How we measure our impact for SDG14

Sustainable Development Goals at our University

In 2019, we signed the University Commitment which recognises the significant scope of work needed to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the important role university communities play in reaching these goals. We are committed to sustainability for ourselves, our surrounding communities, and the world.

The SDGs offer a shared framework for all levels of government, businesses, community groups and education organisations to prioritise action between 2015 to 2030, across environmental, socio-cultural and economic sustainability.

How we measure our impact for the SDGs

We use the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings (previously Impact Rankings) and other frameworks, such as the Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System (STARS), to measure our progress towards sustainability. The THE Impact Ratings aim to evaluate university performance in relation to the SDGs.

SDG14 Life Below Water

14 Life Below Water Life Below Water aims to conserve and preserve our oceans and their resources. This requires an interdisciplinary approach and involves the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture; reduction of ocean waste and pollution (including from land activities); blue and green economies; mitigation, adaptation and management of the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification; protection and restoration of marine and coastal environments; management of sustainable coastal and marine tourism; and national and international laws relating to marine systems.

The University offers a range of courses and research opportunities that leverages off the unique position of our island, our surrounding waters, the Southern Ocean and beyond. We have an interdisciplinary University research theme of Antarctic and Southern Ocean that aims to establish a national institute for Antarctic and Southern Ocean science and position ourselves as a model for the world. We partner with Indigenous knowledge holders to integrate Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and culture into emerging marine and freshwater management practices and to enhance the biodiversity and environmental health of Tasmania. The University aims to minimise ocean waste and pollution, including plastics and carbon emissions in all our activities.

Go to our Life Below Water page

Supporting aquatic ecosystems through education

Fresh-water ecosystems (community outreach)

The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) is a specialist institute at the University of Tasmania with a mandate to deliver research, industry development and education for the agri-food industry of Tasmania. TIA offers community outreach programs on water irrigation practices and water management as part of their normal activities. Some relevant examples are:

The Water Use Efficiency program (2024-2025), which offers free online education resources and events aimed to the local and regional community (specifically Tasmanian producers) to learn more about how to improve water use efficiency on farms. By exploring ways to use water efficiently on-farm and adopting best-practice water management practices, producers can build resilience to the increased risks of climate change. Resources and events are free and open to the public, and cover topics such as irrigation maintenance and performance, optimising irrigation, such as on-farm water storage.
The Field Days program (ongoing) is a TIA flagship educational program, a free annual event conducted in their dairy and vegetable farms, which covers various topics including water irrigation practices and water management. Field Days include short research updates with opportunities for attendees to ask questions, a Q&A with local growers, networking opportunities at an industry expo, and an opportunity to walk around the farm to view current trials. In 2025, TIA researchers outlined early findings from the Growing value from irrigation for Tasmanian agriculture project, focusing on how irrigation investment contributes to agricultural output, farm profitability, and regional economic value. We discussed evidence from statewide irrigation schemes and farm-level studies showing how reliable water underpins high-value vegetable, dairy, and horticultural production, while also highlighting the importance of water use efficiency, soil management, and effective scheduling to maximise returns. The talk emphasised that irrigation delivers its greatest value when supported by sound management, appropriate technology, and climate-resilient practices, and it sparked strong discussion with growers, agronomists, researchers, and industry representatives about practical strategies for getting more value from irrigation in Tasmanian farming systems

The University also offers degrees and units that address water irrigation practices, water management/conservation. For example:

The Master of Agriculture and Food Sciences (Specialisation) provides graduates with advanced contemporary knowledge in agricultural and food sciences. The course has a practical experience component involving tasks like monitoring farm water usage, exploring innovative irrigation systems and technology, or gaining hands-on experience in dairy farm operations.
The Agricultural Technology and Innovation unit is a postgraduate unit that explores theoretical and practical technologies and innovations applicable to agricultural production systems. These technologies and innovations address current productivity and sustainability challenges and include topics such as technologies and innovations for precision farming and irrigation management.

Sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and tourism (community outreach)

The University of Tasmania offers various educational community outreach programs and opportunities to the local and national communities in relation to sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and tourism. Some relevant 2025 examples include:

Sea Change Australia Program (2024 – ongoing), through the University’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) and Centre for Marine Socioecology (CMS) has partnered with state and national government and other agencies around Australia to bring together fishers, aquaculture producers, industry, managers, and researchers to facilitate knowledge exchange and co-develop climate-resilient options for sustainable and healthy fisheries and aquaculture sectors in Australia. Sea Change Australia creates opportunities for people across the seafood sector — including fishers, aquaculture operators, industry, researchers, and managers — to ask questions about climate change. Community questions are collected, sorted, and answered by experts. The most common or important questions are addressed through a mix of in-person and digital formats — such as forums, industry events, roadshows, videos, and articles — tailored to each region or sector. The program also offers free access to information and resources relevant to the seafood sector. For example, community members can access a tool for adaptation of fisheries management to ensure sustainable fisheries in the face of climate change.
The Centre for Marine Socioecology (CMS) is a unique collaboration between the University of Tasmania and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), with support from the Australian Antarctic Division. CMS was created to provide the knowledge needed to support informed and sustainable management of multiple uses in marine and coastal systems such as food production (including sustainable fisheries and aquaculture). CMS organises and/or participates in educational community outreach activities, including seminars, webinars, workshops and other activities. Some 2025 examples include:
- Rethinking small-scale fisheries: people, culture, and sustainability (seminar)
- Big Fish documentary (film screening and Q&A session)
The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) contributes to the people and place of Tasmania and beyond, and covers fisheries and aquaculture, ecology and biodiversity, and oceans and cryosphere. IMAS believes in community engagement and opportunity, as they work to improve the marine environments of our local, national and international communities. IMAS is involved in many community events around Tasmania, including school engagement programs, events and citizen science. These initiatives have an educational component, with many covering sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. For example, in 2025 and 2026, IMAS hosted an exhibition open to the public to encourage the local community to turn their passion for the sea into global impact through fisheries and aquaculture science studies.
The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), In partnership with HX Expeditions, has developed a world-first educational program for Antarctic tourists – the Antarctic Education Program (2024-ongoing). The program provides participants with learning opportunities focused on Antarctic science, wildlife, governance, history and responsible tourism practices, helping visitors understand their environmental responsibilities and become advocates for conservation. The program was expanded for the 2025-2026 season and includes a free introductory online Antarctic course available to expedition travellers, and an extended accredited course delivered through the University of Tasmania that provides deeper learning on Antarctic sustainability and stewardship. The initiative aims to build environmental awareness, promote sustainable tourism practices and strengthen public understanding of the challenges facing Antarctic ecosystems. As the partnership evolves, introductory short courses for other HX destinations will be developed, starting with the Arctic in 2026.

The University also offers degrees and units that address sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism. For example:

The Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science is a distinctive, interdisciplinary degree that will prepare students to understand and address some of the most pressing challenges facing our oceans and polar regions. Majors span biological, physical, and social sciences, including sustainable aquaculture, and sustainable fisheries.
Though the Sustainable Aquaculture specialisation, students engage directly with the industry through a work placement unit. This unit is designed to develop aquaculture, fisheries, coastal management, and marine conservation skills, and gain an appreciation of the work environment.
The University also offers a postgraduate unit on Sustainable Tourism Development, which provides students with an in-depth understanding of the principles and challenges of sustainable tourism. The unit explores the relationship between tourism and sustainable development, examines the application of sustainable tourism in practice, and critically reviews government policies, indicators, benchmarks and assessment tools used to guide sustainable tourism management.

Overfishing (community outreach)

The University offers free and paid educational outreach activities for local or national communities to raise awareness about overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices.

A key example is the Tuna Champions program (2019 – ongoing), an initiative of the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation in collaboration with the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies at the University of Tasmania. The initiative educates fishers on best practices for handling, keeping, and releasing tuna species to improve fish welfare, minimise waste, and reduce mortality, ultimately contributing to the long-term health of tuna populations and fisheries. Its inception was the result of the historical overfishing of Southern bluefin tuna (SBT), which rendered them a threatened species, requiring urgent conservation efforts, and the acknowledgement that addressing the impact of the recreational fishery is crucial for effective conservation management. Current ‘Testimonials’ include: “What a great idea to educate recreational fishers about better ways to catch and respect their SBT”; “Being a Tuna Champion is all about knowing and respecting what you’re catching”.

The University’s Institute of Marine and Antarctic Sciences (IMAS) has also developed the Big Fish Card Game, a tabletop game about sustainable fishing and ocean literacy. Players must balance the desire to catch high-value big fish with the need to preserve fish populations for long-term ecosystem health. The game introduces real-world challenges such as illegal fishing, poor water quality, and ocean acidification as part of its mechanics, encouraging players to consider the consequences of unsustainable practices. By simulating the impacts of human and environmental pressures on fisheries, the game promotes awareness and understanding of the importance of conservation and responsible resource management. In 2025, the game was brought to various free community outreach events including the Big Fish game and documentary official launch inviting the community to attend the first public screening of the Big Fish short film, followed by a Q&A session with scientists and creators and play the game. During the year, sessions were also organised and open to children and adults from the community to play the game and contribute to research supporting ocean literacy and communication while learning about overfishing and sustainable fishing. The game was also presented at the Festival of Bright Ideas where hundreds of school students and families played.

Supporting aquatic ecosystems through action

Conservation and sustainable utilisation of the oceans, seas, lakes, rivers and marine resources (events)

The University of Tasmania supports and organises a range of public and professional events that promote the conservation and sustainable utilisation of oceans and marine resources. Through seminars, workshops, exhibitions, community engagement activities, educational games and scientific conferences, the University helps increase understanding of sustainable fisheries, marine biodiversity conservation, ocean stewardship and the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. These events engage researchers, policymakers, industry, students and the wider community, supporting evidence-based management and long-term sustainability of marine environments.

The University’s Centre for Marine Socioecology (CMS) was created to provide the knowledge needed to support informed and sustainable management of multiple uses in marine and coastal systems. CMS organises and/or participates in events aimed to promote conservation and sustainable utilisation of the oceans and their resources, including seminars, webinars, workshops and other activities. A key 2025 example was the ‘Rethinking small-scale fisheries: people, culture, and sustainability seminar’. This seminar promoted sustainable fisheries management and the conservation of marine resources by highlighting the contribution of small-scale fisheries to ecological sustainability, food security and resilient coastal communities.

The University’s Institute of Marine and Antarctic Sciences (IMAS) has also developed the Big Fish Card Game, a tabletop game about sustainable fishing and ocean literacy. Players must balance the desire to catch high-value big fish with the need to preserve fish populations for long-term ecosystem health. The game introduces real-world challenges such as illegal fishing, poor water quality, and ocean acidification as part of its mechanics, encouraging players to consider the consequences of unsustainable practices. By simulating the impacts of human and environmental pressures on fisheries, the game promotes awareness and understanding of the importance of conservation and responsible resource management. In 2025, the game was brought to various free events including the Big Fish game and documentary official launch inviting the community to attend the first public screening of the Big Fish short film, followed by a Q&A session with scientists and creators and play the game. During the year, sessions were also organised and open to children and adults from the community to play the game and contribute to research supporting ocean literacy and communication while learning about overfishing and sustainable fishing. The game was also presented at the Festival of Bright Ideas where hundreds of school students and a host of families played.

IMAS also launched a public exhibition in October 2025 designed to engage the broader community with marine science, ocean stewardship, sustainable fisheries and Antarctic research. The exhibition explicitly aims to inspire and encourage visitors to contribute to the sustainable management and conservation of marine environments and to understand marine science career pathways.

The University hosted the ‘Advancing Regional Marine Ecosystem Modelling: from Southern Ocean to Global Perspectives: A FishMIP Regional Modelling Workshop’ in 2025. The workshop brought together marine ecosystem scientists from Australia and around the world to improve models that predict how marine ecosystems and fisheries respond to climate change. The event focused on providing scientific advice for policymakers and fisheries managers and improving understanding of climate impacts on oceans and marine biodiversity. By improving understanding of how climate change affects marine ecosystems and fisheries, the workshop supported the development of evidence-based approaches for conserving marine biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable utilisation of ocean resources.

Food from aquatic ecosystems (policies)

The University of Tasmania is committed to supporting food systems (including those harvested from terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems) that are environmentally sustainable, socially responsible and economically resilient. Our approach recognises that food production and harvesting can significantly influence climate, biodiversity, soil health, water and aquatic resources and community wellbeing. We therefore seek to support farming and food production and harvesting systems that minimise environmental impacts, strengthen local food networks and contribute to long-term food system resilience.

University policies

The University has clear policies in place to ensure that food and other goods provided on campus are sourced in a sustainable and ethical manner, including those from terrestrial and aquatic systems.

The University's Sustainability Policy requires University activities to be planned and managed to mitigate environmental risks and prevent harm. Specifically, Principle 1.8 states that activities "will be planned and managed to mitigate risks of environmental or social damage", while Principle 1.9 commits the University to “operate sustainable campuses (…) through applying outcomes driven sustainable design and regenerative principles, circular economy approaches, assurance frameworks and operational tools”. These commitments provide the overarching governance framework for sustainably farmed and harvested food on campus.

Specifically, the University’s Procurement Policy mandates that all “procurement decisions will consider sustainable and ethical principles including managing the risk of modern slavery and maximise opportunities for local suppliers and indigenous suppliers” (Section 1, Principle 1.1, clause d).

The accompanying Sustainable Procurement Guide - designed to assist University staff in their decision making and to inform suppliers of our criteria to implement sustainability aspects of the Procurement Policy - provides further guidance for sound sustainable purchasing. The Guide is publicly available and includes requirements for food service providers. Specifically, this document states that: “Food from on-campus providers should not compromise the environmental, health, economic and social wellbeing of present and future generations.” Food service providers should consider:

Sustainably and ethically produced supply chains (e.g., UTZ certified Rainforest Alliance Certified, Fair Trade certified)
Menus are ‘plant-forward’ meaning the plant-based items are listed at the start of the menu
Animal products are certified as humanely farmed and ethically sourced (which includes both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems).

The University of Tasmania has also developed a University position on sustainable food on campus, including eight sustainable Food Strategic Principles, with Principles 1 and 4 addressing sustainable farmed and harvested food on campus:

Principle 1: Prioritise Tasmanian-grown, ethical, fresh and in-season food
Principle 2: Eating in Place by focusing on retaining or creating sites that contribute positively to student experience
Principle 3: Procure local by preferencing and promoting Tasmanian suppliers
Principle 4: Prioritise suppliers with health, nutrition and sustainability initiatives
Principle 5: Attract small-scale, affordable, commercially viable and market driven pricing
Principle 6: Outlets will not be exclusive nor subsidised, they will be commercially viable and meet student affordability
Principle 7: Bring the learnings and expertise together in a Food Charter co-designed by staff and students
Principle 8: Sustainability will be embedded; particularly with packaging, food security and reduction of waste to landfill

Furthermore, the Healthy, Sustainable, and Equitable Food Strategic Plan 2023-2028 establishes collective actions required to support informed and strategic decisions to support sustainably farmed and harvested food on campus. The Plan covers nine priority areas, with Priorities 5 and 7 being relevant to this goal.

Priority 1: Food security and social justice
Priority 2: Food systems knowledge and skills
Priority 3: Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges
Priority 4: Urban agriculture and edible campuses
Priority 5: Sustainable food procurement, commercial and social enterprises
Priority 6: Facilities and services
Priority 7: Community engagement, support, and partnerships
Priority 8: Data, information, and knowledge translators
Priority 9: Leadership, participation, and change-makers

Priority 5 addresses sustainable food procurement to ensure that sustainably farmed and harvested food offered on campus (from both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems) is prioritised. This priority includes actions for food outlets, catered food for events and vending machines that support the provision of environmentally sustainable food and beverage options across campus (p. 32-36). Priority 7 covers partnerships with campus food outlets and includes an action for on-campus outlets to prioritise suppliers with health, nutrition and sustainability initiatives, which includes sustainable farmed and harvested food (p. 40). Contract terms are regularly monitored, and feedback is promptly provided to food outlet partners as necessary, with follow-ups to ensure actions taken.

Collectively, these policies establish the University's framework for supporting sustainably farmed and harvested food on campus. They seek to ensure that food available on campus is sourced from producers and suppliers that demonstrate environmentally responsible food farming and harvesting practices, including local and seasonal harvesting, ethical supply chains, responsible resource use, sustainable agriculture, aquaculture and fishing and, where relevant, recognised sustainability or animal welfare certifications. They guide the selection of food suppliers and food service providers and provide a framework for prioritising food that is sustainably and ethically produced and harvested.

Maintain ecosystems and their biodiversity (direct work)

The University's Institute of Marine and Antarctic Science (IMAS) undertakes a range of research that contributes to maintain and extend marine ecosystems and their biodiversity. Much of this research is focused on aquatic threatened species and ecosystems. One of IMAS main research themes is ‘sustainable use and conservation’, which aims to protect, repair, and regenerate marine environments in the face of increasing challenges. This is essential for enhancing biodiversity and maintaining crucial ecosystem services. Researchers at the IMAS Centre for Ecology and Biodiversity lead pioneering research to guide decisions that balance conservation efforts with the sustainable use of marine resources to ensure the long-term health of ecosystems and the continued provision of their benefits. Their focus areas include:

Marine ecosystem restoration, providing the science behind restoration techniques, monitoring outcomes, and supporting ambitious plans for marine ecosystem restoration.
Conserved and protected areas, focusing on supporting the management of marine protected areas in Australia with geospatial mapping, ecosystem assessments, and ongoing monitoring.
Threatened species and ecosystems, with a focus on understanding the drivers of population decline in these species, monitoring their status, and supporting action for remediation and recovery.

Some specific examples of recent and ongoing projects are:

Improving Ecological Conditions for Giant Kelp Forests (2024-2026). Through this project, ecological conditions for the threatened Giant Kelp Forest Ecological Community will be improved by implementing seven in-water actions to protect and restore giant kelp in eastern Tasmania. IMAS researchers have shown that giant kelp restoration is contingent on a whole-of-reef ecosystem approach combining recent breakthroughs in kelp re-seeding and understanding of ecological conditions favouring giant kelp, including need to reduce kelp grazing sea urchins. Local success in restoration will be scaled-up by targeted sea urchin harvest, rebuilding local populations of urchin-eating lobsters, plus underwater gardening by recreational dive voluntourism and coastal community groups to improve ecological conditions for remnant and restored forests.
Red Handfish Habitat Restoration Actions (2024-2026). Tasmania is the last home to the Handfishes, with three species being recognised by the Australian Government as threatened. Their habitat is under threat from over-abundant sea urchins and at high risk of nutrient pollution. We urgently need to protect and restore the habitat for current populations. This project will provide habitat augmentation at two red handfish sites. To counteract habitat loss, impacts of destructive native urchin overgrazing will be reduced through urchin removals and translocation to high-value urchin fishery-depleted areas, and reef-expansion will be achieved through the transplantation of seaweed-bearing boulders to the deeper sand edge and adjacent barrens. This intervention will enhance the critical interface ecotone between reefs and seagrass habitats where red handfish were observed to be most abundant historically and provide a corridor to a deeper-water refuge less prone to heatwaves, storm-driven wave action, and freshwater pulse events.
Seagrass facility and restoration (2025-2026). The critically endangered red handfish (Thymichthys politus) is now restricted to a single location, with an estimated population of only 100 individuals. Habitat loss and degradation, particularly the decline of seagrass meadows (Heterozostera nigricaulis), are major threats to its survival. While previous conservation efforts have focused on urchin removals, active seagrass restoration is now proposed as a complementary strategy to enhance and expand critical habitat. To support this initiative, the University of Tasmania will establish a temperate seagrass restoration facility to develop and trial innovative methods for seagrass seed collection, storage, propagation, and restoration.
Maugean skate repopulation (2025-2028). The endangered Maugean skate is a unique creature that has only been recorded in Macquarie and Bathurst Harbours in Tasmania, but new research reveals it now only survives in Macquarie Harbour. Environmental conditions in Macquarie Harbour have declined over the past decade and research from IMAS has highlighted the vulnerability of endangered Maugean skate to the changed conditions in what may be its only remaining habitat. This project aims to maintain an emergency insurance population of Maugean Skate, including adults, juveniles, and hatchlings and eggs, outside their natural habitat at Macquarie Harbour, considering the viability of the population within Macquarie Harbour, in partnership with relevant parties.
Safeguarding the live-bearing sea star (Parvulastra vivipara) by managing invasive species and restoring habitat (2025-2027). This project will generate critical knowledge on the key threats facing endangered live-bearing sea star populations at eight priority sites where populations are declining while working collaboratively with local community groups and councils to improve habitat quality. On-ground actions will focus on removing invasive species and identifying feasible, site-appropriate options for mitigating nutrient pollution. By integrating council and community participation with scientific monitoring and habitat management, the project will build local conservation capacity and improve P. vivipara habitat. The approach will support informed and sustainable conservation outcomes, improve alignment between science, management, and community priorities, and provide a transferable framework applicable to other threatened species.
Scaling up our understanding of reef benthic communities and their influence on fish and invertebrates (2025-2027). The worlds reef habitats are changing due to climate change and a range of human impacts, but many of the flow on impacts to the fish and invertebrates supported by reef habitats are unknown and have been difficult to investigate at policy-relevant scales. Assessing such impacts not only requires data on reef habitats and associated biodiversity, co-located through space and time, but also an understanding on which elements of the habitat are most important for other reef life. Although change in reef fish communities, for example, have been linked to loss of foundation species like coral and kelp, the strength of observed impacts likely depend on how this loss is measured, i.e. the resolution of the habitat metrics used and the spatial scale of investigation.

Technologies towards aquatic ecosystem damage prevention (direct work)

The University of Tasmania works directly with industry partners to develop technologies and practices that enable sustainable growth of marine industries while minimising impacts on aquatic ecosystems.

Through the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), researchers collaborate with aquaculture, fisheries, renewable energy and marine technology sectors to improve environmental performance, support evidence-based management, and protect marine biodiversity. Relevant IMAS teams include:

The Aquaculture Production undertakes sustainable aquaculture research that seeks to improve our understanding of production biology and the environmental impacts and interactions of aquaculture. This research combines biology with innovative technology, with one of the main objectives being to reduce environmental impacts to prevent aquatic ecosystem damage.
The Modelling team supports sustainable fisheries and aquaculture by applying a range of quantitative and statistical methods – from established approaches to customised stock assessment models and broader ecological and population dynamics modelling. Their work spans biological and ecological research, resource assessments, and strategic advice for fisheries policy and management to prevent aquatic ecosystems damage.
The Environmental Interactions team focuses on understanding and managing the interactions between aquaculture and coastal ecosystems. Ensuring the monitoring of the environment is based on scientifically robust methodology and measures of performance is pivotal to minimising the environmental effects of activities such as aquaculture.

Likewise, the University’s Australian Maritime College (AMC) conducts direct work on technologies and practices that aim to help marine and maritime industries to reduce their impact on aquatic environments. AMC research themes include:

Decarbonising the maritime industry. Research in this area aim to boost sustainable offshore food and energy production by advancing collaborative, industry-focused innovation in marine engineering, renewable energy, and aquaculture systems technologies. Researchers develop and test renewable marine energy technologies, and evaluate the environmental impacts of maritime and offshore operations, supporting the adoption of technologies and practices that improve sustainability across the shipping, aquaculture and offshore energy sectors
Sustainable maritime industry. Researchers develop innovative technologies and operational solutions that support safer, more efficient and environmentally responsible maritime industries. Research includes the development and deployment of autonomous underwater vehicles, sustainable port and logistics systems, and real-time maritime simulation technologies that improve vessel efficiency, fuel economy and operational safety. Working closely with industry, these technologies help optimise marine operations, reduce environmental pressures, and support the sustainable management of Australia's marine and coastal environments.

University researchers are leading various projects that involve direct work on technologies or practices that enable marine industry to minimise or prevent damage to aquatic ecosystems. Many of these projects are in partnership with the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre (led by and hosted at the University of Tasmania) and industry stakeholders. Some key examples are:

The Enabling Autonomous Technologies for Aquaculture in Challenging Environments project (2022-2026). This research develops autonomous sensor networks and remote monitoring systems for oyster farming operations in Tasmania. By using technology to provide continuous environmental monitoring and improved understanding of water quality and ecosystem conditions, the project helps industry identify and manage environmental risks while supporting sustainable aquaculture production.
The TASDEMO Floating Offshore Wind Technology Demonstration project (2024-2026), which includes advanced environmental monitoring systems designed to study biodiversity and interactions between offshore infrastructure, marine mammals and seabirds. The research informs environmentally responsible offshore renewable energy development and helps establish practices that minimise ecosystem impacts as Australia's offshore wind industry expands.
The Production Assessment and Species Selection Tools project (2024-2028). The project, in collaboration with industry partners, is developing advanced production models, hydroacoustic monitoring technologies and environmental prediction tools for offshore aquaculture. These tools enable more precise monitoring of fish, shellfish and seaweed production, improve understanding of the effects of marine heatwaves and environmental variability, and support sustainable site selection and farm management decisions that minimise ecological impacts.
The MoorPower Commercial Pilot: Preliminary Design project (2025-2026), in collaboration with the Blue Economy CRC, Huon Aquaculture and technology partners. The project is adapting wave energy technology to provide renewable power for offshore aquaculture feed barges, replacing diesel-based energy systems. By reducing fossil fuel use and associated environmental impacts in marine operations, the technology supports more sustainable aquaculture production while lowering emissions and pollution risks in coastal waters.
The Tuna Fishery Electronic Monitoring project (2025-2026). Industrial longline fishing vessels set thousands of hooks across the open ocean, catching not only their target fish but also seabirds, turtles, sharks and other vulnerable species. Because vessels report their own catches, independent verification matters — and cameras onboard, known as Electronic Monitoring, are now used to check what is really being caught. But cameras only help if enough boats carry them and enough footage is watched. This project uses statistical simulation of a typical longline fleet to test how different levels of camera coverage and footage review (from 30% to 100%) change what managers see, and what they miss — particularly for rare species that appear in only a handful of hauls.

Water sensitive waste disposal

Water discharge guidelines and standards

The University of Tasmania is committed to protecting water quality across its campuses and operations through policies, standards, guidelines, infrastructure and operational controls that prevent pollution of waterways and ensure the responsible management of wastewater, stormwater and hazardous substances. These measures establish clear expectations for water discharges and support the protection of ecosystems, wildlife, human health and welfare. This commitment is embedded within the University's sustainability governance framework and supported through specific operational procedures, contractual requirements and environmental management practices.

Policy, governance and guidelines

The University's Sustainability Policy establishes the responsibility to develop, maintain and operate sustainable campuses and natural environments through the application of sustainability principles, assurance frameworks and operational tools (Principle 1.9). These commitments guide the management of activities that may result in water discharge across all University sites.

The University's Stewardship for Sustainability further commits the institution to protecting natural systems and reducing environmental impacts associated with campus operations. Water quality protection is embedded within objectives relating to pollution prevention, ecosystem protection and sustainable resource management. The framework specifically identifies the "prevention of land, freshwater and marine pollution, including from water discharges" as a key operational objective (Operations section, p.21) and includes the number of stormwater pollution incidents as a performance indicator used to monitor progress.

The University's Grounds and Biodiversity Action Plan further supports these objectives through actions that apply best-practice stormwater management to improve biodiversity, avoid water pollution, mitigate flood risks, and maximise water retention and recycling (Action 1.9). Examples include the application of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) principles, minimising the extent of sealed surfaces to reduce runoff, incorporating reed beds and pollutant-trapping infrastructure where required, and partnering with Traditional Owners to share Indigenous water management knowledge alongside Western scientific approaches.

In addition, the University’s Contractors and Building Users Sustainability Guide requires all contractors, staff, students and visitors undertaking activities on University properties to minimise impacts on water quality. Section 4 of the guide focuses specifically on water efficiency and water quality, with section 4.1 including measures to reduce stormwater pollution and improve environmental outcomes from building operations and refurbishment activities. The Guide also requires University activities to comply with stormwater and trade waste regulatory requirements, to ensure no pollutants are discharged into the stormwater and local waterways.

Chemical and Hazardous Substance Controls

The University maintains a comprehensive Chemical Management Framework to prevent hazardous substances from entering water systems, and to prevent and control accidental spills that could contaminate land or waterways. Key requirements (see Chemical Waste Management and Disposal section) include:

Hazardous chemicals must not be procured or used unless a waste disposal plan is in place.
All chemical waste containers must be clearly labelled and managed according to their properties.
Incompatible wastes must be segregated.
Chemical spills must be prevented wherever possible and immediately controlled and cleaned up if they occur.
Risk assessments must identify controls, including spill kits, eyewash stations, containment measures and emergency response procedures.
Chemical waste is collected and disposed of through licensed hazardous waste contractors.

Water Treatment and Discharge Management

The University employs a range of treatment systems and engineered controls to ensure water discharges do not adversely affect receiving environments. Wastewater treatment is conducted before discharge to reduce land, freshwater and marine water pollution. Treatment is conducted either on-site at specialised University facilities (e.g., integrated wastewater treatment at the Experimental Aquaculture Facility; reed beds at various experimental farms) or by TasWater (the single state-wide utility in Tasmania). Examples include:

Integrated wastewater treatment systems at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) Experimental Aquaculture Facility, where research wastewater is treated before discharge.
Reed bed treatment systems at agricultural research facilities, where wastewater from septic and holding tanks is biologically treated through natural filtration processes before release.
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) wetlands that filter, slow and treat stormwater runoff before it enters the stormwater drainage network and ultimately the Derwent River.
Installation of grease traps and drainage treatment infrastructure in appropriate facilities to prevent contaminants entering wastewater systems.
Green infrastructure, including the Field Building green roof, which captures, filters and reuses rainwater and improves the quality of water discharged to downstream waterways.

Action plan to reducing plastic waste

The University of Tasmania is committed to reducing plastic waste across all campuses as part of its broader commitment to sustainable resource management, circular economy principles, and responsible procurement. This commitment is embedded within the University's Sustainability and Procurement Policies, Stewardship for Sustainability Framework, and actioned through the Sustainable Procurement Guide, Waste Minimisation Action Plans and resource management programs.

The University recognises that plastic pollution has significant environmental impacts, particularly in Tasmania's terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. In response, the University applies the waste hierarchy and circular economy principles, prioritising the avoidance, reduction, reuse and recovery of materials before disposal. These principles are implemented through the University's governance and resource management programs.

Policy, governance and guidelines

The University's Sustainability Policy establishes the overarching requirement to develop, maintain and operate sustainable campuses and natural environments through the application of outcomes driven sustainable design and regenerative principles, circular economy approaches, assurance frameworks and operational tools (Principle 1.9). These commitments provide the institutional framework for reducing the use of single-use plastics and preventing plastic pollution associated with campus operations.

The University's Stewardship for Sustainability reinforces these commitments by furthering the responsible management of resources throughout their lifecycle and applying circular economy principles to University operations. The framework specifically identifies a "circular economy approach integrated to contribute to waste management by prioritising waste avoidance, increased reuse and recycling, and minimising landfill disposal" as a key action to enable the achievement of our commitments and objectives (Operations section, p.21).

Likewise, the Procurement Policy mandates that procurement decisions will consider sustainable and ethical principles (Principle 1.1.d). The associated Procurement Procedure states that “In line with the University’s strategic goals, the purchaser should aim to maximise the sustainability of the procurement (for example by selecting items that can be repaired and reused instead of single use)” (Clause 5.2.a). The Sustainable Procurement Guide further advances the minimisation of packaging, particularly plastic packaging, as a key principle of sustainable purchasing (p.1). This Guide also establishes specific requirements for food service providers, including that all food sold on campus is single use plastic free and that all packaging, including coffee cups and lids, be compostable or recyclable (p.3).

Furthermore, the University’s Waste Minimisation Action Plan 2021-2025 (now succeeded by the Waste Minimisation Action Plan 2026-2030) translates policy commitments into operational actions specifically aimed at reducing plastic waste and supporting circular economy outcomes. Relevant actions include:

Implement preferred procurement guidelines in catering contracts that eliminate single-use plastics and non-compostable items (Action 10)
Influence key suppliers to reduce or avoid the excessive use of packaging including materials such as plastic and foam (Action 11)
Implement a single-use petroleum-based plastic ban (Action 14)

In addition, our University’s Contractors and Building Users Sustainability Guide and Clean Out and Disposal Process Guide also have guidelines requiring actions to minimise the amount of plastic going to landfill through careful selection of items when purchasing, repairing and reusing as much as possible, and recycling appropriately.

As the University recognises that plastic pollution has significant environmental impacts, particularly in Tasmania's terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems, plastic waste is a key element in all these policies and governance documents.

The University's approach is further aligned with Tasmania's broader efforts to reduce plastic pollution. The City of Hobart (where the University’s main campus is located) has implemented a by-law to reduce single-use plastics. The Single-use Plastics By-law identifies specific items that are banned since 2021 to reduce plastic waste ending up in landfills, including plastic cutlery, straws, stirrers, takeaway containers, cold and hot cups and lids and other. Consistent with our policies, plans and strategies, the University supports and complies with these requirements across applicable campus operations.

Actions to reduce plastic waste

The University complements its policy and procurement measures with a range of operational initiatives designed to eliminate unnecessary plastic consumption, increase reuse opportunities and ensure plastics are recovered through appropriate recycling pathways wherever possible. Our plastic reduction actions include:

Requiring commercially compostable food and beverage packaging in on-campus catering contracts since 2021, reducing reliance on conventional single-use plastic packaging.
Dedicated recycling streams for commingled recyclables, paper and cardboard, organics, batteries, e-waste and other materials.
Recycling Walls that collect difficult-to-recycle items, including some plastic-based products and packaging, enabling materials to be recovered through specialist recycling programs.
Promoting reusable alternatives, including reusable cups and refillable drink bottles, with water refill stations available across campuses. These stations are available to students, staff and visitors and are featured in campus maps (which can be found in Our Campuses) or search for 'water station' in UniMaps.
Implementing sustainable event practices that encourage waste avoidance, reuse, recycling and composting, while reducing the consumption of disposable materials, with plastic items being key to several actions. Two guidelines are available, the Tasmanian Government Sustainable Event guidelines and the Australian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS) Sustainable Events Checklist.
Applying sustainable procurement principles that encourage the purchase of durable, repairable, reusable and recyclable products with minimal packaging.
Supporting a cross-University Plastics Minimisation Working Group through the Sustainability Committee to identify and implement opportunities to reduce plastic consumption and improve circularity outcomes.
Education, signage and engagement programs that help students, staff and visitors correctly sort materials, including plastic, and reduce contamination of recycling streams.

Reducing marine pollution (policy)

The University acknowledges that stormwater and other forms of litter are a big problem for Australia’s oceans and marine life. Any pollutant that can be found on land (including plastic, heavy metals, sediment, excess nutrients from fertiliser run off, PFAS ‘forever chemicals’, pathogens and hydrocarbons like oil from cars and kitchens) can end up in stormwater and ultimately in our oceans. Likewise, the University recognises that plastic and microplastics are one of the main sources of marine pollution, as these are easily dispersed in the marine environment.

Accordingly, the University of Tasmania aims to prevent all kinds of marine pollution and has a cohesive policy framework specifically aimed at preventing and reducing marine pollution resulting from land-based activities. The University recognises that Tasmania's campuses, farms and research facilities are closely connected to rivers, estuaries and coastal environments. Preventing pollution before it reaches waterways is therefore a key element of environmental stewardship. The University's approach focuses on reducing pollution at source through:

prevention of stormwater contamination;
reduction of plastic and packaging waste;
sustainable procurement practices;
control and safe disposal of hazardous substances;
wastewater treatment and discharge management;
biodiversity-sensitive campus design and water-sensitive urban design principles; and
continuous monitoring and improvement through sustainability performance indicators.

Policy, governance and guidelines

Policies, strategies and plans for marine pollution from stormwater

The University's Stewardship for Sustainability further commits the institution to protecting natural systems and reducing environmental impacts associated with campus operations. Water quality protection is embedded within objectives relating to pollution prevention, ecosystem protection and sustainable resource management. The framework specifically identifies the "prevention of land, freshwater and marine pollution, including from water discharges" resulting from land-based activities as a key operational objective (Operations section, p.21) and includes the number of stormwater pollution incidents as a performance indicator used to monitor progress.

In addition, the University’s Contractors and Building Users Sustainability Guide requires all contractors, staff, students and visitors undertaking activities on University properties to minimise impacts on water quality. Section 4 of the guide focuses specifically on water efficiency and water quality, with section 4.1 including measures to reduce stormwater pollution and improve environmental outcomes from building operations and refurbishment activities. The Guide also requires University activities to comply with stormwater and trade waste regulatory requirements, to ensure no pollutants are discharged into the stormwater and local waterways.

Policies, strategies and plans for marine pollution from plastic disposal

Implement preferred procurement guidelines in catering contracts that eliminate single-use plastics and non-compostable items (Action 10)
Influence key suppliers to reduce or avoid the excessive use of packaging including materials such as plastic and foam (Action 11)
Implement a single-use petroleum-based plastic ban (Action 14)

Chemical and Hazardous Substance Controls

Hazardous chemicals must not be procured or used unless a waste disposal plan is in place.
All chemical waste containers must be clearly labelled and managed according to their properties.
Incompatible wastes must be segregated.
Chemical spills must be prevented wherever possible and immediately controlled and cleaned up if they occur.
Risk assessments must identify controls, including spill kits, eyewash stations, containment measures and emergency response procedures.
Chemical waste is collected and disposed of through licensed hazardous waste contractors.

Prevention of marine pollution

Actions for water treatment and discharge management

Integrated wastewater treatment systems at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) Experimental Aquaculture Facility, where research wastewater is treated before discharge.
Reed bed treatment systems at agricultural research facilities, where wastewater from septic and holding tanks is biologically treated through natural filtration processes before release.
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) wetlands that filter, slow and treat stormwater runoff before it enters the stormwater drainage network and ultimately the Derwent River.
Installation of grease traps and drainage treatment infrastructure in appropriate facilities to prevent contaminants entering wastewater systems.
Green infrastructure, including the Field Building green roof, which captures, filters and reuses rainwater and improves the quality of water discharged to downstream waterways.

Actions for plastic waste reduction

Requiring commercially compostable food and beverage packaging in on-campus catering contracts since 2021, reducing reliance on conventional single-use plastic packaging.
Dedicated recycling streams for commingled recyclables, paper and cardboard, organics, batteries, e-waste and other materials.
Recycling Walls that collect difficult-to-recycle items, including some plastic-based products and packaging, enabling materials to be recovered through specialist recycling programs.
Promoting reusable alternatives, including reusable cups and refillable drink bottles, with water refill stations available across campuses. These stations are available to students, staff and visitors and are featured in campus maps (which can be found in Our Campuses) or search for 'water station' in UniMaps.
Implementing sustainable event practices that encourage waste avoidance, reuse, recycling and composting, while reducing the consumption of disposable materials, with plastic items being key to several actions. Two guidelines are available, the Tasmanian Government Sustainable Event guidelines and the Australian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS) Sustainable Events Checklist.
Applying sustainable procurement principles that encourage the purchase of durable, repairable, reusable and recyclable products with minimal packaging.
Supporting a cross-University Plastics Minimisation Working Group through the Sustainability Committee to identify and implement opportunities to reduce plastic consumption and improve circularity outcomes.
Education, signage and engagement programs that help students, staff and visitors correctly sort materials, including plastic, and reduce contamination of recycling streams.

Litter/waste containment

The University manages general waste, recycling and organics streams through dedicated collection infrastructure and waste management procedures designed to minimise litter generation and prevent waste from entering stormwater systems and waterways. Waste and recycling facilities are provided across campuses and are supported by signage, education and waste audits to improve recovery rates and reduce environmental leakage.

Maintaining a local ecosystem

Minimising alteration of aquatic ecosystems (plan)

The University is committed to protecting aquatic ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity while minimising environmental harm associated with its activities. Through its Sustainability Policy, Stewardship for Sustainability, Grounds and Biodiversity Action Plan, Integrated Pest Management Plan, Chemical Management Framework and water management initiatives, the University seeks to minimise impacts on freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems connected to its campuses, farms and research facilities. The University implements these plans through specific actions that minimise physical, chemical and biological alterations of aquatic ecosystems.

Governance and action plans

The University's Sustainability Policy establishes the responsibility to develop, maintain and operate sustainable campuses and natural environments through the application of sustainability principles, assurance frameworks and operational tools (Principle 1.9). These commitments guide the implementation of plans and management of activities that may result in physical, chemical and biological alterations of aquatic ecosystems connected to our campuses.

The University's Stewardship for Sustainability further commits the institution to protecting aquatic systems and reducing environmental impacts associated with campus operations. Water quality protection is embedded within objectives relating to pollution prevention, ecosystem protection and sustainable resource management. The framework specifically identifies the "prevention of land, freshwater and marine pollution, including from water discharges" as a key operational objective (Operations section, p.21) and includes the number of stormwater pollution incidents as a performance indicator used to monitor progress.

The University's Grounds and Biodiversity Action Plan recognises the University’s responsibility for approximately 800 hectares of land and waterways across campuses and facilities and establishes objectives to identify and manage threats to biodiversity, support restoration and regeneration initiatives, protect native species, and achieve positive environmental outcomes. The Action Plan aligns with SDG 14 Life Below Water and includes commitments to biodiversity monitoring, habitat restoration, integrated pest management, riparian management, stormwater management and water-sensitive urban design.

Minimising Physical Alterations to Aquatic Ecosystems

The University seeks to minimise physical changes to waterways and aquatic ecosystems through landscape design, stormwater management and habitat restoration. The Grounds and Biodiversity Action Plan includes actions to:

Implement best-practice stormwater management to improve biodiversity, (…) mitigate flood risks, and maximise water retention and recycling (Action 1.9)
Apply Water Sensitive Urban Design principles (Action 1.9), which are designed to improve stormwater management outcomes and reduce impacts associated with runoff.
Minimise sealed surfaces to reduce stormwater runoff (Action 1.9)
Incorporate reed beds and pollutant-trapping infrastructure where appropriate (Action 1.9)
Manage riparian habitats to reduce erosion, increase in-stream and bankside diversity and create undisturbed areas (Action 1.2f)
Maintain and create ponds, farm dams and wet areas that improve aquatic habitat connectivity with existing ponds, dams and wetlands (Action 1.2g)

Minimising Chemical Alterations to Aquatic Ecosystems

The University maintains a comprehensive Chemical Management Framework for managing chemicals and potential contaminants that could affect aquatic ecosystems. Hazardous substances must be appropriately managed, stored, handled and disposed of to prevent contamination of land and water. These controls help reduce the risk of pollutants entering freshwater and marine environments. Key requirements (see Chemical Waste Management and Disposal section) include:

Hazardous chemicals must not be procured or used unless a waste disposal plan is in place.
All chemical waste containers must be clearly labelled and managed according to their properties.
Incompatible wastes must be segregated.
Chemical spills must be prevented wherever possible and immediately controlled and cleaned up if they occur.
Risk assessments must identify controls, including spill kits, eyewash stations, containment measures and emergency response procedures.
Chemical waste is collected and disposed of through licensed hazardous waste contractors.

The Grounds and Biodiversity Action Plan also includes a commitment to minimise the use of chemicals in campus grounds management to minimise chemical alteration of land and aquatic ecosystems through:

Implement best-practice stormwater management to improve biodiversity, avoid water pollution (Action 1.9)
Apply Water Sensitive Urban Design principles (Action 1.9) to provide natural filtration and absorb excess nutrients
Minimise sealed surfaces to reduce stormwater runoff (Action 1.9)
Incorporate reed beds and pollutant-trapping infrastructure where appropriate (Action 1.9)
Transition from chemicals to pesticides / herbicides approved for organic use in all managed grounds, including sports grounds (Action 1.10)
Establish contract-binding and campus-specific Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with all relevant contractors (Action 1.11).

Minimising Biological Alterations to Aquatic Ecosystems

The University seeks to protect ecosystem health and biodiversity through habitat management, invasive species control and integrated pest management. The Grounds and Biodiversity Action Plan also includes actions to identify and manage threats to biodiversity, establish biodiversity monitoring programs, support restoration and regeneration initiatives, protect native species and habitats, and enhance ecological connectivity across University-managed land. Some key actions are:

Manage riparian habitats to reduce erosion, increase in-stream and bankside diversity and create undisturbed areas (Action 1.2f)
Maintain and create ponds, farm dams and wet areas that improve aquatic habitat connectivity with existing ponds, dams and wetlands (Action 1.2g)

Preventing pollution of aquatic ecosystems

The University’s Waste Minimisation Action Plan 2021-2025 (now succeeded by the Waste Minimisation Action Plan 2026-2030) translates policy commitments into operational actions specifically aimed at reducing waste, including plastic waste, and supporting circular economy outcomes. Relevant actions include:

Implement preferred procurement guidelines in catering contracts that eliminate single-use plastics and non-compostable items (Action 10)
Influence key suppliers to reduce or avoid the excessive use of packaging including materials such as plastic and foam (Action 11)
Implement a single-use petroleum-based plastic ban (Action 14)

In addition, the University’s Contractors and Building Users Sustainability Guide requires all contractors, staff, students and visitors undertaking activities on University properties to minimise impacts on water quality. Section 4.1 focuses on measures to reduce stormwater pollution and improve environmental outcomes from building operations and refurbishment activities. The Guide also requires University activities to comply with stormwater and trade waste regulatory requirements, to ensure no pollutants are discharged into the stormwater and local waterways. Moreover, section 7 focuses on minimising the amount of plastics going to landfill that could end up in aquatic systems, potentially causing animal entanglement, internal digestive blockages, and/or the smothering of natural habitats. Specific actions include careful selection of items when purchasing, repairing and reusing as much as possible, and recycling appropriately.

Action to minimise alterations of aquatic ecosystems connected to the University campuses

The University operates in campuses, farms and research facilities that are connected to nearby freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems. The University implements action plans through specific actions that minimise physical, chemical and biological alterations of these aquatic ecosystems.

Actions for water treatment and discharge management

The University employs a range of treatment systems and engineered controls to ensure water discharges do not adversely affect receiving aquatic environments. Wastewater treatment is conducted before discharge to reduce land, freshwater and marine water pollution. Treatment is conducted either on-site at specialised University facilities (e.g., integrated wastewater treatment at the Experimental Aquaculture Facility; reed beds at various experimental farms) or by TasWater (the single state-wide utility in Tasmania). Examples include:

Integrated wastewater treatment systems at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) Experimental Aquaculture Facility, where research wastewater is treated before discharge.
Reed bed treatment systems at agricultural research facilities, where wastewater from septic and holding tanks is biologically treated through natural filtration processes before release.
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) wetlands that filter, slow and treat stormwater runoff before it enters the stormwater drainage network and ultimately the Derwent River.
Installation of grease traps and drainage treatment infrastructure in appropriate facilities to prevent contaminants entering wastewater systems.
Green infrastructure, including the Field Building green roof, which captures, filters and reuses rainwater and improves the quality of water discharged to downstream waterways.

Actions for plastic waste reduction

Requiring commercially compostable food and beverage packaging in on-campus catering contracts since 2021, reducing reliance on conventional single-use plastic packaging.
Dedicated recycling streams for commingled recyclables, paper and cardboard, organics, batteries, e-waste and other materials.
Recycling Walls that collect difficult-to-recycle items, including some plastic-based products and packaging, enabling materials to be recovered through specialist recycling programs.
Promoting reusable alternatives, including reusable cups and refillable drink bottles, with water refill stations available across campuses. These stations are available to students, staff and visitors and are featured in campus maps (which can be found in Our Campuses) or search for 'water station' in UniMaps.
Implementing sustainable event practices that encourage waste avoidance, reuse, recycling and composting, while reducing the consumption of disposable materials, with plastic items being key to several actions. Two guidelines are available, the Tasmanian Government Sustainable Event guidelines and the Australian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS) Sustainable Events Checklist.
Applying sustainable procurement principles that encourage the purchase of durable, repairable, reusable and recyclable products with minimal packaging.
Supporting a cross-University Plastics Minimisation Working Group through the Sustainability Committee to identify and implement opportunities to reduce plastic consumption and improve circularity outcomes.
Education, signage and engagement programs that help students, staff and visitors correctly sort materials, including plastic, and reduce contamination of recycling streams.

Actions for hazardous chemical waste management

The University manages of all potential hazardous materials, chemicals and pollutants on campus in accordance with Australian and Tasmanian standards (e.g., Security Sensitive Dangerous Substances Act 2005 (Tas)), in addition to the existing guidelines and procedures for Chemical Management. Relevant actions include:

Regular collections scheduled at least twice a year.
Spill kits available on all relevant areas.

Litter/waste containment

Monitoring the health of aquatic ecosystems

The University of Tasmania actively monitors aquatic ecosystem health through r long-term research programs, environmental monitoring networks, fisheries assessments and citizen science initiatives. Across marine, coastal and estuarine environments, University researchers collect and analyse physical, chemical and biological indicators including water quality, habitat condition, species abundance, biodiversity and ecosystem change over time. This monitoring provides evidence to support environmental management, conservation planning, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture practices, and adaptation to climate change.

Some examples of key research areas that actively monitor aquatic ecosystems health include:

The Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) Ecology and Biodiversity Centre focuses on marine biology and ecology, conservation, sustainable development, climate change mitigation, restoration techniques and management, as well as understanding threats and impacts on marine ecosystems. More specifically, they provide accurate, relevant, and reliable information about marine ecosystems. IMAS conducts ongoing monitoring of marine ecosystems utilising advanced observational techniques, modelling, cutting-edge ocean technology, and geospatial information systems . These monitoring activities generate long-term datasets on biodiversity, habitat condition and ecosystem change, providing evidence to support conservation and sustainable management of aquatic environments, effective management practices, promote sustainable resource use, and strive to improve biodiversity outcomes in aquatic ecosystems.
Likewise, the IMAS Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre produces many reports and resources for the benefit of the broader community (see the Tasmanian Wild Fisheries Assessments website). Through stock assessments, ecosystem assessments and environmental monitoring programs, the Centre regularly evaluates the condition of marine species populations and the ecosystems that support them. They produce a wide range of reports on the status and condition of marine species, fisheries assessments for Tasmanian waters, and recreational fisheries reports. Their research supports key commercial and recreational fisheries in Tasmania, including Abalone, Lobster, Octopus, Scalefish and Scallops, as well as ecosystem and fisheries management. These assessments provide a long-term evidence base for monitoring ecosystem health and informing sustainable fisheries management.
The Environmental Interactions group within the Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre also works on delivering the science needed for the effective environmental monitoring and management that supports a sustainable future for Tasmania's aquaculture industry. For example, the Macquarie Harbour Benthic Health Survey (commenced in 2025) project involves extensive monitoring of benthic health around finfish farming operations in Macquarie Harbour, on Tasmania's west coast. These surveys include macrofauna assessments, examination of sediment chemistry and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) surveys across farm transects and control sites.

Other specific projects that illustrate these and other University areas activity in aquatic ecosystems monitoring include:

The Enabling Autonomous Technologies for Aquaculture in Challenging Environments project (2022-2026). This research develops autonomous sensor networks and remote monitoring systems for oyster farming operations in Tasmania. By using technology to provide continuous environmental monitoring and improved understanding of water quality and ecosystem conditions, the project helps industry identify and manage environmental risks while supporting sustainable aquaculture production.
The Pennicott Reef Health Program (2025-2030). This program involves: measurement and monitoring of reef health in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel; consolidation and integration of existing datasets on reef condition and environmental conditions; identification of the causes of observed degradation; and reporting and public outreach. Critical to this is the extensive water quality data collected through the Broadscale Environmental Monitoring Program (BEMP) for assessing environmental performance of the salmon industry. IMAS also holds historical data collected on reef ecosystems through individual projects, including the annual monitoring of marine reserves in the DEntrecasteaux Channel since 1992.
The University contributes to the monitoring of aquatic systems through Reef Life Survey (RLS), an ongoing globally coordinated marine biodiversity monitoring program involving researchers, citizen scientists and partner organisations across multiple countries. RLS uses standardised survey methods to gather biodiversity data on reef fish, invertebrates and marine habitats, creating globally comparable datasets that support the measurement of ecosystem condition and biodiversity change.
The University also leads the ongoing Redmap (Range Extension Database and Mapping) project, which invites Australians to share sightings of marine species that are ‘uncommon’ to their local seas. Over time, Redmap uses this ‘citizen science’ data to map which Australian marine species may be extending their distribution range in response to changes in the marine environment, such as ocean warming. The citizen science data also highlights regions and species that may be experiencing more distribution changes, so that research can be focused into these areas.

Programs towards good aquatic stewardship practices

The University of Tasmania delivers ongoing community education, outreach and engagement programmes that promote ocean literacy, sustainable resource management and aquatic stewardship. These programmes encourage community members, students, policymakers and industry stakeholders to understand, value and actively support the conservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystems.

A key example is the Big Fish Card Game, developed by the University’s Institute of Marine and Antarctic Sciences (IMAS). The Big Fish Card Game is an innovative tabletop game about sustainable fishing and ocean literacy. Through gameplay, participants must balance the desire to catch high-value big fish with the need to preserve fish populations for long-term ecosystem health. The game introduces real-world challenges such as illegal fishing, poor water quality, and ocean acidification as part of its mechanics, encouraging players to consider the consequences of unsustainable practices. By encouraging players to consider the long-term consequences of resource management decisions, the game promotes responsible aquatic stewardship and sustainable use of marine resources. Throughout 2025, the game was showcased at various free community events and dedicated public sessions. For example, the Big Fish game and documentary official launch invited the community to attend the first public screening of the Big Fish short film, followed by a Q&A session with scientists and creators; participants also had the chance to play the game. During the year, sessions were also organised and open to children and adults from the community to play the game and contribute to research supporting ocean literacy and communication while learning about overfishing and sustainable fishing. The game was also presented at the Festival of Bright Ideas where hundreds of school students and families played.

The Centre for Marine Socioecology (a collaboration between the University of Tasmania and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) delivers free public outreach activities and programmes that explore contemporary challenges in marine environmental management and promote informed aquatic stewardship. In 2025, some examples were:

The Beer Aquatic series, which provides an accessible forum where marine scientists engage directly with the community on issues affecting ocean health and sustainable marine management. By translating research into practical understanding and encouraging discussion of conservation challenges and solutions, the programme strengthens community awareness and stewardship of marine environments.
The Ecopoetic Workshop Series uses creative engagement to strengthen participants' emotional connections with marine environments, encouraging stewardship behaviours and fostering long-term public support for marine conservation and sustainable ocean management.
The ‘Explore our Coastal Bounty’ workshop taught participants how to identify, harvest and use marine plants and seaweeds responsibly. By promoting sustainable foraging practices and increasing understanding of coastal ecosystems, the event supported community stewardship of marine resources.
The ‘Is Politics Killing Our Reefs?’ seminar featured a special screening of Divers for Climate, a powerful documentary sharing the untold stories of the divers, tourism operators, and Traditional Owners who are on the frontlines of protecting the Great Barrier Reef and Great Southern Reef. This event created an incredible opportunity to dive into conservation with experts in marine conservation and policymakers, encouraging good aquatic stewardship practices.
The launch of the book ‘Voices of the Southern Ocean: A Nipaluna/Hobart Anthology’ encouraged public reflection on the importance of ocean conservation through literary engagement and discussion. Featuring works from 50 writers whose work engages with the Southern Ocean, the anthology fosters appreciation of marine environments and strengthens public awareness of their ecological and cultural significance.
The ‘Rethinking small-scale fisheries: people, culture, and sustainability’ seminar promoted sustainable fisheries management and the conservation of marine resources by highlighting the contribution of small-scale fisheries to ecological sustainability, food security and resilient coastal communities.
The seminar ‘Restructuring Social Marine-Maritime Mindsets: Sociocultural Insights for Inclusive Ocean Governance’ explored how social learning, community values and governance influence human relationships with the ocean. By sharing pathways for incorporating community voices and lived experience into decision-making, the seminar supported more inclusive and stewardship-focused approaches to marine governance and resilience planning.
The seminar ‘How researchers can support community in protection of Sea Country and justice informed research practices’ highlighted the role of researchers in supporting community-led marine stewardship initiatives. Drawing on experiences from a campaign opposing seismic testing in Southwest Victoria, the seminar demonstrated how collaboration between researchers, Traditional Owners, environmental organisations and fishers can strengthen stewardship and protection of marine environments.

Collaboration for shared aquatic ecosystems

The University of Tasmania works collaboratively with local communities, government agencies, industry partners and environmental organisations to maintain and restore shared aquatic ecosystems across Tasmania. Through partnerships that combine scientific expertise with community stewardship, the University supports estuary management, habitat restoration, biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation initiatives in marine, coastal and freshwater environments. Community members contribute through volunteer restoration activities, citizen science programs, habitat monitoring and collaborative conservation projects, helping to protect shared aquatic ecosystems while building local capacity for long-term environmental stewardship.

A key example is the Derwent Estuary Program (DEP), a regional partnership between local and Tasmanian governments, commercial and industrial enterprises, scientists and the community to restore and promote the Derwent Estuary, where the University’s main campus is located. The DEP works to understand the estuary, use science to enhance and protect its values, and actively involve the community in maintaining a healthy and diverse ecosystem that supports a wide range of environmental, cultural and recreational uses. The University of Tasmania contributes research expertise and collaborates with DEP partners on activities aligned with the program's four central themes: managing human pressures on the estuary, protecting estuarine ecosystems, enhancing community uses, and promoting understanding, awareness and participation. The latest State of the Derwent report (2020-2025) provides a comprehensive assessment of water quality, habitats and wildlife across Timtumili Minanya/the River Derwent and estuary, and highlights a range of collaborative initiatives undertaken with University researchers and other regional partners.

A specific example is a University project funded by the Australian Government National Environmental Science Program (NESP) Climate Systems Hub entitled ‘Southeast Tasmania marine heatwave hazard baselines for species and resource risk assessments’ (2024-2026). The project aims to provide marine heatwave hazard maps around southeastern Tasmania to help marine managers make informed planning decisions to maintain aquatic ecosystems. The group has begun working to develop an understanding of the background marine heatwave hazard in the Derwent and Huon estuary system and D'Entrecasteaux Channel regions, based on the analysis of ultra-high-resolution model simulations and in situ observations. Together with other stakeholders, DEP representatives have contributed to the co-design of the project and contributed with observations collected in the Derwent Estuary.

Other examples of initiatives and projects that involve collaboration with local communities to maintain shared aquatic ecosystems include:

Newnham Creek bank rehabilitation events (2023-2025) in partnership with Tamar NRM, the UTAS Landcare Society and the Environment Society. Students, staff and local community are invited to undertake rehabilitation work by removing invasive species and replanting Tasmanian native trees, shrubs and grasses to boost biodiversity. In 2025, the University invited Emeritus Professor Nigel Forteath to talk about aquatic and riparian life, why it is important and how this data will help UTAS manage the Newnham Creek for the benefit of biodiversity.
Safeguarding the Live-bearing sea star (Parvulastra vivipara) by managing invasive species and restoring habitat (2025-2027). This project will generate critical knowledge on the key threats facing endangered live-bearing sea star populations at 8 priority sites where populations are declining while working collaboratively with local community groups and councils to improve habitat quality. the project will work with local councils both established partners (Tasman and Sorell Councils) and new collaborators (Kingborough and Clarence Councils) to identify realistic, site-appropriate nutrient-mitigation options (e.g. septic system upgrades or bioretention basins). By integrating council and community participation with scientific monitoring and habitat management, the project will build local conservation capacity and improve P. vivipara habitat.
Various seagrass restoration projects (2023-2027). For example, the University’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), in partnership with OzFish (a collective of rec fishers, scientists, and community members who are passionate about fish habitat, fish, and fishing), successfully delivered a seagrass restoration trial. Seagrass ecosystems play an important role in improving water quality, providing essential habitat and nursery grounds for fish and invertebrates, offering coastal storm protection, and supporting biodiversity and food webs.This trial was a crucial first steps towards enabling large-scale seagrass restoration in Tasmania, supporting native fish species, a healthy ecosystem, and stronger climate resilience. Furthermore, Tasmania's first seagrass restoration nursery was officially launched in 2026 in a vital step towards restoring healthy habitat to help secure the future of the Critically Endangered red handfish. The project involves working with the local community on habitat restoration trials in the wild.

Watershed management strategy

The University of Tasmania manages its campuses and facilities within the context of the watersheds, estuaries and freshwater ecosystems that surround them. Our approach combines water conservation, stormwater management and pollution prevention with actions that support the health of local aquatic ecosystems and the biodiversity they sustain. Campuses are located within several important Tasmanian catchments, including the River Derwent estuary in southern Tasmania and the Kanamaluka/River Tamar system in northern Tasmania. Water management initiatives are therefore guided by local watershed characteristics, aquatic habitats, biodiversity values and regional environmental management frameworks, recognising the distinct aquatic ecosystems and species associated with Tasmania's estuarine, freshwater and coastal environments, including the Derwent Estuary Program and other catchment-based management initiatives. For example, the University south campuses (Sandy Bay and Hobart CBD facilities) are located within the watershed of the River Derwent, a significant river and tidal estuary that flows through Hobart and eventually empties in Storm Bay and the Tasman Sea. The University actively contributes to the implementation of watershed management initiatives from the Tasmanian Government-backed Derwent Estuary Program (DEP). Some of the main focuses of the Program are stormwater management, litter and water sensitive urban design (WSUD).

Policy, governance and management strategies

The University is committed to reduce water pollution and protect our shared watersheds. To do so, the University aligns our governance and operations with local government water and watershed management strategies.

The University's Stewardship for Sustainability commits the institution to protecting natural systems and reducing environmental impacts associated with campus operations. Watershed management, such as water quality protection, is embedded within objectives relating to pollution prevention, ecosystem protection and sustainable resource management. The framework specifically identifies the "prevention of land, freshwater and marine pollution, including from water discharges" as a key operational objective (Operations section, p.21) and includes the number of stormwater pollution incidents as a performance indicator used to monitor progress.

The University's Grounds and Biodiversity Action Plan further supports watershed management through actions that apply best-practice stormwater management to improve biodiversity, avoid water pollution, mitigate flood risks, and maximise water retention and recycling (Action 1.9). The Action Plan aligns with SDG 14 Life Below Water and includes commitments to biodiversity monitoring, habitat restoration, integrated pest management, riparian management, stormwater management and water-sensitive urban design. Examples include the application of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) principles, minimising the extent of sealed surfaces to reduce runoff, incorporating reed beds and pollutant-trapping infrastructure where required, and partnering with Traditional Owners to share Indigenous water management knowledge alongside Western scientific approaches. the Grounds and Biodiversity Action Plan includes actions to:

Manage riparian habitats to reduce erosion, increase in-stream and bankside diversity and create undisturbed areas (Action 1.2f)
Maintain and create ponds, farm dams and wet areas that improve aquatic habitat connectivity with existing ponds, dams and wetlands (Action 1.2g)
Implement best-practice stormwater management to improve biodiversity, avoid water pollution, mitigate flood risks, and maximise water retention and recycling (Action 1.9)
Apply Water Sensitive Urban Design principles (Action 1.9), which are designed to improve stormwater management outcomes and reduce impacts associated with runoff and to provide natural filtration and absorb excess nutrients
Minimise sealed surfaces to reduce stormwater runoff (Action 1.9)
Incorporate reed beds and pollutant-trapping infrastructure where appropriate (Action 1.9)
Transition from chemicals to pesticides / herbicides approved for organic use in all managed grounds, including sports grounds (Action 1.10)
Establish contract-binding and campus-specific Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with all relevant contractors (Action 1.11).

The University's watershed management approach recognises that healthy waterways support diverse aquatic species and ecological communities. Actions such as riparian habitat management, wetland protection and creation, water-sensitive urban design, integrated pest management and pollution prevention are designed not only to improve water quality but also to protect and enhance aquatic habitats, maintain ecological connectivity and support the long-term health of freshwater, estuarine and coastal ecosystems within the catchments where the University operates.

The Contractors and Building Users Sustainability Guide (PDF 302.2 KB) assist all University contractors, staff, students, and visitors to be more sustainable in their activities on University properties. The Guide indicates that reducing stormwater pollution is a key sustainability priority and notes that the University is also subject to stormwater and trade waste regulatory requirements, to ensure no pollutants are discharged into the stormwater and local waterways.

The Chemical Management Principles indicate the proper way to dispose of hazardous chemicals to avoid water pollution, in accordance with the relevant State and local regulations. It also provides guidance to prevent and control accidental spills to avoid land and water contamination. Furthermore, the University's Waste Minimisation Action Plan 2021-2025 lists several actions that aim to minimise waste and ensures proper disposal of various waste streams to avoid accumulation of litter in our natural environment, including along the foreshore of our rivers.

The University has strengthened these commitments by joining the global Nature Positive Universities Alliance, committing to enhancing the university’s positive impacts on nature (both land and aquatic ecosystems) and restoring species and ecosystems that have been harmed by the impacts of the university and its activities. The pledge includes four key commitments: conducting biodiversity baseline assessments; setting measurable, time-bound targets; taking bold action to reduce biodiversity impacts and protect and restore species and ecosystems (while influencing others to do the same); and providing transparent annual reporting.

Watershed management in action

A number of actions have resulted from implementation of location-specific and broad watershed management strategy. For example, the University employs a range of treatment systems and engineered controls to ensure water discharges do not adversely affect receiving environments. Wastewater treatment is conducted before discharge to reduce land, freshwater and marine water pollution. Treatment is conducted either on-site at specialised University facilities (e.g., integrated wastewater treatment at the Experimental Aquaculture Facility; reed beds at various experimental farms) or by TasWater (the single state-wide utility in Tasmania). Examples include:

Integrated wastewater treatment systems at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) Experimental Aquaculture Facility, where research wastewater is treated before discharge.
Reed bed treatment systems at agricultural research facilities, where wastewater from septic and holding tanks is biologically treated through natural filtration processes before release.
Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) wetlands that filter, slow and treat stormwater runoff before it enters the stormwater drainage network and ultimately the Derwent River.
Installation of grease traps and drainage treatment infrastructure in appropriate facilities to prevent contaminants entering wastewater systems.
Green infrastructure, including the Field Building green roof, which captures, filters and reuses rainwater and improves the quality of water discharged to downstream waterways.

Beyond reducing water use and pollution, the University contributes to the protection of aquatic biodiversity within the watersheds where it operates. Through its research institutes and academic community, the University undertakes research and monitoring on estuarine, wetland, river and coastal ecosystems. This knowledge helps inform management decisions and supports broader regional efforts to conserve aquatic species and maintain healthy watershed ecosystems.

Sustainable Development Goals stories

Why are there so many plants? Climate change is the important driver

15 Oct 2026

The two warmest time periods on Earth in the past 140 million years drove both mass extinctions and explosions in plant diversity, according to researchers in Australia and Austria who say this could explain how flowering plants became dominant…

Signs of recovery for Tasmanian abalone fishery

14 Oct 2026

The abalone fishery in Tasmania has broadly stabilised following years of catch reductions but some areas of the state remain depleted, a new assessment of the fishery has found.The University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic…

Tasmania's D’Entrecasteaux Channel community gathers to discuss reef health

12 Oct 2026

A series of community forums recently held by the University of Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) has shed light on a major monitoring program designed to assess reef health in an iconic and valued Tasmanian waterway. The…

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How we measure our impact
for the SDGs

Sustainable Development Goals at our University

How we measure our impact for the SDGs

SDG14 Life Below Water

Supporting aquatic ecosystems through education

Fresh-water ecosystems (community outreach)

Sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and tourism (community outreach)

Overfishing (community outreach)

Supporting aquatic ecosystems through action

Conservation and sustainable utilisation of the oceans, seas, lakes, rivers and marine resources (events)

Food from aquatic ecosystems (policies)

Maintain ecosystems and their biodiversity (direct work)

Technologies towards aquatic ecosystem damage prevention (direct work)

Water sensitive waste disposal

Water discharge guidelines and standards

Action plan to reducing plastic waste

Reducing marine pollution (policy)

Maintaining a local ecosystem

Minimising alteration of aquatic ecosystems (plan)

Monitoring the health of aquatic ecosystems

Programs towards good aquatic stewardship practices

Collaboration for shared aquatic ecosystems

Watershed management strategy

Sustainable Development Goals stories

Why are there so many plants? Climate change is the important driver

Signs of recovery for Tasmanian abalone fishery

Tasmania's D’Entrecasteaux Channel community gathers to discuss reef health

Join us

How we measure our impactfor the SDGs

Sustainable Development Goals at our University

How we measure our impact for the SDGs

SDG14 Life Below Water

Supporting aquatic ecosystems through education

Fresh-water ecosystems (community outreach)

Sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and tourism (community outreach)

Overfishing (community outreach)

Supporting aquatic ecosystems through action

Conservation and sustainable utilisation of the oceans, seas, lakes, rivers and marine resources (events)

Food from aquatic ecosystems (policies)

Maintain ecosystems and their biodiversity (direct work)

Technologies towards aquatic ecosystem damage prevention (direct work)

Water sensitive waste disposal

Water discharge guidelines and standards

Action plan to reducing plastic waste

Reducing marine pollution (policy)

Maintaining a local ecosystem

Minimising alteration of aquatic ecosystems (plan)

Monitoring the health of aquatic ecosystems

Programs towards good aquatic stewardship practices

Collaboration for shared aquatic ecosystems

Watershed management strategy

Sustainable Development Goals stories

Why are there so many plants? Climate change is the important driver

Signs of recovery for Tasmanian abalone fishery

Tasmania's D’Entrecasteaux Channel community gathers to discuss reef health

Join us

How we measure our impact
for the SDGs