Environmental monitoring

Earth Observation images show the mouth of the Clarence River before the flood on February 9 (left) and after, on March 3, with a sediment plume calculated to be 10km extending well off the coast into the Tasman Sea. Credit: European Union. Modified data from Copernicus Sentinel-2, processed with the Sentinel Hub EO Browser.

Using satellite data to unlock water quality knowledge

Data cubes built using decades of satellite images reveal how the quality of estuarine and coastal waters changes after weather events, and over time.

The International Space Station was orbiting above the Northern Territory of Australia when this photograph was taken of the Gulf of Carpentaria including (from bottom left to right) the Pellew Islands, Wellesley Islands and South Wellesley Islands. One of the station's main solar arrays drapes the left side of this photograph.

Monitoring our vast and varied coasts

Human advancement is testing the resilience of our coasts, from the molecular level to the planetary. CSIRO's technologies are helping manage our changing coasts.

Trees in a desert, where there is evidence of resprouting and regrowth.

Helping nature adapt to climate change

How is the science of ecology helping our ecosystems adapt to climate change and other human pressures? ECOS put the question to Dr Suzanne Prober, leader of CSIRO’s Adaptive Ecosystem Management team.

Sunrise over a field of canola

A green and gold standard for Aussie-grown food

Overseas demand for more sustainable food is a high value opportunity for Australian agribusinesses. Research is looking at how we can capture that opportunity.

Researchers at Heron Island

Sea-lebrating coral restoration efforts

Our researchers have been on the larvae lookout of the coral kind on the Great Barrier Reef to trial new, innovative techniques to restore damaged parts of the Reef.

Aerial image of south-western Victoria. A red dot shows Cobden and there is a trail of smoke blowing to the west.

Forecasting smoke from a forty-day fire

In recent years there has been an increase in the occurrence of peat fires. Smoke from these events can significantly impact surrounding communities due to the health risks associated with prolonged poor air quality. Using an air quality forecasting system (AQFx), CSIRO researchers are helping authorities to minimise this impact.

white sharkunderwater water with sunlight coming through the water

Australian white sharks follow pathways etched in the seafloor

Extensive tracking of the southern-western white shark population has revealed epic oceanic excursions, including a 12,240 km return trip to sub-Antarctic waters.

Using today’s ocean observations to unlock tomorrow’s climate

As Australia comes to grips with the devastating COVID-19 global pandemic, it’s possible to forget that only six months ago […]

Satellite image over the Great Barrier Reef showing reef structures

Using satellite imagery to detect and map oil spills along Australia’s coastline

Detection of oil spills using state of the art satellite imagery will support Australian environmental agencies to manage and protect the Great Barrier Reef, and other Australian marine regions.