The South Australian Environment Protection Authority has run a Statewide ambient monitoring program for coastal waters since 2010. The program focuses on ecosystem assessment that relates directly to environmental values of different water areas. Environmental values range from pristine to highly modified and provides a basis for governance of difference activities and uses such as recreation or aquaculture. The results from the program are reported annually, and the data collected is used by researchers, government agencies and stakeholders alike. Over the last 12 years, the program has helped inform management action to improve the marine environment. The presentation will discuss some of the lessons learned and how the information gathered has assisted other research projects.