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Issue 300: May 2023

Environmental impacts

In this issue of ECOS, we look at some of the ways humans and the world impact each other. From modelling how fish farming impacts water quality, whether adopting nuclear power is a viable option for Australia's growing energy needs, and so much more.

This is also a very special edition of ECOS, which hits its 300th issue milestone. For almost 50 years ECOS has dug deep into CSIRO's research into environmental and sustainability research. Beginning in 1974, the publication started life as a quarterly magazine. Its layout adapted to the times as graphic design evolved and topics changed as our science advanced. The last big change occurred in 2011 when we moved with the times and went online - simultaneously expanding to an audience from around the world.

2023 sees another evolution in ECOS, with our content moving away from a standalone blog, and onto CSIRO's new online storytelling hub. The change brings with it an amalgamation of other CSIRO storytelling platforms, as well as new functionality to improve reader experience. We hope you enjoy the change, and as always welcome your feedback.

More fish, less impact

Supporting a more sustainable aquaculture industry in Tasmania

There’s a body of water in Tasmania that has the potential to change the game for sustainable fishing practices.

The question of nuclear in Australia’s energy sector

In Australia's transition to net zero emissions, the energy sector has a major role to play. But does nuclear power have a place in our future grid?

The long and short of fish lifespans

It's surprisingly difficult to estimate the lifespan of fish. We’ve developed a lifespan predictor for fish which uses the density of certain DNA sequences in the genome.

Climate change

New study helps solve a 30-year-old puzzle: how is climate change affecting El Niño and La Niña?

New research sheds light on the link between human-caused climate change and El Niño and La Niña events.

The turtle package: researching sea life at Ningaloo Reef

Ningaloo Reef is home to most of the world’s sea turtle species. These shell-ebrities come from near and far to nest at Australia’s largest fringing coral reef.

Let’s hear it for the bees!

European honey bees are crucial pollinators and serious honey makers! We’re taking a moment to celebrate their hard work.

ECOS Issue 1, August 1974

Great Scott! We're going back to the future - as seen in 1974

ECOS started life as a quarterly print publication. The first issue covered topics such as heavy metal pollution in Tasmania's waterways, how computer model can solve planning problems, the urban heat island effect, and ways to protect migratory birds. Let's take a look back at ECOS history and where it all began.

Your best of ECOS: The top-three most read articles from recent years