GSRF science committee
Australia's Expert Voice for the Great Southern Reef
Comprising eminent and emerging temperate reef scientists from across Australia, the Great Southern Reef Foundation’s Science Committee’s purpose is to provide high-level advice on issues of public and environmental importance pertaining to temperate reefs.
The committee aims to become a principal reference point for government, industry, and managers, offering a holistic national perspective on temperate reefs. It also supports the GSRF's mission to raise the profile of the Great Southern Reef (GSR), reflecting its national and global significance. The GSRF's establishment recognises the under-representation and under-resourcing of Australia's temperate reef ecosystems, aiming to fill this void with a core of scientific expertise.
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.
Devoted to temperate marine research and the effect of ocean warming on temperate reef species, Bennett was recently awarded the highly prestigious Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher award. Currently based in Tasmania, his upcoming research aims to enhance the capacity to detect vulnerable areas of the Great Southern Reef.
The concept of the Great Southern Reef originated from a paper published by Bennett and colleagues in 2015. This publication laid the foundation for the idea of the GSR. Bennett is a cofounder of the Great Southern Reef Foundation leads the GSRF science advisory committee.
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.
Professor Wernberg’s work on the Great Southern Reef has shed light on the importance of kelp as carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots, and the vulnerability of these ecosystems to climate stressors such as marine heatwaves.
Wernberg's innovative approaches, such as the "green gravel" concept, aim to revolutionise kelp forest restoration. His passion for fieldwork, leadership, and mentorship has influenced a new generation of marine biologists, and his role in the Great Southern Reef Research Partnership exemplifies his commitment to a unified vision for safeguarding these critical ecosystems.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Professor Connell's work on the Great Southern Reef serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible resilience of nature and the importance of fostering collaboration and understanding to protect and restore our precious ocean ecosystems.
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.
Known for his innovative strategies to combat urchin overpopulation Ling’s work has been instrumental in managing the urchin crisis in Tasmania. His work extends beyond research, encompassing restoration, advocacy, community engagement, and nurturing the next generation of marine scientists. Ling’s collaborative approach, commitment to sustainable solutions, and passion for marine conservation have positioned him as a leading figure in the fight to preserve Australia's kelp forest.
Prue Francis stands at the forefront of ocean literacy and marine conservation, engaging students, educators, and the wider community. Her approach to education is both innovative and hands-on. 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.
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.
