Page 47 – ECOS

The changing life of Antarctica’s ice-free ‘islands’

Warmer temperatures mean more ice-free areas and increasing terrestrial habitat in Antarctica, but that’s not necessarily good news for Antarctic natives.

Where science and nations united over oceans

Our ‘blue planet’ is made up of one continuous ocean, not five separate oceans. The first UN Ocean Conference broke down barriers between developed and developing nations, science and government, government and the private sector, and corporate and community interests. Here's a ringside insight into what it all means.

Science narrows the net on illegal fishing

Approximately 25 per cent of Australian fish is thought to be mislabelled and up to one third of fish in US markets is illegally caught. Fishing vessels might think they're invisible in the vast ocean, but a new system can profile suspicious activity and alert authorities as they come into port.

Drowning in litter

CSIRO is taking on the world’s largest marine pollution survey, working with countries across the globe by using science to reduce the amount of litter entering our oceans.

Arid springs: the hidden evolutionary cradles of Outback Australia

At the Edgbaston springs in Central Queensland, a precarious ecosystem unknown to science until 25 years ago, scientists are uncovering a treasure trove of species found nowhere else on the planet. Together with the springs ecosystems in other arid areas of the Great Artesian Basin, these species are revealing a fascinating evolutionary tale.

Native Australian bees hone in on the prize

Native Australian bees have taken out the prize for Small Publishers' Adult Book of the Year at the 2017 Australian book awards - with some thanks to former CSIRO entomologist Tim Heard.

Reclaiming our rivers from feral carp

Five years ago, ECOS reported on new research investigating the potential for a biological control to manage the problem of carp in the Murray-Darling river system. The ongoing research is now part of a $15m national plan.

Managing carbon emissions in Kenya

Using the same methodology used in Australia's greenhouse gas emissions accounting system, Kenya is now keeping track of its carbon emissions and leading the way in Africa.

Maybe we can, but should we? Deciding whether to bring back extinct species

De-extinction is closer to reality than you think. 'Decision science' can help examine the feasibility of bringing species back and likely impact on existing environmental and species management programs, and help answer those nagging questions: 'Because we can, does it mean we should?', and 'what happens if we do?'