Professor Adriana Vergés
Empowering Change through Innovation and Science Communication
Professor Adriana Vergés is not your typical scientist. With a deep-rooted passion for the beauty and potential of seaweeds and marine ecosystems, she has embarked on a lifelong journey of exploration and discovery. As a marine ecologist, she has made significant strides in understanding the intricate dynamics of kelp forests and seagrass meadows, shedding light on their importance and vulnerability.
But her impact goes beyond scientific research. Professor Vergés is a storyteller, a science communicator, and an advocate for the preservation of our oceans. With a distinctive approach to science communication, she aims to empower others to understand and protect our marine environments. She embodies the spirit of a researcher and the heart of a storyteller, combining her passion for exploration with a drive to share her findings with the world. Join us as we dive into the remarkable work and visionary mindset of Professor Adriana Vergés.
Unravelling
the
Enigma of Seaweeds
Professor Vergés was captivated by the enchanting allure of underwater ecosystems from early on in her career as a scientist. Describing her fascination, she explained, "I was drawn to the beauty of seaweeds. It was the beauty and the fact that it seemed to be a world with so much potential." Vergés completed her honours in seaweed genetics in Ireland, where she realised how little was known about these systems.
As a marine ecologist, Vergés has made significant strides in understanding the significance of kelp forests and seagrass meadows. "We knew so little, and we still know so little about seaweed-dominated ecosystems," she said, expressing a blend of humility and ambition that characterises her approach to scientific discovery.
Fieldwork: The Heartbeat
of Vergés' Discovery
Delving into the fascinating narratives of marine ecosystems, Professor Vergés reveals how fieldwork ignites her passion and shapes her understanding. It’s where her ideas take shape, the theories form, and the depths of her understanding of marine life are tested and enriched. She emphasised, "For me, doing fieldwork really helps me remember why I do what I do."
This insatiable curiosity and desire to understand led her to marine ecosystems around the world, including the Mediterranean and many parts of the Great Southern Reef. Her commitment to fieldwork and her astute observations have proven to be a powerful compass guiding her through the complexities of marine ecosystems. Each dive she takes deepens her understanding of these intricate underwater worlds. "We're meaning-seeking machines as humans, we're constantly observing and trying to understand how things work and reaffirm any views that we already have or challenge them," Vergés states, reflecting on the vital role of fieldwork in her research journey.
"For me, doing fieldwork really helps me remember why I do what I do."
Unveiling
Ecological Transformations
One of the defining moments in Vergés' research came during her postdoc at Ningaloo Reef, a tropical system where the dynamics were starkly different from the temperate systems she had previously studied. In a tropical ecosystem, seaweed is often seen as an indicator of degradation, unlike in temperate systems where seaweed is a sign of health. Her field observations became a catalyst for her groundbreaking research into tropicalisation—the process through which climate change pushes tropical species into temperate systems, causing drastic ecological transformations.
She was particularly struck by the changes she observed in the Eastern Mediterranean, where tropical rabbitfish introduced through the Suez Canal had overgrazed the seaweed forests, leaving behind a barren, lunar-like seascape. The question arose: could climate change induce the same ecological shifts elsewhere?
Back in Australia, Vergés decided to put this idea to the test. She initiated a workshop with experts from around the world, set up trials in the transition zone of the Great Southern Reef, and planted kelp in areas where tropical species were now abundant. The rapid and severe overgrazing of kelp by herbivores confirmed her hypothesis, suggesting that the tropicalisation she'd witnessed in the Mediterranean was already happening elsewhere. "At the time it was conceptual, this is something that may happen with climate change, and then all of a sudden, it was like, no, this is already happening," she recalls.
From Scepticism
to Recognition
Initially met with scepticism, her pioneering research is now recognised as a critical insight into climate change effects on marine ecosystems. Vergés noted, "When I first proposed the idea, it was hard to publish papers on it and really hard to get funding on it. And now, it's super widely cited, and it's recognised as one of the climate change threats." Her work's impact is even seen in white papers, with tropicalisation acknowledged as a significant threat in places like New South Wales.
In light of the awareness that tropicalisation is happening, Vergés suggests that targeted conservation policies and practices could be implemented. For instance, range-edge populations of kelp, which are particularly vulnerable to marine heatwaves and increased herbivory, could be protected. Another approach could be incentivising fisheries to target species known to overgraze kelp. This is already happening in Tasmania, where range-expanding sea urchins are the focus of subsidised fisheries that aim to restore kelp and thus re-establish associated fisheries such as abalone and lobster.
Conservation Catalyst
Professor Vergés' passion extends beyond the realm of research as she consistently focuses on applying her findings for real-world impact. One of her notable endeavours has been the restoration project ‘Operation Crayweed,’ aimed at reviving Sydney's underwater forests that had disappeared in the 1980s due to sewage pollution. The project turned out to be a spectacular success, sparking hope for large-scale ecological restoration globally.
Vergés' research has also played an instrumental role in recognising Posidonia, a seagrass, as endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. Vergés shared, "A lot of the research that we did on the genetics of Posidonia led to it being listed as endangered by the EPBC act." This legal recognition provides some protection, making it harder for activities that might damage this species to proceed without offsets or mitigation measures.
Looking ahead to the next decade, Professor Vergés anticipates a shifting focus within marine ecology, with an emphasis not only on protection but also on restoration and resilience. Given the inevitability of climate change impacts, even under the most optimistic scenarios, she envisages a much more dynamic approach to conservation and research in temperate reef ecosystems. "The increases in temperature are inevitable... We're locked into a certain amount of warming so that's not going to change," she warns. This sobering truth underscores the importance of investing research efforts into understanding and developing adaptations for warm-adapted kelp forests and other affected marine ecosystems.
Her words echo an understanding that science isn't just about understanding our world for the sake of knowledge, but rather using this understanding to actively manage and safeguard our biodiversity. Now, more than ever, there is a dire need for marine ecologists and hands-on science to guide these efforts. She further articulates that, "I see the conservation shifting more from a very static way of doing things to a much more dynamic way of doing things. Where we are anticipating the change that we know is inevitable and trying to understand how do we manage our ecosystems in a way that acknowledges and takes into account that change that is inevitable, while still ensuring we get as many benefits from nature from the Great Southern Reef ecosystems as possible."
Lessons from Korea
During her recent trip to Korea, Professor Vergés gained valuable insights that she believes could greatly benefit the Great Southern Reef. She was particularly struck by Korea's more interventionist approach to coastal ecosystem management, which contrasts with the traditional methods employed in Australia. In Korea, they actively farm the sea and implement strategies such as harvesting sea urchins to promote seaweed regrowth. This sustainable harvest system not only generates a valuable product, but also leads to the recovery of kelp forests, resulting in improved biodiversity. Reflecting on this, Vergés emphasises the need for a more intimate relationship with nature, where humans recognise their place as part of the ecosystem. By finding a balance between taking what is necessary and leaving space for nature to thrive, she envisions an exciting and promising path forward for Australia's coastal management
Reef Awareness Revolution
Through the Great Southern Reef research partnership, Adriana hopes to raise awareness about the reef. Despite its ecological significance, many people are still unaware of its existence. Furthermore, she points out the stark disparity between the amount of research funds dedicated to the Great Southern Reef compared to tropical ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef. "By raising more awareness and getting more people to care, I would hope that alongside that there will be more money invested in understanding it and protecting it," she affirms. By increasing awareness and generating greater public interest, she hopes more resources will be invested in studying and protecting the reef, recognising the critical role of conservation science in safeguarding these diverse and valuable marine habitats.
Enchanting Encounters
and Treasured Favourites
Professor Adriana Vergés's journey through the wonders of the Great Southern Reef is filled with awe-inspiring moments and treasured favourites. From the vibrant diversity of species at Sydney's Shelley Beach to the enchanting underwater realm of Tasmania, where encounters with sea lions leave a lasting impression, she finds beauty and wonder in every corner. Reflecting on her favourites, she shares, "The weedy seadragons are pretty spectacular... It's like a magical creature of sorts." The Solitary Islands also captivate her, with their unique combination of kelp forests and vibrant coral reefs, creating an immersive and extraordinary underwater world. For Professor Vergés, the Great Southern Reef is a place where the colours, patterns, and architectural marvels of marine life come together, leaving her forever inspired by its breathtaking diversity and remarkable inhabitants.
Empowering Ocean Advocacy
Indeed, her contributions to marine ecology have been vast. But Vergés' work goes beyond the realm of scientific research. She is also a passionate science communicator, eager to share the wonders of the marine world with a broader audience. She believes that her research can empower people to better understand and protect our oceans.
Navigating the task of communicating intricate scientific concepts to a broad audience can be a challenge. However, Professor Vergés approaches this with a distinctive strategy, turning complexity into clarity and insight. "At the core of effective science communication is getting to the essence of it. If you can answer the 'why', the 'who', the 'what' of your research, you're going to be more effective in communicating the science," she explains. This approach is about making science accessible and engaging, breaking it down to its essential elements that everyone can connect with.
She advises fellow scientists to shake off their academic norms, where every detail is dissected and language is often arcane, and instead embrace simplicity and imagination. "The most successful science communication is where you capture people's imagination... bringing something in that people really care about and then using that to tell your story," she adds.
The origins of this passion trace back to her time as a master’s student in science communication. “I felt like my training had been very quickly specialised, and I felt like there were some foundations lacking from the humanities,” Vergés explained. This led her to explore a cross-border degree involving Queen’s University, Belfast, and Dublin City University, where she studied the role of wildlife films in science communication. This led to an unexpected but thrilling journey into the world of television, which included a documentary on the science behind setting fishery quotas in Ireland.
“The most successful science communication is where you capture people's imagination”
Fearless Innovation
Adriana's advice for young scientists interested in marine ecology carries a sense of boldness and creativity. She believes in the power of multidisciplinary approaches and collaboration, expressing that "bringing different worlds together can often lead to more inspiring results." She emphasises the importance of focusing on solutions, using rigorous science not just to understand problems, but to develop resolutions. She motivates young scientists to take chances, encouraging them not to fear making mistakes. "When you do something the first time, it may work and it may not, and sometimes the fear of the precautionary principle may seem that doing nothing may be better than doing something that may end up causing some harm," she says, suggesting that we've reached a point where the loss has been so significant that trying something new, even with risks, is crucial.
However, she doesn't neglect the personal side of scientific work. Working on projects that are breaking new ground can be difficult, and there may be times of disappointment and failure. "Looking after your own mental health is actually really important," Adriana advises. She acknowledges the emotional burden of working in conservation and environmental change, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy balance. This means ensuring that you have fun with what you do and avoid burning out due to a relentless drive for conservation outcomes. Adriana believes that sustainability extends beyond the ecosystems they work to restore; it also applies to the researchers themselves, who must find joy in their work to continue making a difference in the long term.
Charting a Course for
Ocean Resilience
As Vergés' work continues, there's palpable excitement about the new projects on the horizon. One initiative involves creating a symbiotic relationship between kelp restoration and commercial sea urchin harvesting. The team plans to selectively harvest sea urchins in certain areas to encourage seaweed regrowth, which in turn will nourish the remaining sea urchins, potentially sparking a profitable sea urchin industry alongside successful kelp restoration.
The other significant undertaking involves the Kelp Forest Alliance, where she sits in the Board of Directors. Vergés, alongside over 450 kelp scientists, is rallying towards an ambitious target for kelp protection and restoration – aiming to secure and restore 4 million hectares by 2040. While the progress to date, 35,000 hectares restored, shows promise, it also highlights the monumental task ahead.
As we learn from the insightful research and forward-thinking initiatives of experts like Adriana Vergés, the call to action is clear. We must support the work of marine conservationists and participate in a collective effort to protect and restore our vulnerable marine ecosystems. Whether it's advocating for more robust legal protections for endangered species, encouraging sustainable practices in fisheries, or supporting the restoration and protection efforts of organisations like the Kelp Forest Alliance, each action brings us closer to a healthier, more resilient ocean for future generations. We have a significant journey ahead, but with science as our compass and determination as our fuel, we can strive to reach those ambitious targets.
