The Indian Ocean is under mounting pressure from land-based pollution, coastal development, and climate-driven change. The Management of Rivers Discharging into Ocean Realms (MORDOR) initiative focuses on how river catchments, freshwater flows, and national governance systems shape ocean health. The workshop introduces the concept of ocean catchments, a new way of identifying where pollution reduction efforts can be targeted most effectively across the region and invites stakeholders to get involved.

The workshop timing is significant. The recently ratified High Seas Biodiversity Agreement (commonly known as the BBNJ Agreement) will enter into force in 2026. It requires countries to work together to protect biodiversity in areas far from shore and to consider how local and regional pressures affect wider ocean systems. Similarly, Target 3 of the recently adopted Global Biodiversity Framework, commits nations to conserve at least 30% of land, coasts, and oceans by 2030, with a strong emphasis on improving water quality and managing pressures that begin on land.

This workshop will bring Australian researchers, government departments, and policy specialists together with regional partners to explore how pollution from major river systems affects the wider Indian Ocean. Participants will discuss how to share resources such as new mapping tools, pollution data, and governance options drawn from initial MORDOR analysis. Together we will develop a draft roadmap for collaboration that supports BBNJ implementation, improves catchment-to-reef management, and strengthens Australia’s contribution to regional marine stewardship in the Indian Ocean.

Key audience:

• Australian marine scientists (ANU, CSIRO, AIMS, universities)
• Canberra-based environmental policy and governance experts
• Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
• Parks Australia marine and regional network managers
• DFAT staff working on oceans and environmental agreements
• Australian Marine Conservation Society representatives
• NGOs (Tangaroa Blue, Reef Life Survey, waste-reduction groups)
• Fisheries and coastal-planning specialists
• ANU researchers in water governance, hydrology, and environmental management
• Early-career researchers and postgraduate students
• Local community and citizen-science representatives
• Regional partners (invited remotely or in person): IORA, WIOMSA, UNEP Regional Seas

This workshop is part of the 60th annual Australian Marine Sciences Association (AMSA) Conference.

Charitha Pattiaratchi's and Lara van Niekerk's participation is funded by the Centre for Biodiversity Analysis Visiting Scientist Support.