Innovating Ocean Governance International Symposium

The Innovating Ocean Governance International Symposium brings together scholars, practitioners and Indigenous knowledge holders to explore emerging approaches to governing our oceans in a time of rapid environmental, social and technological change. Through presentations, workshops, field experiences and collaborative discussions, the symposium will examine how innovation can support more equitable, effective and transformative ocean governance.

Venue

ANCORS offices in Building 233, Room G.12 on the ground floor, University of Wollongong's Innovation Campus

The Innovation Campus a dedicated research and innovation precinct located on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, approximately 3 km north of the University's main campus. Set between Wollongong's coastline and escarpment, the Innovation Campus provides a unique setting for discussions about the future of ocean governance, with easy access to beaches, coastal walking tracks, accommodation and the Wollongong CBD.

how to get to the campus and a campus map

Workshops

• Workshop 1 (Re-imagining Ocean Governance) will take place on Tuesday 17 November (12.00-5.00pm). This workshop aims to unlock creative thinking and open new perspectives on ocean governance. Facilitated by an experienced First Nations practitioner, participants will be guided through a series of provocations and discussions that challenge conventional approaches and explore alternative ways of relating to and governing the ocean.
• Workshop 2 (From Reimagining to Experimentation) will take place on Friday 20 November (9.00am-3.30pm). Building on ideas generated during the symposium and Workshop 1, participants will explore practical responses to contemporary ocean governance challenges through collaborative design methods, policy experimentation and future-oriented scenario development.

Social events

Welcome drinks and short film screening

Date: Tuesday 17 November
Time: 5.30 pm-7.30 pm
Venue: Science Space, Innovation Campus, University of Wollongong

Welcome drinks and the screening of Unbroken Whispers will be held at the Science Space on the University of Wollongong Innovation Campus, a short walk from the symposium venue. This informal event provides an opportunity to connect with fellow delegates ahead of the symposium while exploring themes of Sea Country, Indigenous knowledge, and ocean stewardship that resonate strongly with the symposium program.

Unbroken Whispers is a powerful short film by Associate Professor Jodi Edwards that explores Aboriginal connections to Sea Country, whales and other Sea-Kin. Blending Indigenous knowledge, storytelling and marine science, the films reveal enduring relationships between people and the ocean while offering important insights into cultural heritage, environmental stewardship and the future of ocean governance

Symposium dinner

Date: Thursday 19 November
Time: 6.00 pm onwards
Venue: The Boathouse, North Wollongong Beach

Join symposium delegates for an informal waterfront dinner at the Boathouse, overlooking North Wollongong Beach. The dinner provides an opportunity to continue discussions from the symposium, strengthen collaborations, and enjoy one of Wollongong's iconic coastal locations.

Fieldtrips

Return transport from the Innovation Campus, Belmore Apartments & the Sage Hotel will be provided for both field trips.

Fieldtrip 1: Above and Below Snorkel Trip - Great Southern Reef

Date: Saturday 21 November
Time: 6.3 0am-4.30/5 pm
Venue: Jervis Bay Marine Park

Join local operator Woebegone Dive Jervis Bay for a 5-6 hour boat expedition exploring Jervis Bay from both above and below the surface. Visit some of the region's most spectacular snorkelling locations while learning about the coastline, marine life, and remarkable underwater ecosystems of the Jervis Bay Marine Park and the Great Southern Reef.

Tour includes gear hire (wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins) as well morning tea on the boat. Cost is from

$215 (plus gear hire). Max participants = 21

Please book directly with the operator. Guests can enter the code UOW15 to receive 15% off the tour.

Field trip 2: Jervis Bay Cultural Experience and Booderee National Park

Date: Saturday 21 November
Time: 7.00am-4.30/5pm

Venue: Huskisson & Booderee National Park

Experience the cultural and natural heritage of Jervis Bay through a guided excursion that combines Indigenous cultural knowledge with the region's spectacular coastal landscapes.

The day will begin at the Lady Denman Maritime Museum in Huskisson, with a cultural experience led by local Traditional Custodians. The session will include a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, followed by discussions on traditional culture, kinship and totemic systems, the impacts of colonisation, and the enduring connection between people, Country and sea. Participants will also enjoy bush tucker tastings, learn about the medicinal and cultural uses of native plants, observe a boomerang throwing demonstration, and gain insights into traditional hunting practices, tools and food systems.

Following the cultural experience, participants will have time for a self-funded lunch in Huskisson before a brief visit to Booderee National Park. Surrounded by pristine beaches, coastal bushland and abundant wildlife, the park offers an opportunity to experience the unique natural heritage of the Jervis Bay region.

Payment for the day will be made directly to the operator – cost will be $80 plus self funded lunch.

Registration: Please register your interest in attending. Please note you will be required to pay the operator directly on the day in earth cash or via credit/debt card.

Special issue

A special issue arising from the symposium is currently being developed with npj Ocean Sustainability. All presenters and interested participants are invited to contribute. To facilitate constructive feedback and scholarly exchange, draft papers will be allocated a discussant who will provide feedback either through the symposium or a dedicated online session for authors unable to attend in person. Please get in touch if you would like to attend the online session.

While draft papers were originally requested by 30 October, we recognise that many authors are balancing competing commitments and are therefore pleased to accept draft submissions until Friday 6 November. Drafts should be submitted directly to Michelle & Judith. Following the symposium, authors will have the opportunity to revise their papers based on feedback received before a final editorial assessment and invitation to proceed to formal journal submission. Additional online paper development sessions will be offered throughout 2027 to support authors through the publication process. Further details regarding revision timelines and anticipated submission deadlines will be provided during the symposium.

Accommodation

Discounted accommodation is available at the Sage Hotel Wollongong, centrally located in the CBD. A free bus service provides convenient transport between the hotel and the University of Wollongong Innovation Campus, with services running approximately every 15 minutes.

Promo Code - ANCORS2026

See Sage Hotel Wollongong - University of Wollongong Group Rate 

Symposium enquiries

Michelle Voyer michelle_voyer@uow.edu.au 
Tabea Jacob tabea_jacob@uow.edu.au