Aligned with the themes of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 Life Below Water, our commitment to ensuring the preservation of sustainable water systems is demonstrated through involvement in local, national and global collaborations, projects and initiatives that drive change, better outcomes and lead to a more sustainable future. 

Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre

Our Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC) has been established to work with coastal industries and communities to develop practical and sustainable solutions for our unique coast and marine environments.

Our goal is to undertake research that works with nature to build an economically and environmentally sustainable future to enrich our coastal communities. To achieve this, CMERC is taking a holistic approach that recognises the place of the communities and industries that live and work along our coastlines. This means our work entails far more than just monitoring the condition of our environments – CMERC is undertaking proactive applied research from coastal catchments to sea to develop practical solutions to the challenges facing coastal and marine ecosystems.

Find out more about CMERC and our projects here

Community Engagement

  • As part of the Buraligim Weiber (Place of Learning) project which engages Year 3 and 4 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from two Gladstone primary schools, CMERC held an educational activity to promote awareness of seagrass, aquatic ecosystems, microplastics
  • Black Jewfish sustainability project- this collaboration with Gladstone Ports Corporation tracks black jewfish which are vulnerable due to overfishing
  • Microplastics pollution presentation for the Milbi Festival in Bundaberg
  • Energy, Environment and Our Sustainable Future CQ Showcase, Gladstone Marina Campus, CQUniversity. 
  • Emma Jackson presented the Restoring Seagrass Resilience in the Whitsundays Project to 70 Year 4 students at Canonvale School. 
  • Public Seagrass Flower collecting event at Cannonvale Bay, Airlie Beach. 
  • Seawall habitat enhancement – Gladstone Ports Corporation are working with CMERC Researchers and funding two PhD students to examine the viability of creating new intertidal sediment habitat adjacent to reclamation areas, to provide a range of ecosystem services and a more sustainable port.
  • Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership – CMERC hosted the Gladstone Healthy Harbour Partnership 2022 environmental report card release with presentations by staff and an adjunct staff member.
  • RemTech Europe invites CMERC academic to serve as RemTech Ambassador for 2021-2024.
  • The Drain Buddies project, led by Dr Angela Capper at the Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC), will modify and install microplastic traps across Rockhampton and Livingstone shires, with monitoring to determine where the littering is occurring.
  • CMERC hosted a Caring for Oiled Wildlife Course by Incident Response Unit, Environmental Services and Regulation Division, Department of Environment and Science. CMERC staff, major Gladstone industries (including GPC) and community groups attended.
  • The Capricorn Coast Local Management Advisory Committee has appointed CMERC Principal Research Fellow as research member for three years.
  • Girls STEM Camp – we hosted over 40 female high school students from account the region and on Curtis Island, promoting courses and seagrass restoration research. CMERC researchers ran an activity with the Boyne Island Environmental Education Centre.
  • CMERC researchers represented our University at Oceanfest 2022 with displays about seagrass restorations and microplastics research activities.
  • CMERC researcher was one of three guest scientists to talk to over 880 school students and teachers at the World Science Festival Gladstone Student Day, about “Cool jobs”. The session also included the students visiting the CQU STEM Mission to Mars and Q and A with science celebrity Dr Karl.
  • 2021 STEM Expo - Resource of Educators – CMERC Researchers and RHD Students held a stall at the event for Coastal and Marine Science. The STEM Expo is held annually for Gladstone STEM Educators and Community Members with an interest in Citizen Science.
  • Future Leaders Eco Challenge (FLEC) – FLEC is an annual reef education event hosted by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) with our university taking part. The event aims to see students, teachers, their communities and local environmental agencies make positive environmental changes for the marine environment.
  • CMERC and seagrass researchers from Melbourne, Wales, Netherlands, Spain and Plymouth formed the Global Seagrass Nursery Network, to share seagrass nursery research across the globe through a series of workshops, seminars and the development of protocols.
  • CMERC collaborated with international seagrass community to produce the Seagrass Restoration Handbook to aid practitioners to undertake seagrass restoration. CMERC contributed to the chapters on public engagement and communications for restoration; Seagrass Restoration in Practice, and Getting Started: Restoration Project design, planning, permitting, licensing and funding.

Angela Capper gave a presentation on microplastic pollution for the Milbi Festival in Bundaberg

A number of presentations were conducted by CQUniversity researchers at the World Seagrass Conference in August 2022 including:

  • Reactive persistence and seagrass restoration by Dr. Emma Jackson and Christopher Aiken 
  • Understanding the importance of local adaptation and trait-based selection for seagrass restoration success by Elizabeth Andrews, Dr. Andrew Irving, Dr. Emma Jackson
  • Simulated megaherbivore grazing as a driver of Zostera muelleri flowering Manuja Lekammudiyanse, Dr. Nicole Flint, Dr. Andrew Irving, and Dr. Emma Jackson 
  • Leveraging remote sensing and suitability modeling for informed site selection in seagrass restoration in Western Port, Victoria, Australia by Dr. Emma Jackson 
  • Assessing seed- and shoot-based techniques for restoring the intertidal seagrass, Zostera muelleri, in temperate Australia by Dr. Emma Jackson 
  • Effects of tidal variation and light limitation on the flowering of the seagrass Zostera muelleri by Manuja Lekammudiyanse., Dr. Nicole Flint., Dr. Andrew Irving and Dr. Emma Jackson
  • Lessons learned from trialing methods for Zostera restoration in the intertidal zone by Dr Emma Jackson 
  • Investigating the feasibility of nursery cultivation of the intertidal seagrass Zostera muelleri, for use in restoration by Dr Emma Jackson 


A number of presentations were conducted by CQUniversity researchers at the 58th Annual Australian Marine Sciences Association Conference in August 2022 including:

  • Effects of simulated megaherbivore grazing on Zostera muelleri flowering by Dr. Nicole Flint, Dr Andrew Irving, and Dr Emma Jackson 
  • Where does the plastic go? Microplastic loading in seagrass Dr. Angela Capper, Dr. Andrew Irving, and Dr. Amie Anastasi 
  • The Impacts of Microplastics on Seagrass Productivity and Reproductive Capacity by Dr Andrew Irving Dr Amie Anastasi and Dr Angela Capper 
  • Effects of tidal variation and light limitation on the flowering of the seagrass Zostera muelleri by Dr. Nicole Flint, Dr. Andrew Irving and Dr. Emma Jackson 

The Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC) has built on existing research partnerships at various levels. The below shows a sample of these partnerships:

Local 

State 

National 

First Nations

  • Gidarjil Development Corporation- Gidarjil's vessel is docked at a pontoon at CMERC and adds to Gidarjil’s existing fleet of four boats that help the Gidarjil Development Corporation Gladstone/Bundaberg Sea Ranger team tackle important environmental issues, land and sea country management and help manage significant cultural heritage sites. CMERC Director Dr Emma Jackson said the integration of modern science and traditional knowledge was a vital component for successful coastal marine ecosystems management.
  • SeaGrow is a programme of research and collaboration funded by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to examine the scalng up of seagrass restoration supported by seagrass nurseries in the GBR. CMERC works with three First Nations Groups Gidargil Development Corporation Sea Rangers in the Port Curtis Coral Coast TUMRA region (Gladstone); Ngaro/Gia Peoples  in the Whitsunday Region; and the Woppaburra TUMRA on Konomie Island. The projects in partnership with the Coles group, Coral Sea Marina Resort, Fitzroy Basin association and Monsoon Aquatics involves research, vocational training and citizen science components. 
    CQUniversity also has a Memorandum of Understanding with Woorabinda to continue with the establishment of an Education, Enterprise and Research Hub in the community, signed in 2020. CMERC researchers contribute to Junior Ranger training and education in water quality testing and wetland health assessment.

Global

Plastic Waste

Drain Buddies

The Drain Buddies project, led by Dr Angela Capper at our Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC), will modify and install microplastic traps across Rockhampton and Livingstone shires, with monitoring to determine where the littering is occurring.

Clean Up Australia Day

CQUniversity is a Platinum Business Supporter of Clean Up Australia Day with events held across our campuses. Each year our staff and students step up and collect up to one ton of rubbish at simultaneous Clean Up Australia Day events across all mainland states. The 13 campus locations that participate in the annual event include Adelaide, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Gladstone, Mackay Ooralea and City, Melbourne, Noosa, Perth, Rockhampton, Sydney, and Townsville.

Reusable Cup Initiative

This initiative partners with Plastic Free CQ and encourages all staff and students to use reusable cups when purchasing coffee on campus in a step towards a plastic-free future.  The on-campus café at Rockhampton North 'Cups and Muffs' offers discounts to customers who bring their own reusable cups and also offers a cup library to borrow and return.

Ditch the Disposables

The Ditch the Disposables campaign is an ongoing initiative that continues to educate staff and students throughout our national footprint about the harmful effects of single-use plastic and encourages them to ultimately ‘ditch the disposables’ because small changes will have a big impact. The University has embarked on a long-term sustainability journey focusing on key areas with the greatest impact demonstrating its commitment to the environment.

Learn more about our sustainability

Sustainability

As outlined in the Procurement and Policy and Procedure, we are committed to protecting the environment and doing business with ethical and sustainably responsible suppliers during all stages of the procurement process. Referring to Clause 4.6 under the Sustainable, Social and Indigenous-focused procurement, the policy outlines the key environmental issues that need to be considered including waste management, water use and impacts on natural habitats. Buyers must plan, identify, and integrate the practice of sustainability into the procurement of goods and/or services. Preference should be given to environmentally preferable goods and services that have a lower impact on the environment over the life cycle of the good or service, when compared with competing goods or services serving the same purpose.

Sustainability remains a key priority as we look to an increasingly complex future. Our Sustainability Annual Report provides an open account of our sustainability performance. It also demonstrates our support, commitment, and progress against the principles of the United Nations Global Development Goals.

Part of our Sustainability goals revolve around the efficient use of water and minimising any wastage as one of our most precious resources.

Framework target

2022 performance

SHORT TERM GOAL:  Establish a baseline usage of water consumption for the University.

Water consumption is continued to be tracked via TEFMA Reporting and continuous water monitoring devices. 

SHORT TERM GOAL: Implement 5‐star water efficiency rated equipment to all new campus buildings and upgrade of existing building stock to reduce water demand.

A cooling tower was decommissioned which resulted in water consumption savings at the Rockhampton North Campus.

Efficiency rated equipment has been incorporated into the design manual for new buildings.Campus operating repairs are in line with the new design manual standards and are encouraged.

SHORT TERM GOAL:  Actively check and adjust water irrigation systems to minimise wasted water.

Directorate of Facilities Management (DFM) grounds crew currently carry out this service through annual inspections. Data capture through our water meters further advise DFM of leaks or unexpected over consumption.

LONG TERM GOAL:  Offset the usage of council supplied potable water by devising water conserving landscapes and buildings.

Water storage capacity was increased at the Gladstone campus. Planning was undertaken to install water tanks with a total capacity of 200,00L for the Rockhampton North Campus. 

LONG TERM GOAL:  Offset the usage of council supplied potable water by devising water conserving landscapes and buildings.

New buildings are designed to meet the requirements for 5 star green star ratings which includes water saving and harvesting ideas.

Efficiency rated equipment has been incorporated into the design manual for new buildings. Campus operating repairs are in line with the new design manual standards and are encouraged.

LONG TERM GOAL:  Increase the capture of rainwater through various techniques like rainwater tanks.

Water storage capacity was increased at the Gladstone campus. Planning was undertaken to install water tanks with a total capacity of 200,00L for the Rockhampton North Campus.

KPI:  Capture water consumption through annual reports supplied via benchmarking activities with the Tertiary Education Facilities Management Association (TEFMA).

Water consumption reported via TEFMA. 

KPI:  Increased rainwater tank capacity.

Water storage capacity was increased at the Gladstone campus. Planning was undertaken to install water tanks with a total capacity of 200,00L for the Rockhampton North Campus.

Our Sustainability Framework outlines the short and long term goals to achieve our Sustainability Goals. These are broken into nine elements with the following elements relating to SDG 14 Life Below Water:

  • Research (Page 7)
  • Waste (Page 8)
  • Water (Page 11)
  • Biodiversity (Page 14)

In 2019, the Fitzroy Basin Association commissioned a review of the previously written Fitzroy Water Quality Improvement Plan (WQIP:2015) reports ensuring the plan utilises the best available science and data. The update ensures the Fitzroy Region’s project management continues to maximise the public benefits of investment and maximise the reduction of both sediment and nutrient runoff to the Reef.

The WQIP:2015 shows how we can improve regional water quality to protect our waterways and ultimately the Great Barrier Reef. WQIP:2015 sets out the priorities for improving water quality, including describing the coastal and marine ecosystems and species that are at risk from poor water quality; identifying catchment ‘hot spots’ of soil erosion and nutrient run-off that are the source of water quality problems; understanding how land management practices and habitat restoration can reduce the risk of water quality problems; and finding the most cost-effective ways to reduce water quality risks.

Our university was a Delivery Partner/Consultant in the following studies for the WQIP.

Status of catchment, coastal and marine ecosystems

  • State of the coastal and marine environment review

Scoping and risk assessment of water quality issues

  • Synthesis of water quality influences in ports of the Fitzroy region, Queensland

Regional Prioritisation

  • Bioeconomic modelling and Neighbourhood Catchments prioritisation
  • Synthesis of science for future prioritisation approaches in the Fitzroy Basin
  • Extension and Impact

Our University is also an accredited institution under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulation 1983.  All research undertaken by our researchers in the Great Barrier Reef must be approved by the University.

Our accreditation allows limited impact research (extractive and non-extractive) to be undertaken by researchers affiliated with the University, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulation 1983, our Codes of Conduct and any Environmental Management Plan for the Scientific Research Zone around research stations. The accreditation removes the need for researchers to obtain a research permit from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority if they are conducting limited impact research.  

Applicants must familiarise themselves with the Memorandum of Understanding, the University's Code of Conduct for Research in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the University's Code of Conduct for Research, the tourism/recreation/best-environmental practice and Responsible Reef Practices. Authorisation must be sought from the Vice-President, Research BEFORE the project commences.

Policies and procedures

Useful links

The Contractor Occupational Health and Safety Management Procedure outlines the determinants all individuals must take to minimise environmental harm associated with all activities they undertake including the potential pollution actions may incur (Refer Clause 3.8). This outlines that all individuals must take reasonable steps to minimise environmental harm associated with all activities they undertake. To determine what measures should be taken, a person should consider:

  • the nature of any potential pollution
  • the sensitivity of the environment where the pollution may end up
  • financial implications of the actions
  • the current technology available
  • the likelihood of success of the implemented actions.

Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC)

CMERC has been established to work with coastal industries and communities to develop practical and sustainable solutions for our unique coast and marine environments.