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From urban dunes on the Gold Coast to  oyster reefs in Noosa , the solutions Australia is developing to protect its coastlines are being noticed, and now, shared on the global stage. This June, International Coastal Management (ICM) represented Australia at the United Nations One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC) and the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, with 2,000+ scientists, 12,000 delegates, 64 heads of state , and many civil society organisations, private sector partners and researchers. With climate pressures mounting and coastal communities growing, there is continually growing need for location-specific, evidence-based action. Here’s why ICM was invited to UNOC3, what we shared, and what it all means for coastal engineering, science, and strategy moving forwards. A Framework Built on Real Projects During the One Ocean Science Congress, ICM Director Aaron Salyer presented our Coastal Resilience Framework, an approach grounded in more than four decades of work across Australia's coast, and internationally. “The solutions we’ve implemented - from urban dunes, to living shorelines and artificial reefs - are proof that nature-based and hybrid engineering approaches can work at scale,” said Salyer. The framework focuses on three core components: The Top of Beach,  protecting and restoring dunes and dry beach areas The Bottom of Beach,  enhancing the subtidal zone and nearshore stability Sediment Supply,  ensuring balanced sediment movement and sources By integrating solutions that consider all three factors, while allowing natural processes to thrive, this framework lays the foundation for building coastal resilience. "Each site, each solution, is different. That was a theme that kept being repeated at the Congress: one size does not fit all when it comes to coast resilience," said Salyer. Noosa Reefs and Real-World Pilots One of the projects that sparked particular interest was the Noosa Oyster Ecosystem Restoration Project, featured at La Baleine (“The Whale”) , the Congress's interactive science gallery. As Queensland's first major oyster reef, the project showcased the value of working with nature to restore an ecosystem, improve water quality, and serve as an erosion buffer - all while increasing biodiversity locally. ICM developed the engineering design in partnership with The Nature Conservancy Australia and Noosa Council, and Director Aaron Salyer spent the week engaging visitors, scientists, and policymakers who wanted to learn more. “There was real appetite for tested, not just theoretical, projects,” Salyer said. “People want to know what works. And we have answers.” 10 Scientific Recommendations for the Ocean One major outcome of the Congress was the development of 10 official recommendations, delivered to Heads of State and Government, to guide ocean policy discussions at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference: Inspire Ocean stewardship through integrated knowledge Promote safe and equitable Ocean-based climate solutions Protect and restore marine and coastal ecosystems Pause harmful seabed uses and expand dee-sea knowledge for sustainability Equitably share marine genetic resource benefits. End illicit, unreported and unregulated fishing, and boost transparency. Build sustainable, equitable and safe Ocean-based food systems. End marine plastic pollution. Reduce CO2 emissions and impacts of shipping Invest in transdisciplinary knowledge for Ocean action “This manifesto is a call for action [...] We are saying act now, the science is clear [...] These are conversations that we can convey, that's our responsibility. It’s their responsibility to act.” said François Houllier, CEO of IFREMER and co-chair of the Congress’s Scientific Committee. The Congress also highlighted a critical funding gap: only 1.7% of national research budgets on average are dedicated to ocean science, despite the ocean covering over 70% of Earth’s surface and playing a pivotal role in regulating the planet’s climate. “We spent $165 billion last year on a couple of storms, cleaning up after the mess, not trying to prevent the mess.” said former US Secretary of State John Kerry in a recorded address. “That's an absurd conclusion. Mother Nature is sending us the most powerful messages that in our lifetime we have ever known.” The UN Ocean Conference By the time UNOC3 began, the focus had shifted from scientific insight to political will, funding and implementation. Throughout five days of events, ICM attended: Side events led by Australia, Fiji, and Pacific Island nations Roundtables on blue carbon, digital tools, and private investment Startup pitches, innovation showcases, and coastal case studies Networking events with government, city and NGO leaders A few themes emerged that are highly relevant to our work as coastal engineers: 1. Cities Are Stepping Up Coastal cities aren’t waiting for national directives. They’re launching local pilot projects, looking for proven templates, and wanting to move faster. From San Diego to Singapore, there’s hunger for real-world collaboration and adaptable models like ICM’s Coastal Resilience Framework. 2. Collaboration Gaps Persist Many scientists, NGOs, and agencies are working on similar problems - in isolation. There’s a massive opportunity for shared data, collaborative innovation, and cross-region learnings. We see a role here: to help connect dots across sectors. 3. Capital is Coming At the Blue Economy and Finance Forum hosted in Monaco, €25 billion in investments were identified, with an additional €8.7 billion secured to accelerate ocean action by 2030. The newly launched Philanthropy & Investors for the Ocean (PIO) platform aims to unlock financing by 2030 for coastal regeneration, resilience, and blue innovation. Real pilots - like ICM’s Living Speedbumps and hybrid reef designs, can be the ready-to-scale solutions funders are seeking. 4. Global Commitments The UN Ocean Conference saw a range of new commitments aimed at turning anbition into action. Nineteen additional countries ratified the High Seas Treaty , bringing the total to 50, just 10 short of the 60 needed to bring the treaty into force. One activated, this treaty will enable the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs) in international waters, along with other frameworks for assessment and management, which would be a major milestone for global ocean governance. Another focus of the week was the 30x30 target , protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030. Australia's environment minister, Murray Watt, announced the Australian government plans to declare 30% of its ocean as "highly protected" by 2030. Globally, 12 countries announced new or expanded MPAs, and support continues to build for a ban on deep sea mining. 37 countries now back a pause or outright ban, reflecting the growing concern about the risks posed to fragile deep-ocean ecosystems. Representing Australia’s Expertise ICM was one of just a few Australian firms attending both the Science Congress and UNOC3. As a company with more than 1,200 projects delivered globally, we bring deep knowledge of: Translating science into site-specific engineering Designing nature-based and hybrid infrastructure Leading cross-sector collaboration from concept to construction “As coastal engineers, we’re not just dealing with theory, we’re solving for real-world complexity in dynamic environments,” said Aaron Salyer, Director at ICM. “The solutions we’ve implemented across Australia and globally - artificial reefs, living shorelines, hybrid systems, are proof of what’s possible. These aren’t just pilot concepts; they’re scalable, site-specific approaches other coastal nations can adopt and adapt.” What's Next We leave UNOC3 with deepened partnerships, new opportunities, and a shared commitment to scale what works. Coastal change is happening fast, but so is innovation. Our job now is to accelerate delivery, not just design. Coastal engineers have a critical role in making resilience real for cities, ecosystems, and communities. If you’re: A city exploring a pilot An NGO looking for technical delivery A funder seeking proof-of-concept Or a coastal planner needing resilience built in We'd love to hear from you. Because coastal development is inevitable. But coastal resilience is a choice. And we’re ready to help design it, build it, and prove it. Contact us or follow us on LinkedIn to stay in touch.

International Coastal Management (ICM) is proud to be attending the United Nations One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC) , which officially opened 3rd June in Nice. With over 2,000 scientists, experts, and stakeholders coming together to share research and shape the scientific foundation for global ocean policy ahead of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference . A sense of urgency resonated throughout the opening ceremony, powerfully captured by the Mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, who declared: “There is no Planet B. There is no Ocean we can switch in and out. I stand before you not as a scientist, but as someone who believes in science. The conclusions shared here are truths, not opinions.” This sentiment echoed throughout the day. Speakers urged that scientific knowledge must not only be gathered - it must be mobilised. The Co-Chairs of the Congress and coordinators emphasised how far ocean science has come - from seafloor mapping to understanding tipping points - but that now is the moment to move from insight to impact. Dr John Bell, the director of the European Commission’s ‘Health Planet’ , emphasised the importance of bringing Small Island Developing Staes (SIDS) into the Atlantic community, and that, “Science is here to build bridges, not walls. Europe is choosing science.” Sessions and Insights Throughout the One Ocean Science Congress, a powerful and consistent message has echoed: the health of the ocean is inseparable from the health of our planet and ourselves. The ocean generates 50% of the oxygen we breathe and absorbs 25% of global carbon emissions , playing a crucial role in climate regulation and sustaining life on Earth. More than 3 billion people  rely on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods. Yet, marine ecosystems are under mounting threat, facing the risk of irreversible damage due to climate change, pollution, and unsustainable practices. ICM attended the session: “Effectiveness, Equitability and Safety of Ocean-Based Approaches to Reach the Mitigation and Adaptation Goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.” We heard presentations from a range of speakers, including Devi Veytia, who explored the evolving evidence base for “ocean-based solutions” in climate adaptation and Longhui Deng, who shared a new framework on how marine sediment microbes drive carbon transformation - an emerging area with significant implications for climate modelling. Noosa Oyster Reef Restoration on Display at the Whale In the afternoon, we visited La Baleine (‘The Whale’), a unique and immersive ocean science exhibition space open to the public. The Noosa Oyster Ecosystem Restoration Project Poster, which we worked on with the The Nature Conservancy, is featured here among 620 others scientific posters. Our Director, Aaron Salyer , will be at La Baleine each evening from 6-8pm, available to discuss the project, answer questions, and connect with anyone interested in nature-based solutions and coastal resilience. ICM Presentation: A Framework for Coastal Resilience In the afternoon OOSC session, Aaron Salyer presented ICM’s Coastal Resilience Framework, which emphasises three key intervention zones: Top of Beach Bottom of Beach Sediment Supply This holistic approach enables more robust, adaptable, and site-responsive designs. Aaron's talk generated a strong response during the panel discussion, where we shared lessons from our global projects, ranging from oyster reef restoration and salt marsh rehabilitation to island reinstatement and hybrid engineering solutions. The Ocean Community It was wonderful connecting in person with Dr Lucy Buxton and Jas Chambers from Ocean Decade Australia , and to exchange ideas with global peers from diverse fields. We had insightful conversations with Dr Elizabeth Macpherson from the University of Canterbury, who presented on the legal challenges and opportunities in developing frameworks for blue carbon governance, and Angelique Melet, who introduced the CoCliCo Project - an initiative supporting European and national authorities, city planners, and infrastructure owners in understanding and planning for large-scale coastal risks. These connections reinforce the sense that we are all contributing to a shared mission - driven by evidence, collaboration, and urgency. With over 500 oral presentations, and a wide spectrum of global scientific voices, the UN One Ocean Science Congress is proving to be a large gathering of minds. We’re looking forward to Day 2 - more conversations, more collaboration, and more momentum toward ocean solutions. Stay tuned as we continue to represent ICM and Australia’s coastal expertise on the global stage, and if you're here, get in touch with us!

We were delighted to attend, sponsor and present at the 16th National Coast to Coast Conference , which was held in partnership with the 8th Queensland Coastal Conference! International Coastal Management (ICM) contributed to crucial talks on how to make our coastlines more resilient, how to manage them sustainably, and how to come up with innovative and new ideas for the future of our coastlines. At the conference, we shared our expertise, agile approach and key coastal insights by delivering three presentations by members of our expert team . These talks showcased how ICM is taking a new and innovative approach to solving coastal challenges. Sam King’s Presentation on Urban Dunes as a Coastal Defence The first session from our team, which was led by Sam King , focused on the role of urban dunes in protecting coastal communities. This session was particularly timely, following the recent Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred impacts on Queensland’s coastline. Sam's talk showed how the formation and maintenance of urban dunes have changed over the years, and how they can work as a nature-based solution for coastal urban cities. Queensland's well-managed urban dunes have become essential for enhancing coastal resilience, aiding in natural recovery post-storm events, and maintaining vital ecological health. By integrating native vegetation and ensuring proper dune management strategies, urban dunes not only serve as coastal defences but also as crucial habitat buffers. Angus Jackson on the Role of Pilot Projects in Building Resilience Angus Jackson , ICM’s Founder and Co-Director, gave a talk on “Innovative Coastal Management: The Role of Pilot Projects in Building Resilience”. One of the key themes was that pilot projects are iterative and adaptable, which means that they can be improved over time through learning, experimentation, and community involvement. This makes them an effective tool in building coastal resilience in response to ongoing environmental challenges, such as sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and storm surges. Angus used ICM’s long history of running successful pilot projects to showcase Queensland’s legacy in this area, noting the significant influence these pilot projects have had globally. These pilot-driven projects show how coastal communities, engineers, and planners can work together to test and improve ways to protect coastlines while also balancing economic, ecological, and social needs. One of the key points Angus made was that, even when pilot projects do not meet all expectations, they still fuel innovation and provide valuable lessons that inform future efforts in coastal resilience. This collaborative and experimental approach is central to ICM’s work in delivering innovative and sustainable coastal solutions. George Freeman on Enhancing Marina Operations George Freeman gave our final presentation, which focused on “Enhancing Marina Operations Through Advanced Dredging & Maintenance Techniques”. His talk focused on how our hybrid dredging methodologies were successfully applied to high-traffic marina environments, using precision dredging and commercial diver-assisted suction removal techniques. This approached allowed us to manage sediment accumulation while minimising operational marina disruptions. Qld Coastal Conferences The QLD coastal conference was a great opportunity for ICM to share our expertise and keep the conversations driving forward on coastal resilience solutions. It was great to reconnect with council, peers, and innovative thinkers in coastal engineering, environmental management, and community planning. This theme of this year's conference, “ Embracing our Coastal Lifestyle: Connecting our Experiences with the Future, ” reminded us of how important it is to learn from our past while using new information to build strong coastal communities for the future. As we continue to work towards building resilient coastlines, we look forward to connecting with more like-minded individuals and organisations to advance the coastal management field. We are proud to contribute to the knowledge-sharing that helps shape the future of coastal sustainability in Australia and globally. Thank you to the organisers, participants, and all who visited our booth. Let's keep talking!

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Protect coastlines with ICM’s erosion control solutions. From beach nourishment to seawalls, we deliver coastal resilience solutions worldwide. Coastal Protection & Erosion Control Innovative, sustainable solutions, with decades of experience. At International Coastal Management, we provide tailored solutions to combat coastal erosion and protect shoreline assets. With 40+ years of experience and using advanced engineering practices, we stabilise shorelines, enhance beach aesthetics, and ensure long-term coastal resilience. Innovative and Sustainable Approaches Strategic and Cost-Efficient Planning Global Leadership in Coastal Solutions Dredging & Nourishment ICM specialises in the design, supervision, and management of dredging and nourishment projects worldwide. Our sustainable solutions restore beach width, protecting tourism, infrastructure, and local communities. We can combine beach and nearshore nourishment with dredging services to ensure safe navigation, effective sand management, and enhanced coastal protection. Our Solutions Beach Nourishment Nearshore Nourishment Dune Stabilisation Beach Scraping Reclamation Comprehensive Dredging Services Sand Relocation & Reuse Dredge Management Plans Working With Trailing Suction Hopper Dredgers Cutter Suction Dredgers Backhoes & Barge-Mounted Excavators Bed Leveling Fluidisation Systems Sand Bypass & Backpass Systems Dewatering Bunds, Tubes & Containment Systems Key Projects Explore some of our recent dredging and nourishment projects below: Groynes, Seawalls & Revetment Walls ICM offers expert design and construction of groynes, seawalls, and revetment walls, providing long-term solutions for coastal protection. These structures are vital for stabilising shorelines, canals, and waterways, controlling sediment movement, and defending properties and infrastructure against storm surges and chronic erosion. Our Solutions Emergent or Low-Crested Groynes Groyne Fields Training Walls Retaining Walls Revetments Materials & Construction Working With Design, Approvals, Inspection, Certification Numerical Modelling Use of Environmentally Sensitive Materials Long-Term Monitoring Key Projects Explore some of our recent seawall, groyne and revetment wall projects below: Emergency Coastal Protection Works With vast experience in emergency coastal engineering, ICM offers rapid and effective solutions for immediate shoreline concerns. Our team of seasoned coastal engineers understands that emergencies demand specialised, site-specific strategies. Whether addressing erosion or storm damage, we provide swift and effective coastal protection, preserving coastal integrity and safeguarding properties and communities. Our Solutions Temporary Erosion Control Storm Response Solutions Key Steps to Our Emergency Services: Get in Contact Initial Site Assessment Tailored Strategy Development Regulatory Approval Navigation Implementation of Emergency Protection Works Continuous Monitoring Long-Term Planning for Site Improvement Key Projects Explore some of our recent emergency coastal projects below: Why Choose ICM for Coastal Protection? Our coastal protection services combine technical excellence with sustainability, delivering solutions that protect both the environment and the infrastructure. By using a mix of traditional engineering and nature-based approaches, we ensure that coastlines remain resilient in the face of climate change, erosion, and rising sea levels. Decades of international experience in managing complex coastal projects. Integration of cutting-edge technology and environmentally sustainable practices. Proven track record of delivering projects that balance coastal protection, community needs, and environmental stewardship. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your coastal project Contact Us

ICM specialises in marina development and waterfront solutions, offering superyacht berths and innovative designs for remote islands and private projects. Marina Development & Waterfront Solutions Innovative, sustainable solutions, with decades of experience. We offer comprehensive services for the design, construction, and maintenance of marinas, boat ramps, and waterfront developments. Our approach integrates environmental responsibility, innovative engineering, and a focus on community and commercial needs. Whether you require a new marina facility, a waterfront resort, or the development of a private island, ICM delivers solutions that balance functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. Innovative and Sustainable Approaches Strategic and Cost-Efficient Planning Global Leadership in Coastal Solutions Marina Development, Boat Ramps & Moorings ICM provides tailor-made marina facilities that cater to the needs of recreational boaters, commercial operations, and waterfront communities. We design and build marinas, boat ramps, and mooring systems that offer functionality and aesthetic appeal, while ensuring minimal environmental disruption. Our Solutions Working With Custom Marina Design: We design marinas of all sizes, incorporating features such as floating docks, berthing facilities and super-yacht berths. Mooring Solutions: From fixed moorings to floating platforms, our team designs mooring systems tailored to meet diverse coastal conditions and vessel requirements. Boat Ramp Design & Installation: We provide robust, durable, and accessible boat ramps designed for both private and public use. Design of optimised marina and marine facility layouts for high value return Wave attenuation systems to protect vessels and infrastructure from storm surge and high-wave energy. Submarine pipeline design and review Key Projects Explore some of our marina, boat ramp and mooring projects below: Remote Islands & Private Developments Working on remote islands and private developments requires a tailored, site-specific approach. These locations often face challenges such as limited resources, logistical constraints, and unique environmental factors. At ICM, we leverage decades of experience to provide practical, cost-effective solutions that meet the distinct needs of island and private coastal developments, ensuring minimal environmental impact and long-term resilience. Our Solutions Site-specific solutions that reduce capital costs and align with local conditions. Long-term maintenance strategies tailored to island environments. Expertise in balancing development needs with environmental sustainability. Working With Comprehensive data collection and island dynamics analysis. Simplified construction methods suited for remote locations. Use of eco-friendly materials and innovative designs to minimise environmental disruption. Key Projects Explore some of our recent private island projects below: Special Events Infrastructure for Waterfronts & Beach Activities ICM designs and installs infrastructure solutions for special events such as boat shows, regattas, waterfront and waterfront events. Our team works closely with event organisers to ensure flexibility, safety, and environmental responsibility, allowing events to proceed smoothly and leaving minimal impact on the natural environment. Our Solutions Temporary and Permanent Structures: From floating docks for boat shows to temporary stages and boardwalks for beach events, we provide innovative solutions that are easy to install and remove. Event Support Services: Complete project management for event infrastructure, including power systems, temporary utilities, and maritime access for boat races and regattas. Working With Temporary coastal protection for low visual impact and quick removal Load-bearing structures designed to accommodate crowds and equipment for large-scale events. Temporary anchoring systems that ensure infrastructure stability without damaging the seabed or surrounding ecosystems. Why Choose ICM for Marinas & Waterfront Development? ICM’s approach to marina and waterfront development focuses on innovation, sustainability, and meeting the specific needs of our clients. With years of experience delivering projects across diverse environments - from tropical beaches to urban waterfronts - we ensure that every project is tailored to the local conditions and aligned with both community and environmental values. Our technical expertise, combined with a commitment to sustainable practices and cutting-edge engineering solutions, positions ICM as a leader in the field of coastal development. Contact us today to discuss how we can support your coastal project Contact Us