This week we are spotlighting marine ecologist Professor Adriana Vergés. Not your typical scientist, Vergés is a storyteller, a science communicator, and an advocate for the preservation of our Great Southern Reef.
Initially met with scepticism, Vergés’ pioneering research is now recognised as a critical insight into climate change effects on marine ecosystems. She noted, “When I first proposed the idea [of topicalisation], it was hard to publish papers on it and really hard to get funding on it. And now, it’s super widely cited, and it’s recognised as one of the climate change threats.”
In light of the awareness that tropicalisation is happening, Vergés suggests that targeted conservation policies and practices could be implemented. For instance, range-edge populations of kelp, which are particularly vulnerable to marine heatwaves and increased herbivory, could be protected.
More on Professor Adriana Vergés later this week. Or read the full article now https://greatsouthernreef.com/adriana-verges
Video courtesy UNSW Sydney
#greatsouthernreef #researcherspotlight #kelpforests
#climatechange
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