Industry partnerships can contribute to marine conservation and sustainable development outcomes

Scientific research outcomes that support marine conservation and sustainability can be achieved through industry partnerships. Woodside is Australia’s largest oil and gas company and our environmental risk evaluations and... [ view full abstract ]

Scientific research outcomes that support marine conservation and sustainability can be achieved through industry partnerships. Woodside is Australia’s largest oil and gas company and our environmental risk evaluations and management are underpinned by robust scientific research. The key to partnership success is to identify the collaboration ‘sweet spot’ whereby science outcomes contribute to both conservation management needs and influences industry activities to improve environmental performance and sustainability. Two case studies are described to demonstrate the mutually beneficial outcomes achieved through the approach Woodside has developed in partnering with research institutes and science-based conservation organizations. The first example is from the marine environment of Western Australia where Woodside have supported humpback whale research including satellite tagging to map seasonal migratory pathways. Scientific research outcomes have shaped the current humpback whale conservation and offshore industry management and governance. The second case study is from Myanmar where collaboration with Fauna & Flora International is building marine science capability to collect baseline marine biodiversity data that will be used to shape marine conservation planning and can be applied to future oil and gas developments.