Coastal and near-coastal eddies are transient but ecologically significant features that shape coastal ecosystems by transporting nutrients, enhancing biological productivity, and influencing marine biodiversity. This study focuses on the Capricorn eddies of the southern Great Barrier Reef and develops a novel eddy identification method to capture their dynamic and short-lived nature.

Unlike traditional eddy detection, which relies on snapshots of horizontal observations, this method tracks eddies across their temporal evolution. By doing so, it avoids the limitations of detecting eddies with inconspicuous features during certain stages of their development and eliminates excessive detection. This approach allows for more accurate monitoring of nutrient upwelling and ecosystem support while offering insights into how changing oceanic conditions and climate variability may impact these eddies and their broader ecological roles.