‘A Volcanic Lost World’: A research symposium to develop a deeper understanding of Lord Howe Rise and the South Tasman Sea

The Lord Howe Rise and South Tasman Sea Research Symposium will take place on 6-7 May 2025 at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney, organised by the High Seas Alliance and WWF with scientific expertise from the Deep-Ocean Stewardship Initiative, and supported by the Australian Government.

The Symposium will bring together around 80 eminent researchers, thinkers, government representatives and practitioners from a range of disciplines to share knowledge, research and experience. The aim is to collectively build a rich picture of the Lord Howe Rise and South Tasman Sea areas, drawing on historical knowledge and research through to recent and ongoing initiatives.

The main proceedings will comprise the presentation of around 30 papers by leading scientists on a range of topics
relevant to the areas, from leatherback turtles to cold-water corals; from the biogeography of the areas to cultural and ecological knowledge of species and uses. In addition, two panels will be convened on First Nations Knowledge and Ocean Governance. The opening keynote will be delivered by James Bradley, author of Deep Water, a hymn to the beauty, mystery and wonder of the ocean. High-level remarks will be delivered by Dr Filimon Manoni, the Pacific Ocean Commissioner, and Ambassador Peter Thomson, the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean.

Click to view the Final Program

Click to view the Book of Abstracts

For more information, see the initial press release announcing the Symposium.