michael sams
Science and Strategy: Michael Sams’ Role in Reef Management
As a manager of marine and coastal science and programs at Parks Victoria and a key player in the Great Southern Reef Research Partnership, Michael Sams merges cutting-edge ecological research with hands-on strategic action, tackling complex challenges like climate change, invasive species, and kelp forest loss.
In this article, we learn about Michael’s journey as he reflects on the critical balance between science and action, his crucial work in managing urchin populations, and the inspiring role of local communities. From data-driven restoration efforts to the power of public involvement, Michael Sams offers a compelling look at what it takes to safeguard one of Australia’s most unique marine environments.
Discovering Life on the Reef
Some of Michael’s first transformative moments came when he learned to dive during his first year of university—a gateway experience that soon took him beneath the surface of Victoria’s renowned dive sites, including two that remain in his favourites today - Lonsdale Wall and Cottages by the Sea.
“Learning to dive was a game-changer,” he says, describing how he was finally able to experience firsthand the intricate marine ecosystems he’d only seen in textbooks. Diving in these environments, teeming with life, ignited his fascination for marine science in a way that classroom study never could. “It blew my mind to see these species up close. Suddenly, all the lectures and lab work made sense in a visceral way,” he recalls.
Lessons from a PhD
These early underwater experiences, along with the influence of passionate university teachers, laid the foundation for Michael’s career and ultimately his PhD research on invertebrate communities. “I was incredibly lucky to have mentors who made marine botany and invertebrate biology come alive with their enthusiasm. They were crucial to setting me on the path I’m on now,” he shares. Inspired by their dedication, Michael’s PhD delved into the complex processes through which invertebrate communities assemble, colonise, and compete for survival on reefs.
His research posed an intriguing question: What are the main drivers of how these invertebrate communities form and persist over time? Michael focused on understanding the roles of larval arrival, competition, and predation in shaping reef biodiversity. “It’s like a battle for survival,” he explains, describing how “millions of larvae are looking to claim their spot on the reef.” His work sought to unravel how much of the reef's diversity depends on the timing and types of larvae that settle, versus factors like competitive interactions among species or the influence of predators.
Beyond the research itself, Michael’s PhD was also a rigorous training ground in scientific inquiry. “The PhD process was invaluable,” he reflects. “It taught me how to design questions robustly and answer them effectively.” He developed essential skills in experimental design, critical thinking, and data analysis, which he now applies directly to his work in ecological monitoring and policy. These formative experiences shaped his journey as a marine manager, equipping him with a deep respect for the complexity and resilience of marine life, and a commitment to applying science toward the sustainable management of marine ecosystems.
Delicate Architects
Among the array of reef inhabitants, bryozoans, or “moss animals,” captivated Michael most. These delicate, lace-like colonies form intricate structures on the reef, supporting a range of species like nudibranchs that rely on bryozoans for food and habitat. “Bryozoans are incredible—they’re these seemingly delicate creatures that have evolved to endure and thrive through intense competition,” he says. His research into their life cycles, competition, and resilience became “fundamental to understanding the dynamics of reef ecosystems.” This detailed exploration of bryozoans and other sessile invertebrates gave Michael insights into the natural checks and balances that maintain a healthy reef.
Image: Scott BennettThe Science-Policy Interface
Michael’s career has taken a dynamic path, evolving from research to applied conservation, and ultimately bringing him full circle to his current role with Parks Victoria, where he manages marine and coastal sciences and conservation programs. After completing his PhD, Michael worked as a postdoctoral researcher studying how rainforests recover after logging, expanding his expertise in ecosystem resilience. Yet, a pivotal shift came when he transitioned from research into a government role with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in Victoria. Here, Michael worked on state environmental policy, using scientific monitoring and data analysis to inform policymaking—a role he describes as “one of the best experiences I had in terms of professional development.”
Working at the EPA gave Michael a profound understanding of how to apply science in real-world contexts, translating research findings into actionable policy. “In government, it’s about more than just identifying problems. You need to think through solutions that will work within the real-world constraints of laws, management agencies, and communities,” he explains. This experience helped him cross the bridge from being a scientist to a “user of science,” using his research skills to design evidence-based policies that balance ecological needs with societal considerations. It also reinforced a key lesson he now shares with aspiring scientists: stay open to opportunities beyond your initial training.
from data to action
In his current role at Parks Victoria, Michael feels deeply aligned with his core values of environmental protection and practical conservation. Now, he finds himself at the interface of ecology, natural resource management, and policy, overseeing reef restoration and other conservation programs. “I love that I get to use good science and monitoring to guide our management decisions,” he says. The projects he leads—such as those aimed at restoring kelp forests impacted by climate change and overabundant urchins—are built on decades of data and evidence, ensuring that conservation strategies are both grounded in research and adaptable to evolving conditions.
For Michael, this role brings together everything he values: from the analytical skills he honed during his PhD and postdoctoral research, to the policy expertise he developed at the EPA. “It’s incredibly rewarding to work on programs that directly address the issues our reefs have been facing for decades,” he reflects. Working with Parks Victoria allows him to take a comprehensive, applied approach to marine conservation, ensuring that science and policy work hand-in-hand to protect and sustain Australia’s marine ecosystems for the future.
utilising baited remote underwater video systems (BRUVS)
Michael’s work at Parks Victoria involves working with research partners to employ innovative technologies like Baited Remote Underwater Video Stations (BRUVS) to monitor and assess marine biodiversity. This method provides valuable insights into fish populations, species richness, and behavioural interactions.
The BRUVS system captures high-resolution footage of underwater life, attracting species into view with bait. This approach allows researchers to gather data on elusive and cryptic species that are difficult to observe through traditional dive surveys.
Strategic Interventions & Restoring Balance
Urchins, especially the longspined variety (Centrostephanus rodgersii), have become a significant threat to kelp forests across the Great Southern Reef, creating vast “urchin barrens” by overgrazing algae. This overgrazing disrupts marine habitats and reduces biodiversity, a problem intensified by warming waters, which have allowed urchins to spread further south. With parts of eastern Victoria becoming a warming hotspot, climate-driven changes are pushing species like the longspined urchin into new territories where their impact is particularly damaging.
At Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary, longspined urchins had transformed once-lush, biodiverse reefs into barren zones. Local community group Friends of Beware Reef sounded the alarm, documenting these dramatic changes and partnering with Parks Victoria to tackle the problem. Through coordinated efforts with commercial divers, they successfully reduced urchin densities, allowing kelp and other marine life to re-establish. Reflecting on the success, Michael notes, “The goal was to bring their numbers to a level that allows kelp and other species to flourish. And within months, we saw crayweed and other sessile invertebrates starting to return.” This quick response showcases the resilience of the reef when urchin populations are managed.
Image: Scott Bennett
COLLABORATIVE CONSERVATION
Michael emphasises that community involvement was essential to these interventions, especially in protected areas like Beware Reef, where the priority is to safeguard native biodiversity. “The community is our biggest ally,” he says. “Friends of Beware Reef were instrumental in raising the alarm and showing us the extent of the problem. They’ve shown how critical public engagement is in conservation.”
In Port Phillip Bay, another urchin species—the shortspined urchin (Heliocidaris erythrogramma)—has long posed a threat to the ecosystem, with estimated numbers between 40 and 200 million. Through intensive removal efforts, Michael’s team and collaborating divers have extracted over 300,000 urchins from sanctuaries within a 10-hectare area. “What’s been most remarkable is how quickly these ecosystems can bounce back when urchin densities are controlled,” Michael explains. “At Jawbone Marine Sanctuary, within a year, we saw a resurgence of golden kelp and other brown algae.”
Protecting Resilient Reefs: Identifying Kelp Refugia
Using over 20 years of long-term monitoring data Michael’s team is working to identify “kelp refugia” across Victoria—regions that could support kelp even under future climate scenarios. Factors like wave energy, depth, and water mixing play essential roles in keeping these areas cool enough for kelp forests to survive. Wilsons Promontory, with its high wave energy and water mixing, stands out as a promising refugium. “Without the long-term monitoring, we would have no understanding of the trends and changes we’re seeing and the priorities for management,” Michael stresses.
By mapping these potential refugia, Parks Victoria can prioritise management efforts, focusing resources on areas where kelp forests are most likely to persist. This approach informs decisions like transplanting resilient kelp species from other areas, reducing urchin populations, and monitoring invasive species. “It’s all about using the science to be strategic,” Michael says. “In protected areas, we can rank parks by their climate refugia potential and focus on the ones that hold the best conditions for resilience.”
Building a Culture of Conservation: Community and Collaboration
For Michael, successful conservation extends beyond data and policy—it relies on building a connected and informed community. The Great Southern Reef, spanning several Australian states, is a vast, interconnected ecosystem. Yet, as Michael points out, the general public’s awareness of its biodiversity and ecological importance is limited. “One of our biggest challenges is that people often don’t realise what an incredible marine environment we have. That’s why public engagement is crucial.”
Michael’s team works closely with community groups, empowering locals to engage with the reef and report observations. “It’s like having extra eyes on the water,” he says, emphasising that community input can lead to timely interventions and a deeper sense of shared responsibility. Campaigns like “Check, Clean, Dry”—which helps prevent the spread of marine pests—serve as a prime example of simple actions that everyone can take to contribute to marine conservation.
AWARENESS TO ACTION
Michael believes that fostering pride in the reef’s biodiversity is key to long-term conservation. “The more people know about the reef and its importance, the more support there is for protecting it. Public awareness and engagement lead to political support, which in turn helps secure funding for conservation efforts.” He credits collaborations, like the Great Southern Reef Research Partnership, with bringing people together and amplifying the collective impact of their work. “What we’re learning from other states feeds directly into our strategies here in Victoria, creating a united front against threats like climate change and invasive species.”
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Scott Bennett
The concept of the Great Southern Reef originated from a paper published by Bennett and colleagues in 2015.
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Prue Francis stands at the forefront of ocean literacy and marine conservation, engaging students, educators, and the wider community.
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Gretta Pecl
Gretta Pecl has built a global reputation as a marine science communicator and advocate for citizen science.
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Michael Sams
As manager of marine and coastal programs at Parks Victoria, Sams combines research with strategic action to address complex ecological challenges.
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