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Human society is dependent on nature 1,2 , but whether our ecological foundations are at risk remains unknown in the absence of systematic monitoring of species' populations 3 . Knowledge of species fluctuations is particularly inadequate in the marine realm 4 . Here we assess the population trends of 1,057 common shallow reef species from multiple phyla at 1,636 sites around Australia over the past decade. Most populations decreased over this period, including many tropical fishes, temperate invertebrates (particularly echinoderms) and southwestern Australian macroalgae, whereas coral populations remained relatively stable. Population declines typically followed heatwave years, when local water temperatures were more than 0.5 °C above temperatures in 2008. Following heatwaves 5,6 , species abundances generally tended to decline near warm range edges, and increase near cool range edges. More than 30% of shallow invertebrate species in cool latitudes exhibited high extinction risk, with rapidly declining populations trapped by deep ocean barriers, preventing poleward retreat as temperatures rise. Greater conservation effort is needed to safeguard temperate marine ecosystems, which are disproportionately threatened and include species with deep evolutionary roots. Fundamental among such efforts, and broader societal needs to efficiently adapt to interacting anthropogenic and natural pressures, is greatly expanded monitoring of species' population trends 7,8 ., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

The article discusses a study based on the Dingo population control in Australia which shows that Dingo control doesn't affect the prey populations in the food chain.

Over two centuries of economic growth have put undeniable pressure on the ecological systems that underpin human well-being. While it is agreed that these pressures are increasing, views divide on how they may be alleviated. Some suggest technological advances will automatically keep us from transgressing key environmental thresholds; others that policy reform can reconcile economic and ecological goals; while a third school argues that only a fundamental shift in societal values can keep human demands within the Earth's ecological limits. Here we use novel integrated analysis of the energy-water-food nexus, rural land use (including biodiversity), material flows and climate change to explore whether mounting ecological pressures in Australia can be reversed, while the population grows and living standards improve. We show that, in the right circumstances, economic and environmental outcomes can be decoupled. Although economic growth is strong across all scenarios, environmental performance varies widely: pressures are projected to more than double, stabilize or fall markedly by 2050. However, we find no evidence that decoupling will occur automatically. Nor do we find that a shift in societal values is required. Rather, extensions of current policies that mobilize technology and incentivize reduced pressure account for the majority of differences in environmental performance. Our results show that Australia can make great progress towards sustainable prosperity, if it chooses to do so. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors present five principles they used in developing an effective partnership between the social and biophysical sciences. They talk about developing a shared mission when delivering water-management strategies to cope with floods, droughts and waterways in Australia. They reflect on researchers who can cultivate their own discipline and look beyond their field. They comment on the benefits of constructive dialogue, providing institutional support, and bridging research and practice.

The article presents science news briefs. Topics include the investigation of several individuals allegedly involved in the warehouse explosion in Tianjin, China, a merger between the digital-search division of Australia's Scientific and Industrial Research Organization and National Information Communications Technology Australia to form a digital-innovation team called Data61, and the death of Knut, a celebrity bear raised at Germany's Berlin Zoological Garden from an autoimmune brain disease.

This section offers science-related news briefs as of May 21, 2015. Particular focus is given to the World Health Organization's funding plan for global health emergencies. Also mentioned are Australia's budget cuts on university grants, the increase in consumer expenditure on medicines in the U.S. in 2014, and the discovery of a new rodent in Hispaniola.

The article reports that science leaders in Australia are opting for collaborations to overcome funding crisis faced by the industry. Topics discussed include reduction in government funds for research and development (R&D), decline in funds provided by the Australian Research Council (ARC), ranking of research-intensive universities by the periodical, life science research in the country and efforts of the country's chief scientist Ian Chubb for collaborations such as Asian Research Zone.