An abalone farmer in Augusta creates a new, sustainable sea ranching method that allows the high value food source to self-maintain using an artificial reef system that has no input on its natural environment.
Janine Baker has worked in South Australian marine research for more than 30 years. She is a valued contributor towards documenting species richness and biodiversity of the Great Southern Reef and is a leading expert in the identification of species in this region.
Inspired by elements and textures from the coastal, and underwater environments in Tasmania, Jane Bamford is a ceramic artist with a passion for marine conservation.
Scott Bennett
Born and raised surfing and diving the reefs of Tasmania, Dr. Scott Bennett has studied the kelp forest ecosystems of Australia in depth right across the country throughout his career as a marine scientist.
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.
Kokatha elder Sue Coleman-Haseldine from Ceduna in South Australia (known locally as Aunty Sue) was a prominent early voice to stop companies like BP, Chevron and Equinor to stop drilling in the Great Australian Bight.
In the realm of marine ecology, Professor Sean Connell stands as a prominent figure and a true trailblazer. With his groundbreaking research and unwavering commitment to understanding and conserving marine ecosystems, he has made significant contributions to the scientific community. Connell's work has shed light on the delicate balance of marine life and the importance of preserving our oceans for future generations.
Underwater photographer and Tumby Bay local, Jamie Coote, was not initially an expert on South Australia’s marine emblem — the leafy seadragon, but gradually grew a tenacious curiosity about what lies beneath the ocean and the importance of awareness in his local community in order to protect the immaculate reef right at their doorstep.
Goolwa locals Lindy and Freya are two of the many of thousands of people along the Great Southern Reef fighting to protect the Great Australian Bight, the wildlife and the communities that surround it.
Prue Francis stands at the forefront of ocean literacy and marine conservation, engaging students, educators, and the wider community. Working closely with schools, she has developed tailored programs that brings the Great Southern Reef into the classroom. In her current role, Francis is actively involved in the cultivation and restoration of golden kelp in Port Phillip Bay.
Five time Olympic medalist, Shane Gould, on the ocean swimming movement in her hometown in Tasmania and the transitional space between the human and natural world.
Jaimen Hudson is known for his spectacular, internationally recognised drone videos and photography of this remote piece of the Great Southern Reef. Every morning before work, he cruises Esperance’s coastline in search of different wildlife interactions and epic imagery.
Warrnambool native and eco-activist, Colleen Hughson, first began her beach clean-up initiative after spending time walking along the Shelly Beach, a remote, rugged stretch of coastline near her hometown.
Bunna Lawrie
Whaledreamer, songman, storyteller...these are just a few ways in which Bunna Lawrie represents the Mirning Aboriginal tribe and tells the story of his country and fight for land and sea protection along the Great Southern Reef. Born and raised along the Nullarbor at the head of the Great Australian Bight, Lawrie adopted his community’s culture, laws and tradition at an early age growing up to be a Mirning senior elder and medicine man.
Owner of Bremer Bay Dive & Sports, Craig Leben’s is an advocate for getting in the water and experiencing the underwater world first hand. He takes visitors on diving and snorkeling tours and often shows visitors these leafy seadragons for the first time.
Associate Professor Scott Ling has dedicated his career to the understanding and preservation of Australia's marine ecosystems, particularly the Great Southern Reef. Ling's fascination with marine life has led him to groundbreaking research on the long-spined sea urchin, an invasive species threatening the GSR.
Peter Owen is internationally recognised for his contribution to environmental campaigns around Australia. Owen has advocated for the protection of important parts of the Great Southern Reef including the Great Australian Bight and isolated islands off South Australia’s coast.
Gretta Pecl is a Professor of Climate Change Ecology at the University of Tasmania. She has built a global reputation as a marine science communicator and advocate for citizen science. A leading voice in the call for urgent science-driven climate action. Pecl is active in several research fields, both in ecology and as Centre for Marine Socioecology (CMS) Director.
Emmalene Richards, is a proud Barngarla woman from Port Lincoln and a proud spokesperson for her people. Emma’s connection with the coast continued to shape the person she has become today. She is an active community member and has interests with a focus on heritage, cultures, languages and community development.
Meet Emma Robertson, a proud Palawa woman, artist, and cultural practitioner who recently collaborated with us at the Great Southern Reef Foundation on a Google Arts and Culture feature. This story, complemented by audio narration, delves into the profound connections the Tasmanian Aboriginal peoples have with kelp in the Great Southern Reef, showcasing the intertwined relationship between culture and nature.
Kirsten Rough is a research scientist and fisher for the Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association. She has worked in the tuna industry since 1994 to establish baseline health information about the species.
Anne Stephens is a seasoned educator in Bremer Bay, WA, with many years of experience not only teaching children about the magnificent underwater world at their fingertips, but actually showing them herself.
Roger Swainston is a renowned artist known for his hyperrealistic paintings and illustrations of underwater species and reefscapes. His aim is to cultivate awareness and drive attention to the beauty and diversity of Australian marine life.
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.
Thomas Wernberg
Professor Thomas Wernberg is a renowned marine ecologist with a profound connection to the ocean, particularly the study of kelp forests. Wernberg's research explores the multifaceted values of kelp forests, including their ecological, cultural, and economic significance, as well as their role in carbon sequestration.
Each month we feature a creator from the Great Southern Reef region with a passion for sharing the raw beauty and diverse stories across this vast coastline.
Meet the team behind the Great Southern Reef Foundation.
