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Managing ecosystems

We look at how biodiversity in Port Stephens is faring – is it thriving, or just surviving?  Our terrestrial and marine habitats such as bushland reserves, beaches and reefs, need our help. Find out how you can get involved in citizen science and bush regeneration projects.

A Cruel Twist to Plastics and the Oceans

Marine scientist, seafarer and EcoNetwork president, Iain Watt, takes us sailing out on the big seas. And what he finds ain’t pretty.   Read more

We must assess ‘cumulative impacts’ to protect nature from death by a thousand cuts

In August, Victoria’s Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny made a decision that could set a difficult precedent for Australia’s effort to get to net-zero emissions by 2050.   Read more

Caring for Country – with a cool burn

Read about this special Caring for Country event where we learned about the benefits of a culturally-informed cool burn – a low-intensity fire designed to improve land health, re-establish appropriate fire regimes, and reduce the risk and impact of wildfires.   Read more

How native bees could help save Australian agriculture

How native bees could help save Australian agriculture Dr Anne Dollin, Australian Native Bee Research Centre The situation so far Varroa Mites, a devastating parasite of European honeybees, were discovered …   Read more

Will State Forests become quarries?

Will State Forests become quarries? Many of our members and colleagues have been busy writing submissions and campaigning against the proposed Stone Ridge Quarry expansion into Wallaroo State Forest. Firstly …   Read more

Whales, krill climate change and the omega-3 addiction

Whales, krill, climate change and the omega-3 addiction By Iain Watt, President EcoNetwork Port Stephens. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) named for the hump of blubber lying in front of their …   Read more

Cat control in NSW – how it could work

We know that both feral and pet cats kill wildlife in unsustainably high numbers. After decades of research and evidence, what is being done to address this most urgent threat to biodiversity by governments and by cat owners?   Read more

Killer cats

We know that both feral and pet cats kill wildlife in unsustainably high numbers. After decades of research and evidence, what is being done to address this most urgent threat to biodiversity by governments and by cat owners?   Read more

Four local marine species listed in Action Plan

Iain Watt describes the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park as having the ‘rather ignominious honour’ of hosting 4 of a total of 8 marine species on the priority list in the recent ‘Threatened Species Action Plan.’   Read more

The myths about Eucalypts – true or false?

Like any good myth, their origins often contain an element of truth. Eucalypts include some of the tallest trees in the world. Some eucalypts can shed branches. And koalas do eat eucalypts. But if you dig a little deeper, many eucalypt myths are based on gross generalisations, to the point of being quite misleading.   Read more