prof. sean connell
A look into the life and work of a leading marine ecologist and educator
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.
As we explore the story of a scientist driven by curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge, we will gain insight into the forces that have shaped Connell's research, his dedicated commitment to collaboration, and the ways in which his work serves to inspire the next generation of marine ecologists.
From commercial pilot training to marine science
Professor Connell's path to marine science was a serendipitous one. After completing his undergraduate degree, he received a scholarship for commercial pilot training. Before starting his training, he volunteered as a student assistant at a marine laboratory in New Zealand.
The excitement and camaraderie he experienced while snorkelling with dolphins and discussing nature with young, passionate individuals led him to change course and pursue a career in marine science. Reflecting on his journey, Connell says, "I felt that was the company that I was more natural with, I was much more inspired around that company."
Discovering the Great Southern Reef
Although Connell completed his Ph.D. on the Great Barrier Reef, it wasn't until he moved to Adelaide that he truly became captivated by the Great Southern Reef. His expeditions to remote locations within the GSR ignited a deep sense of connection and passion for this unique and vast ecosystem.
The GSR is a vast and ecologically significant marine ecosystem that stretches over 8,000 km along the southern half of Australia's coastline. This cool-water reef system supports a remarkable array of marine life, including numerous endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. The GSR holds immense ecological, cultural, and economic value, offering essential ecosystem services and supporting important industries like fishing and tourism.
Despite its global importance, public understanding and awareness of the GSR remain low.. Connell's dedication to uncovering the wonders of the GSR aims to change this, increasing appreciation for this extraordinary underwater world and promoting its conservation.
“I have always been interested in understanding the processes by which nature can withstand shocks and recover from shocks.”
The Resilience of Nature
Throughout his career, Professor Connell has made significant contributions to the field of marine ecology. His research has focused on understanding the effects of environmental change on marine ecosystems, particularly the impact of climate change, ocean acidification, and habitat loss.
The Great Southern Reef is a testament to the resilience of nature, and Connell's research has helped shed light on the remarkable ability of marine ecosystems to adapt and thrive in the face of change. He emphasises the importance of understanding the complex interactions between species, habitats, and human influences to develop effective conservation and management strategies.
Connell explains “I have always been interested in understanding the processes by which nature can withstand shocks and recover from shocks.”
Connell's work has been instrumental in the recovery of kelp forests in South Australia from turf-covered algae "weeds", a consequence of elevated nitrogen from wastewater. His research showed that improving water quality can help marine ecosystems rebound and regain their resilience.
Working closely with local and national governments to improve water quality, Connell’s efforts, alongside those of other scientists, policy-makers, and stakeholders, led to the implementation of policies that promoted better management of pollutants and wastewater, ultimately contributing to the health and resilience of the reef system.
In reflecting on the success of his work, Connell shared his personal feelings from a recent dive at Horseshoe Reef just off the Adelaide metro. "It was a moment of immense satisfaction to see the reefs rebound from the turf-covered algae 'weeds' to thriving kelp forests after working on improving water quality. It demonstrated the power of nature's resilience and the potential for positive change when we take action. To me that is huge, that we have agency over our coasts, we can bring them back, we can return them. And the remarkable diversity and productivity that will come back with it.”
Harmonising science, nature and conservation
Connell has been involved in numerous collaborative research projects, working with scientists from around the globe to address pressing environmental issues. His partnerships have led to groundbreaking discoveries, highlighting the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and the need for international cooperation in conservation efforts.
Closer to home, one of Connell's innovative collaborations involved partnering with AusOcean, a small NGO startup, to develop cost-effective underwater speakers for an oyster reef restoration experiment using underwater music. The project not only sought to enhance oyster growth and productivity but also aimed to engage the public in a unique and creative way.
The results from the underwater speaker deployments suggest that oyster larvae have the ability to respond to sounds indicative of optimal settlement sites. By manipulating the soundscape in degraded habitats the team have been able to influence oyster settlement patterns, facilitating the formation of reef habitat.
“To put down a kilometre of limestone …and to have natural recruitment from the functionally extinct ecosystem is phenomenal.”
Highlighting the importance of community engagement, Connell explains, "involving communities who would have ownership and agency over their backyard, is a way to get people to engage with the Great Southern Reef." Emphasising the need for a people-centred approach, he adds, "Restoration and conservation is probably as much about people as it is about nature. And we've got to bring people along."
“To put down a kilometre of limestone …and to have natural recruitment from the functionally extinct ecosystem is phenomenal.”"
Connell and the Great Southern Reef Research Partnership
Prof. Connell emphasises the importance of research and collaboration in addressing large-scale questions and challenges faced by marine ecosystems, particularly the Great Southern Reef. He is passionate about bridging the gap between scientists, government agencies, and local communities to create a more comprehensive and effective approach to conservation and restoration efforts.
An integral part of the newly formed Great Southern Reef Research Partnership (GSRRP), Connel works to protect Australia’s temperate reefs through a united and multidisciplinary approach. Funded largely by the Ian Potter Foundation, the GSRRP brings together universities, management agencies, and NGOs from across Australia to address critical research priorities and improve the understanding and management of the Great Southern Reef.
Connell's envisions the Partnership as a means to create a lasting legacy by coordinating research efforts and fostering collaboration among scientists, government agencies, and the public. He believes that this partnership has the potential to change the way temperate reefs are understood and managed, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the communities that depend on it.
In his words, "It will be the only major coastal area in the world, which will have such tight collaboration to understand such a vast area of the world, in a more coherent way that goes beyond individuals with individual projects." He envisions that the Partnership will contribute to meaningful collaboration, fostering long-term benefits for the Great Southern Reef and creating a foundation for intergenerational sustainability and stewardship.
Through this partnership, Connell and his colleagues aim to increase public recognition of the Great Southern Reef's value and positively impact how Australians engage with and manage this vital ecosystem. Connell believes that involving the public in the conservation and restoration of the Great Southern Reef is crucial for its long-term survival. By fostering a sense of ownership and agency over their aquatic backyard, communities are more likely to engage with the GSR and contribute to its resilience.
A Dive into Connell's Favourites
Nestled in a hidden corner of the GSR, Connell's favourite dive site is a place known to only a select few. Cape Vancouver is a dive site located two hours by boat from Albany, and showcases the breathtaking beauty of the GSR at its finest. Cape Vancouver features crystal-clear waters, an incredible diversity of fish, and towering corals. Describing the area, Connell states, "It's just absolutely mind-blowing. It puts coral reefs to shame."
His favourite species, Ecklonia radiata, represents the essence of the GSR. Connell admires the species for its stunning golden appearance and its ability to support a diverse array of marine life. "It's a symbol of a healthy place supporting life, and architecturally and visually it's just stunning," he explains.
Inspiring future generations
As an educator and mentor, Connell has influenced the careers of many young marine ecologists and environmental scientists. He envisions a future where marine scientists work on more meaningful projects with larger spatial and temporal scales, collaborating with experts from various fields, including the humanities.
Connell advocates for a more holistic, interdisciplinary approach to marine science, emphasising the need to bridge the gap between the humanities and the sciences. By incorporating diverse perspectives, researchers can better understand the factors that contribute to the resilience of marine ecosystems, ultimately leading to more effective conservation strategies.
As a leading expert on the Great Southern Reef, Professor Sean Connell's passion, dedication, and commitment to collaboration will continue to inspire the next generation of marine scientists and help protect this vital ecosystem for years to come.
2024 Conservation Science Prize Award
Professor Sean Connell and Dr Dominic McAfee were recognised for their innovative work restoring lost oyster reefs and playing music to lure in their reef-building recruits.
The pair have co-authored 15 scientific articles on ecological and socio-political aspects of these restorations. Their research informs the timing, reef configuration, and strategy for constructing new reef restorations in South Australia, and is being applied to restoration projects overseas. Read more about the awards here.
