Geoscience Australia's Principal Advisor Maritime Mark Alcock named in 2025 Australia Day Honours list

Geoscience Australia Principal Advisor Maritime Mark Alcock has been awarded a Public Service Medal (PSM) for his service to the community through international leadership in maritime affairs.

The PSM is part of the Australian honours and awards system. It recognises employees of the Australian Government and state, territory and local governments who have given outstanding service.

Throughout his 32-year career, Mr Alcock has given outstanding service to the Australian Government, neighbouring countries, international maritime community, and the Australian public through his international leadership and cooperation in maritime affairs.

Mr Alcock’s dedication and exceptional leadership has been instrumental in securing Australia’s maritime jurisdiction, enhancing regional security and improving ocean governance.

Since 2005, Mr Alcock has held leadership positions within Geoscience Australia, including as Director – Law of the Sea and Maritime Boundaries Advice and Maritime Jurisdiction Advice. During this time, he led the program that established the scientific and technical framework for Australia’s international and domestic maritime boundaries under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and was science lead of Australia’s delegation to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.

In 2017, Mr Alcock was elected to International Seabed Authority’s Legal and Technical Commission where he plays a leadership role in establishing effective regulation and appropriate environmental protections for deep-sea mining. He is currently serving a second five-year term from 2023 to 2027.

Mr Alcock also received the Pacific Community Regional Achievement Award for Maritime Boundaries in 2021 recognising his support of Pacific Island states to establish and secure their maritime zones, providing technical advice and mentoring.

Mr Alcock has spearheaded international efforts to present marine spatial information in digital form leading an international working group to develop the S121 standard for maritime limits and boundaries.

Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia Madeleine King has welcomed the award, and thanked Mr Alcock for his contribution, "In enhancing Earth sciences for Australia’s future, your dedicated service with Geoscience Australia will leave a lasting positive impact on our country."

You can find out more about nominating someone for a PSM here.