For 28 years, Woodside Energy has supported the Western Australian Museum’s marine biodiversity research along Western Australia's vast coastline.
This long-standing collaboration has supported extensive biodiversity research, including in the Dampier Archipelago and the waters off the Kimberley coast. It has led to the discovery and description of numerous new species and significantly increased understanding of Western Australia’s marine environment.
As part of the collaboration, from its beginnings in 1998 until now:
- 575,000 km² were surveyed across 315 marine sites in the north-west.
- 55,000 specimens, representing over 8,500 distinct species, were added to the WA Museum’s collections.
- More than 700 species new to science were discovered, including many molluscs and an unexpectedly high number of coral species — leading to the Kimberley coast being recognised as a nationally significant hotspot for coral biodiversity.
- Over 160 peer-reviewed articles and eight books have been published. Education and outreach activities including lectures, digital content distribution, documentaries and school study guides have also been developed.
- 147 scientists from around the world participated in the research, which provided vocational training for seven PhD students and 29 trainees.
Woodside, the WA Museum, and the Foundation for the WA Museum have confirmed that this important collaboration will be extended for a further five years, allowing targeted research to continue along the Gascoyne coastline.
The research will provide new insights into marine conservation while also increasing cultural and historical knowledge. It is expected to lead to the discovery of many new species. The first phase of the project will focus on the examination of legacy material held in the WA Museum’s collections, enabling the research team to assess existing collections, identify knowledge gaps, and determine key focus areas for research and fieldwork in the years ahead.
To celebrate the announcement of this next chapter in the collaboration, Woodside is supporting free general admission to the WA Maritime Museum on Sunday 17 August for the Woodside Energy Open Day.
Part of the Museum’s National Science Week celebrations, this event will feature a variety of family-friendly activities all about marine science and our brand new WA Down Under Gallery. Check out the Woodside Energy Open Day program.
