January 23, 2014

Coastal research collaboration with Brazil begins

 The coasts of southeastern Australia and southern Brazil have much in common – and now coastal researchers from the two countries will benefit from working more closely together. 

Professor Colin Woodroffe from the University of Wollongong’s School of Earth and Environmental Sciences outlined how coastal processes have shaped the two coasts in a keynote address at a recent meeting in Santa Catarina in Brazil. 

The 3^rd Brazilian Workshop on Climate Change in Coastal Zones brought together a range of coastal researchers with the principal objective of making a final assessment of the five-year Coastal Zones sub-network and planning the development of research to understand and predict the effects of climate change on coastal and marine benthic biodiversity in Brazil.

Brazilian researchers recognise the importance of establishing an integrated set of observational networks and monitoring programs to  understand better marine processes and their impact on coastal habitats and the rapidly expanding coastal communities and settlements.

 “It is very important that researchers agree on a set of priorities and develop a strong case for resourcing such research and I was impressed by the progress made already in this regard in Brazil, and the willingness of researchers to share their ideas and work together,” Professor Woodroffe said.

 Meeting on the picturesque island of Santa Catarina, Professor Woodroffe also had the chance to visit the Coastal Oceanography Laboratory (LOC) of the University Federal of Santa Catarina (UFSC). 

Researchers at this oceanographic laboratory are focusing on understanding the effects of climate change in coastal areas, promoting sustainability of long-term observations, and assessing risks from coastal hazards. 

This research complements similar studies that are being undertaken by Professor Woodroffe and his colleagues at UOW and his visit marked the start of several exchanges between these two institutions, supported by the University Internationalisation Committee.

 “Coastal zones are already threatened by a range of hazards and these will be exacerbated as the sea rises in future. It is great to see the enthusiasm with which Brazilian students are tackling important research questions and developing methods to monitor and model coastal processes,” Professor Woodroffe said.

 He indicated that both universities are keen to see further exchanges, including research students, and that such interaction would lead to a greater awareness of the challenges to ensuring that coastal populations are sustainable and minimising risks from extreme events.