Technologies Towards Aquatic Ecosystem Damage Prevention

In 2025, the University of Newcastle developed research methods and collaborative technologies to identify and reduce risks to aquatic ecosystems. Its projects addressed wastewater outfalls, underwater noise and sensitive coastal habitats, helping coastal managers and maritime industries make better-informed decisions.

Research and industry engagement in 2025

Advanced monitoring for coastal wastewater ocean outfalls

During 2025, the University worked with Central Coast Council to design a best-practice monitoring programme for three licensed coastal wastewater ocean outfalls. As documented in the 2024–2025 Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources Annual Report, the research team led by Associate Professor Troy Gaston brought together expertise in ecotoxicology, microbial source tracking, water-quality testing and assessment of seabed habitats and biological communities.

The proposed monitoring approach integrates remote sensing, underwater cameras, contaminant testing and environmental DNA (eDNA) assessment to understand how treated effluent interacts with marine ecosystems. Designed to meet regulatory requirements, the programme will help Council recognise potential risks to marine life, track changes in the receiving environment and make informed decisions about wastewater infrastructure. The University contributed to the programme’s design during the reporting period; seasonal field surveys subsequently commenced in January 2026, as described in the 2026 project update.

^{Norah Head ocean outfall is one of the locations included in the research program.}

Underwater acoustic monitoring to inform marine management

University researchers also investigated the environmental implications of human-generated underwater noise, an emerging consideration for shipping, boating and marine park management. In 2025, University of Newcastle researcher Brittney Valenzisi, with Dr Megan Huggett, Associate Professor Troy Gaston and collaborators, published research using passive acoustic monitoring to compare the soundscapes of protected and open zones in the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park. The researchers analysed hydrophone recordings collected in April–May 2023, identifying contributions from vessels alongside natural and biological sound sources.

The work demonstrated how non-invasive acoustic surveys can reveal where vessel activity changes underwater soundscapes and help marine managers target further investigation, set monitoring priorities and consider potential noise impacts on wildlife. The research informs future noise-reduction measures rather than documenting measures implemented in 2025.

Earth-observation tools for coastal ecosystem protection

In 2025, University of Newcastle researcher Dr Christopher Owers and collaborators published a national-scale mapping study of blue-carbon ecosystems in Papua New Guinea. The work used satellite Earth-observation data and a consistent land-cover classification framework to map mangroves, saltmarsh, seagrass and coastal swamp forests, alongside estimates of stored carbon.

Reliable coastal habitat maps can help government agencies and coastal industries identify environmentally sensitive areas, plan activity more carefully and evaluate conservation or restoration priorities. This mapping provides a planning and monitoring technology rather than evidence that a particular marine industry adopted it in 2025.

Related technologies and earlier industry collaboration

Hybrid-electric marine propulsion

The University’s earlier collaboration with Ampcontrol and Steber International developed hybrid-electric marine propulsion technologies that offer electric operating modes, improved energy efficiency and reduced vessel acoustic signatures. The University research profile documents a hybrid-boat prototype and earlier river trials, and identifies ongoing collaboration with equipment manufacturers. The technology illustrates a practical pathway for the maritime sector to reduce fuel-related emissions and operating noise; it is retained here as historical industry-engagement context rather than a newly completed 2025 outcome.

By combining applied monitoring programmes, environmental sensing and industry-focused research, the University is helping build the knowledge and technologies needed to prevent avoidable damage to aquatic ecosystems. Its work supports more informed decisions about marine discharges, vessel impacts and the protection of sensitive coastal habitats.