responsibilities.
Infrastructure investment and long-term financial risk.
Funding mechanisms and economic considerations for coastal resilience.

5. Coastal Adaptation, Shoreline Protection & Nature-Based Solutions

Coastal protection engineering and shoreline stabilisation.
Beach nourishment, seawalls and living shorelines.
Mangrove restoration and nature-based coastal protection.
Managed retreat, land-use planning and relocation challenges.
Environmental, economic and social considerations in adaptation decisions.

Types of Abstracts encouraged

Oceans & Environment welcomes contributions that demonstrate scientific quality, technical relevance, professional insight and practical application.

We particularly encourage submissions presenting:

Original Scientific Research: New findings, field investigations, modelling, monitoring results and peer-reviewed or emerging research contributing to marine and coastal environmental knowledge.
Environmental Policy & Regulatory Insights: Analysis of environmental reforms, regulatory implementation, compliance challenges, approval processes and environmental governance.
Industry Case Studies & Operational Experience: Practical examples of environmental management, infrastructure projects, pollution prevention, monitoring programs and lessons learned.
Emerging Technologies & Technical Innovation: New monitoring methodologies, environmental assessment tools, remote sensing applications, artificial intelligence and marine technologies.
Environmental Risk & Economic Assessment: Research and applied approaches concerning environmental liability, coastal economic exposure, infrastructure vulnerability and financial risk.
Practical Solutions & Measurable Outcomes: Projects and initiatives demonstrating environmental improvements, risk reduction, ecosystem recovery, infrastructure resilience or successful adaptation.
Interdisciplinary & Collaborative Approaches: Initiatives bringing together government, researchers, Traditional Owners, industry and environmental practitioners to address shared challenges.
Presentations that critically evaluate challenges, unsuccessful approaches or lessons learned are also encouraged where they provide valuable evidence and practical insights.

The Summit places particular emphasis on presentations that connect research, policy or technical expertise with real-world environmental management and decision-making.

Who is invited to submit?

Abstract submissions are welcomed from professionals and organisations working across Australia's marine, coastal and environmental sectors, including:

Federal, state and local government agencies.
Environmental regulators and policy authorities.
Marine scientists, researchers and academic institutions.
Universities, research centres and scientific organisations.
Port authorities, shipping and maritime operators.
Environmental consultants and ecological specialists.
Coastal, civil, marine and environmental engineers.
Water quality, catchment and natural resource management professionals.
Infrastructure owners, developers and asset managers.
Maritime safety, emergency management and pollution response specialists.
Climate risk, environmental economics, insurance and investment professionals.
Traditional Owner organisations and Sea Country management groups.
Environmental technology developers and technical service providers.
Emerging researchers and early-career environmental professionals.

Submissions from interdisciplinary teams and collaborative projects are particularly encouraged.

Abstract Preparation & Submission Guidelines

To assist with the review process, abstracts should provide a clear, professional summary of the proposed presentation and its relevance to the Summit.

Recommended abstract length: 250–400 words.

Abstracts should include:

Presentation Title: A concise, informative title reflecting the principal subject and focus of the proposed presentation.

Presenter Details: Name, position, organisation and relevant professional affiliation.

Background & Context: An introduction to the environmental, scientific, regulatory or industry issue being addressed.

Objectives & Approach: The purpose of the research, project, technical investigation, policy analysis or case study, including the methodology or approach where applicable.

Key Findings, Insights or Outcomes: A summary of relevant results, emerging evidence, operational experience, technical developments or lessons learned.

Practical Relevance: An explanation of how the presentation contributes to environmental management, regulatory understanding, scientific knowledge, industry practice or informed decision-making.

Summit Theme Alignment: Identification of the most relevant Day 1 or Day 2 theme.

Where research or projects are ongoing, presenters should clearly distinguish established findings from anticipated outcomes.

Submissions should be written in clear professional language and be accessible to an interdisciplinary audience.

Presentations should prioritise educational, scientific, technical and professional content rather than direct commercial promotion.

Abstract Review & Selection

All submissions will be reviewed by the Summit organising team, with specialist input sought where appropriate.

Abstracts will be considered against the following criteria:

Relevance to the Summit themes and objectives.
Scientific, technical, regulatory or professional merit.
Significance and currency of the issue being addressed.
Quality, clarity and substance of the proposed presentation.
Practical relevance and value to Summit attendees.
Evidence of meaningful findings, outcomes or lessons learned.
Contribution to a balanced and interdisciplinary conference program.
Availability of presentation opportunities within the final program.
Priority may be given to submissions offering original research, significant regulatory insights, emerging environmental evidence, practical case studies or demonstrable environmental outcomes.
Acceptance will be subject to program requirements and available presentation capacity.

Oceans & Environment reserves the right to recommend adjustments to presentation titles, scope or session placement to ensure alignment with the overall Summit program.

Important Dates

Abstract Submissions Open: 19th October 2026

Abstract Submission Deadline: Friday, 26 February 2027

Anticipated Notification of Outcomes: Friday, 12 March 2027

Summit Dates: Tuesday, 18 May and Wednesday, 19 May 2027

Location: Townsville, Queensland, Australia

Presenters are encouraged to submit well before the closing date to allow sufficient time for review and program planning.

Information for Prospective Presenters

The 2027 National Oceans & Environment Summit is an in-person professional event designed to encourage meaningful engagement between researchers, government representatives, environmental regulators and industry professionals.

Successful abstract submissions will be considered for inclusion in the formal Summit program.

The final presentation format, allocated duration and scheduling will be confirmed following the review process.

Presenters should be prepared to communicate their research, findings or professional experience to an interdisciplinary audience that may include specialists from scientific, regulatory, engineering, operational and commercial backgrounds.

Presentations should be evidence-based, relevant to the Summit themes and focused on providing educational or professional value to attendees.

Presenter registration requirements, presentation conditions and any applicable fees will be provided as part of the formal acceptance process.

Travel and accommodation arrangements will remain the responsibility of presenters unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Why Present at the 2027 National Oceans & Environment Summit?

Presenting at the Summit provides an opportunity to contribute to an important national discussion concerning the future of Australia's marine and coastal environments.

Successful presenters will have the opportunity to:

Share research, scientific evidence and professional expertise with a multidisciplinary national audience.
Contribute to discussions concerning environmental regulation, marine protection, coastal resilience and emerging risks.
Demonstrate practical projects, technical innovations and evidence-based environmental management approaches.
Connect with government agencies, environmental regulators, industry leaders, researchers and technical professionals.
Encourage collaboration between science, policy, environmental management and industry.
Raise awareness of emerging environmental challenges and the solutions required to address them.
Contribute to the professional exchange of knowledge that supports informed environmental decisions and measurable outcomes.

The Summit offers a platform for specialists whose work contributes to environmental protection, responsible development, climate adaptation, scientific advancement and long-term coastal sustainability.

Be Part of the National Conversation

Australia's oceans and coastal environments face environmental, economic and regulatory challenges that extend across traditional industry and professional boundaries.

Marine ecosystem protection, environmental regulation, pollution management, infrastructure resilience and climate adaptation cannot be addressed effectively by any single discipline or organisation.

They require credible scientific evidence, informed government policy, responsible industry practices, effective regulatory frameworks, strategic investment and meaningful collaboration.

The 2027 National Oceans & Environment Summit aims to connect the people, research, policy developments and practical expertise needed to respond to these challenges.

We invite researchers, regulators, government representatives, industry specialists and environmental professionals to contribute to this important national exchange of knowledge.

Whether your work involves advancing marine science, strengthening environmental compliance, developing monitoring technologies, managing coastal infrastructure, assessing environmental risk or implementing practical environmental solutions, we encourage you to submit an abstract.

Help shape the conversations, research priorities and practical responses that will influence the future of Australia's marine and coastal environments.

Submit your Abstract

Abstract submissions close Friday, 26 February 2027.

2027 National Oceans & Environment Summit

18–19 May 2027 | Townsville, Queensland

Abstracts now Open | Summit Registrations Available for 1 or both days

Abstract Presenters — Non-Commercial Presentations

A discounted registration fee of $450per person applies to accepted abstract presenters delivering non-commercial, educational, scientific, research or technical presentations.

Government representatives are exempt from this fee, but must nominate a replacement representative in the unforeseen circumstance that they no longer can present, at the time of booking

Presenter registration and payment are required to confirm inclusion in the Summit program, unless an exemption has been approved by the organisers.

Email : oceansandenvironment@jazcorpaustralia.com.au