Experts gather for Moreton Bay Sea Country Showcase

Marine ecology expert Dr Ben Gilby is among 10 researchers who will share their knowledge and shine a light on the work being done to protect Moreton Bay during an event at Petrie next month.

The Moreton Bay Sea Country Showcase is on November 7 and is a collaboration between The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), Rotary-ESRAG and the Moreton Bay Foundation (TMBF).

It will be held from 8.30am-12.30pm at the University of the Sunshine Coast Moreton Bay Campus at 1 Moreton Pde, Petrie.

Presentations will cover a range of topics, from global climate change and practical restoration efforts to iconic species conservation.

Dr Gilby is an Associate Professor in Animal Ecology whose specialist area of knowledge includes marine ecology, fish biology, marine ecosystem management and conservation. He is also a lead for the UniSC Coastal Ecosystem Management research cluster.

Dr Gilby has gained international recognition for his work on coastal fish habitats, ecological restoration prioritisation and monitoring (particularly wetlands and shellfish reefs), and the spatial ecology of coastal fishes.

With 16 new shellfish reefs to be installed across Moreton Bay from November, he is keen to explain the benefits to the community.

“We will be discussing the University's projects in the marine science space, and vision for the future of conservation and research for Moreton Bay, the region and the bay itself,” Dr Gilby says.

“Key themes will be research into the effects of climate, sedimentation, marine restoration, and fisheries in our local marine environments,” Dr Gilby said.

“This (shellfish reef) project covers off on three key themes of the symposium - restoration, fisheries and sedimentation, and we aim to quantify effects of the restoration effort on these aspects.”

Dr Gilby is not only presenting at the showcase; he’s one of two UniSC academics on the organising committee.

Time to act

The showcase will also be an opportunity for participants to explore what research is needed to help protect and monitor Moreton Bay in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Acting The Moreton Bay Foundation (TMBF) CEO Katie Walters will share highlights of the recently developed Blueprint for a Sustainable Moreton Bay 2025–2035, a comprehensive plan for a sustainable Moreton Bay.

“The Moreton Bay Foundation’s priority is to facilitate knowledge exchange to protect the Bay,” she says.

“In May 2025 TMBF hosted the Moreton Bay Leaders Forum in partnership with the Department of Environment, Toursim, Science and Innovation (DETSI). The forum brought together researchers, Traditional Owners, management agencies and industry to share knowledge and ideas for the Bay and determine a collective vision future.

“The conversation continued online in August, homing in on specific priorities e.g., sediment impacts on the Bay’s values.

“TMBF is also leading the work on a Moreton Bay Knowledge Hub - a platform that will enable access to information about the Bay’s health, research and action.

“Both initiatives build on the recommendations of the Blueprint for a Sustainable Moreton Bay 2025-35, an expert review and synthesis of critical actions we can take to protect Moreton Bay over the coming decade.”

Be part of the showcase

Tickets to the Moreton Bay Sea Country Showcase are $20. Morning tea will be provided, and attendees will have the opportunity to join a guided tour of UniSC Moreton Bay’s teaching and research facilities.

To find out more and to buy tickets, visit the website.