MELINDA COLEMAN
Unleashing the Power of Genetics to Protect the Great Southern Reef
Melinda Coleman, a leading marine scientist and geneticist, is on a mission to unlock the secrets of the Great Southern Reef. With her expertise in next-generation sequencing technologies and a deep passion for marine ecosystems, she is paving the way for innovative research and conservation strategies.
Coleman's work not only sheds light on the intricate genetic makeup of kelp and seaweeds but also explores their vital role in maintaining the health and resilience of the Great Southern Reef. She is interpreting the language of marine ecosystems and transforming these insights into actionable conservation efforts. Her career as a marine geneticist and now Principal Research Scientist with Regional NSW, Department of Primary Industries, has led her to uncover significant, yet often overlooked, marine environmental challenges.
Coleman's research is providing a comprehensive roadmap to guide the future management of Australia’s kelp forests, leading the charge towards effective, scalable and innovative solutions for restoring marine ecosystems. As she guides a team of diversely skilled researchers, the journey ahead is about far more than science. It is about safeguarding the New South Wales Marine Estate, the broader Great Southern Reef and preserving the valuable public resource that our oceans represent for generations to come.
A Journey Fuelled by Curiosity
Coleman's fascination with the marine world began early in her scientific career. Drawn to the beauty and potential of seaweeds, she embarked on a quest to unravel the mysteries of these underwater forests. During her PhD in seaweed genetics, conducted in Sydney, she realised how little was known about these complex organisms. This realisation sparked her determination to dive deeper into the world of marine science.
"As a marine ecologist, I am driven by the beauty and potential of seaweeds. They are fascinating but understudied organisms that play a crucial role in marine ecosystems," Coleman explains.
Seeds of Discovery
During a rock climbing expedition in Yosemite National Park, she found herself halfway up a cliff, observing pine trees releasing pollen. As she looked down and saw the dispersal plumes following the wind, she had an epiphany. It sparked her imagination about visualising similar dispersal processes underwater and the importance of understanding the dynamics of genetic dispersal in marine ecosystems. This moment of awe and reflection inspired her to further explore the intricacies of dispersal in the marine environment and fuelLed her determination to unravel the secrets of seaweeds.
While Coleman's initial focus was on the ecology of seaweeds, it was her desire to answer questions about their dispersal that led her to the field of genetics. After completing her Ph.D., she embarked on a journey to broaden her skills, venturing to the University of Maine for a postdoctoral fellowship. This opportunity allowed her to delve into genomics and the reproductive biology of seaweeds.
Reflecting on this transformational period in her career, Melinda shares, "I really wanted to weave together different skills to unravel the complex ecological questions that intrigued me. Diving into genomics and reproductive biology gave me the ability to do just that."
I really wanted to weave together different skills to unravel the complex ecological questions that intrigued me."
Harnessing the Power of
Next-Generation Sequencing
One of the groundbreaking technologies Coleman employs in her research is next-generation sequencing. This innovative approach allows scientists to study entire genomes or large sections of genomes, revolutionising our understanding of organisms and their functions. By harnessing the power of next-gen sequencing, Coleman and her team are unlocking the genetic secrets of kelp and seaweeds, providing valuable insights into their biology, adaptation, and potential for aquaculture and ecosystem management.
"Next-generation sequencing has opened up new avenues for us to explore the genetic diversity and resilience of kelp and seaweeds. It's like uncovering a treasure trove of information that can guide our conservation efforts," Coleman remarks.
Despite the complexity of her work, Coleman approaches each task with a firm belief in the power of scientific knowledge to inspire and drive effective conservation. As she once put it, "There are so many environmental problems out there, particularly with seaweeds and kelp forests... it's really important to translate and operationalise some of that complex genetic data and that knowledge into usable tools for managers."
Future Proofing
In the face of changing climates and the looming threats to marine habitats, Coleman envisions a future where marine ecosystems are equipped to withstand the impacts of climate change through proactive measures and adaptive management strategies. "Looking ahead," Coleman shares, "I envision a future where marine ecosystems are resilient to the impacts of climate change." She believes in the concept of future-proofing, integrating climate change considerations into the design and management of marine areas. As she emphasises, "It's about preparing for inevitable changes in temperature and ocean conditions through proactive and adaptive management strategies."
By proactively planning for the future, Coleman aims to ensure the Great Southern Reef and other marine habitats can thrive despite the challenges of a changing climate. Her work in understanding the genetic resilience of seaweeds and kelp forests plays a crucial role in developing effective conservation and management approaches that can withstand the uncertainties of the future.
Marine Estate Management
The New South Wales Marine Estate represents an invaluable public resource. Stretching across the state's waters up to three nautical miles from the coast, the Estate encompasses nearshore and coastal estuarine environments. This diverse and vibrant ecological expanse requires careful, balanced management to ensure the conservation of its ecosystems and the sustainable extraction of its resources.
In this context, Coleman's team takes on a vital role. "Our overarching aim," she shares, "is to prepare the Marine Estate in New South Wales more broadly for climate change. This involves a lot of balancing acts, making sure that the Marine Estate is sustainable and well looked after for everybody going forward."
The team's mandate is extensive and diverse, encompassing not just kelp forests, but a range of habitats, species, and marine resources. They are actively investigating how the design of marine protected areas, restoration efforts and management might consider climate change and future-proofing strategies. Moreover, Coleman's team is raising awareness among managers about climate impacts and potential solutions, encouraging these considerations to be incorporated into future management plans and strategies. By doing so, they ensure that this public resource continues to thrive and serve the people of NSW now and into the future.
In Coleman's perspective, the importance of applicability of scientific research cannot be overstated. "Our science needs to be grounded in reality," she explains. "We need to ensure that our research not only advances our understanding of marine ecosystems but also informs practical conservation strategies. This is not just about studying and observing. It's about taking what we learn and applying it to maintain the resilience of our marine environments and support their sustainable use."
Revolutionising Restoration
In her quest for tangible conservation solutions, Coleman co-developed an innovative approach known as 'green-gravel'. Green-gravel, a concept both simple and ingenious, combines restoration ecology with the natural process of reproduction in seaweeds. The method involves seeding marine substrates or 'gravel' with juvenile seaweeds.
Green-gravel can be dispersed across degraded marine habitats, enabling the restoration of kelp forests at an impressive scale. Coleman's work on the green-gravel technique has shown immense potential in addressing habitat degradation and climate change impacts. Coleman’s work has been focusing on finding and using resilient and thermally tolerant kelp genotypes. By doing so, these more 'climate-resilient’ genotypes could be deployed via the green-gravel technique to bolster the resilience of marine habitats against increasing ocean temperatures, pre-emptively equipping them for the challenges of a changing climate.
Championing the Great Southern Reef
The Great Southern Reef, a vast and awe-inspiring marine ecosystem, faces pressing conservation challenges, with ocean warming and extreme events like marine heatwaves standing at the forefront. According to Coleman, these factors have the potential to trigger substantial changes that will reverberate throughout the ecosystem, impacting critical habitat-forming organisms and causing cascading effects on biodiversity as a whole. However, she acknowledges that addressing this issue extends beyond the realm of marine biologists alone. "It's a whole of society problem," she emphasises, highlighting the need to reduce emissions as the most significant threat mitigation measure.
Coleman's dedication to the Great Southern Reef is unwavering. She understands the urgency of protecting this unique and biodiverse ecosystem. Through her research, she aims to raise awareness about the importance of kelp forests and seaweeds in the Great Southern Reef. By uncovering their genetic secrets and highlighting their value, she hopes to garner public support and drive conservation efforts for this often-overlooked marine wonder.
Coleman recognises that effective environmental management requires public support and valuation of marine habitats. She advocates for making the value and importance of kelp forests and seaweeds known to the wider public. By fostering awareness and understanding, she believes we can drive change and ensure the long-term conservation of these critical ecosystems.
Coordinating Knowledge for Greater Impact
The Great Southern Reef Research Partnership (GSRRP), a collaborative effort between universities, management agencies, and NGOs across Australia, is spearheading a comprehensive approach to protect the critical functions, fisheries, and biodiversity of the Great Southern Reef. Supported by the Ian Potter Foundation, the partnership is dedicated to enhancing public awareness of the reef's significance and advancing scientific understanding of its changing dynamics.
Recognising the immense value of collaboration and coordination, Melinda Coleman shares her hopes for the GSRRP. "Through the partnership, we have the opportunity to bring together the collective knowledge and expertise of scientists working across the country," says Coleman. "It's about treating the Great Southern Reef as a whole, recognizing its interconnectedness and the need for a unified approach. By coordinating our efforts and establishing a standardised methodology, we can gain comprehensive insights into the health and trajectory of the reef."
Through the Great Southern Reef Research Project, knowledge is shared, expertise is pooled, and research efforts are coordinated to maximise impact. By uniting diverse perspectives and consolidating research findings, the partnership aims to generate a cohesive understanding of the Great Southern Reef and its conservation needs. This coordinated approach not only strengthens the scientific community but also serves as a powerful communication tool to raise public awareness and engagement.
By establishing a standardised methodology and fostering collaboration among researchers, the partnership aims to comprehensively assess the health of the Great Southern Reef and track its trajectory over time. This coordinated approach not only facilitates better understanding within the scientific community but also serves as a powerful communication tool for the general public. Coleman believes that this unified approach is essential to overcome complexity and ensure a cohesive understanding of this intricate ecosystem, paving the way for comprehensive insights, effective management, and a greater impact on safeguarding the future of the Great Southern Reef.
Guiding the Next Generation
As a mentor and role model, Coleman emphasises the importance of expressing ambitions and seeking out champions in one's career. She encourages aspiring marine scientists to share their goals, aspirations, and the types of opportunities they seek. By fostering open communication and proactive career planning, Coleman believes anyone can succeed in their scientific journey.
According to Coleman, "Having mentors and champions who support your aspirations is crucial in the field of marine science. Don't be afraid to express your goals and seek out opportunities that align with your passion."
"Through the Great Southern Reef Research partnership, we have the opportunity to bring together the collective knowledge and expertise of scientists working across the country,"
The Future of Marine Genetics
Looking ahead, Coleman sees a bright future for genetics in marine science. She believes we are only scratching the surface of utilising next-generation sequencing technologies in understanding marine organisms and their ecosystems. With ongoing efforts to sequence more kelp genomes and explore the potential of genetic engineering, the field of marine genetics holds great promise for aquaculture, habitat management, and addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Looking ahead, Melinda Coleman and her diverse team have a clear focus on preparing the New South Wales Marine Estate, and beyond, for the challenges of climate change. Their aim goes beyond the preservation of local kelp forests; it encompasses a holistic approach to understanding and managing the broader Great Southern Reef. This forward-thinking approach involves considering the effects of climate change on fish species, sustainable fishing practices, and the design of marine protected areas. By working towards a sustainable and resilient future, Coleman and her team are paving the way for a Great Southern Reef that is well-managed and protected for the benefit of all.
