Sequeira Lab helps lead AMSA 2026 and showcase ANU Marine Science

The Sequeira Lab was proud to play a key role in the 60th Australian Marine Sciences Association Conference (AMSA 2026), held in Canberra under the theme "Marine Science with Impact." Bringing together more than 620 delegates, 339 presentations, and 120 posters, AMSA 2026 showcased the depth and diversity of marine science across Australia and beyond.

One of the most encouraging aspects of AMSA 2026 was the growing diversity of perspectives represented throughout the conference. Long-time attendees commented on the increasing participation of Indigenous knowledge holders, government agencies, industry representatives, community organisations and researchers from a wide range of disciplines. Importantly, these perspectives were integrated throughout the program rather than being confined to dedicated sessions, creating richer conversations and stronger opportunities for collaboration.

Our lab leader, A/Prof Ana Sequeira, served as Co-Chair of the Scientific Committee alongside Dr Rachel Przeslawski. The committee also included Dr Paula Cartwright, Dr Renata Ferrari, Dr Robert Mason, Dr Jan-Olaf Meynecke, Dr Erika Techera, Dr Luke Thomas and Dr Emily Twiggs. Together, the committee helped shape a diverse and impactful scientific program featuring hundreds of presentations and posters from across Australia and beyond.

While Canberra is often thought of as being far from the ocean, it is home to a remarkable concentration of marine expertise across universities, government agencies, environmental organisations and research institutions. The opening ceremony welcomed Her Excellency Dr Carla Saragoça, Ambassador of Portugal to Australia, whose remarks highlighted the strong ocean connections between Australia and Portugal and reinforced the international importance of marine science collaboration in delivering impact beyond national borders.

As the conference host university sponsor, The Australian National University (ANU) played an important role in supporting AMSA 2026 and showcasing the strength of marine research undertaken in Canberra. The conference opening ceremony also featured a welcome from ANU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Professor Stuart Wyithe, who highlighted the important contributions of ANU researchers and students working across marine ecology, animal tracking, conservation, policy and environmental management.

The Sequeira Lab was also strongly represented throughout the conference, with four lab members contributing six presentations, including three talks and three posters:

• A/Prof Ana Sequeira presented updates on the global MegaMove project and the Gathaagudu Animal Tracking Project.
• Dr Hannah Calich presented findings on the potential impacts of offshore wind farm development on little penguins.
• PhD student Olga Azevedo presented two posters on dugong movement patterns and tiger shark diet in Shark Bay.
• Honours student Jack Jenkins presented a poster on new methods for improving the reconstruction of shark satellite tracking data.

As always, AMSA provided an excellent opportunity to share research findings, receive feedback from colleagues, strengthen collaborations and build new connections across disciplines, sectors and career stages.

The conference was the result of a substantial volunteer effort involving the Scientific Committee, Organising Committee, and Indigenous Working Group, as well as the ASN Events team, whose work behind the scenes helped deliver one of the largest AMSA conferences to date.

Congratulations to everyone who presented and contributed to AMSA 2026, and thank you to the Organising Committee for delivering such a fantastic conference. We look forward to continuing the collaborations and conversations that began in Canberra and to seeing many colleagues again at AMSA 2027!