Australia’s Marine Parks: Ensuring Benefits for Oceans and People

Securing a Resilient Future for Australia’s Oceans: a scientific consensus statement on the Federal Commonwealth Marine Park Review

We are 275 scientists from 84 institutions across 25 countries. We call on the Australian Government to ensure the Federal Commonwealth Marine Park Review delivers a marine park system that is scientifically credible, enduring and delivers benefits for oceans and people.

Background

Australia's marine ecosystems face increasing pressure from fishing, ocean warming, habitat degradation, pollution and expanding ocean use. Biodiversity declines are being documented across many Australian marine ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need for effective conservation measures.

Australia has made globally significant progress in establishing marine parks, creating one of the world's largest marine park systems that covers approximately 52% of the national Exclusive Economic Zone. However, the current network does not yet provide the level or distribution of protection required to conserve marine biodiversity, strengthen ecosystem resilience and meet contemporary conservation science.

While approximately 25% of Commonwealth waters are classified as highly protected, only approximately 9.6% of Commonwealth waters surrounding mainland Australia are managed within highly protected no-take zones. Protection remains concentrated in remote offshore and territorial waters, while many productive continental shelf and slope ecosystems, where biodiversity, fisheries and human pressures are greatest, remain under-represented. Furthermore, industrial extractive activities, including trawling and longlining, remain permitted across approximately one third of mainland Commonwealth marine parks.

Contemporary conservation science consistently demonstrates that highly protected marine parks deliver substantially stronger biodiversity, fisheries, ecosystem and climate resilience outcomes than partially protected areas. Effective marine park networks require representative protection across ecosystem types, particularly in areas where biodiversity, productivity and human use are concentrated.

Australia has built a foundation for marine conservation. The challenge now is to ensure that the network becomes ecologically representative, highly protected where it matters most, and sufficiently enduring to conserve biodiversity in the face of accelerating environmental change.

Why now?

Australia is about to undertake a once-in-a-decade statutory Review of the Commonwealth marine park management plans. The Review of the North-west, South-west, Temperate East, Coral Sea and North marine parks networks presents a rare opportunity to strengthen protection across one of the world’s largest marine estates and ensure Australia delivers genuinely effective ocean conservation.

Demonstrable declines in biodiversity, fish populations and ecosystem condition are occurring across Australian marine ecosystems as a result of multiple and interacting pressures, including climate-driven ocean warming, habitat degradation, industrial fishing impacts, pollution and expanding ocean use. Strengthening protection in the places that matter most is therefore essential to maintaining resilient and productive ocean ecosystems.

The Australian Government has committed to protecting at least 30% of Australia’s oceans within highly protected areas. The forthcoming review is the principal mechanism through which this commitment can be achieved. Decisions made during this review will shape the ecological, economic and social future of Australia’s oceans for generations.

What needs to be done?

Achieving an ecologically effective, climate-resilient, and representative marine park network consistent with contemporary conservation science, international commitments, and long-term community support requires five key actions:

1. Protect at least 30%, as a minimum, of each of Australia’s marine bioregions within highly protected no-take zones (IUCN Ia or II), implemented according to Comprehensive, Adequate and Representative (CAR) principles and with priority given to productive continental shelf, slope, and coastal ecosystems that are currently under-represented.

2. Commit to and implement no future downgrading, downsizing, or degazettement of existing, highly protected marine park zones.

3. Remove industrial extractive activities, including trawling, longlining, and mining, from all marine parks.

4. Adequately resource marine park management, enforcement, monitoring, research, and community engagement to avoid the proliferation of ineffective “paper parks”.

5. Invest in national communications and education initiatives that improve public understanding of marine park protection levels, ocean stewardship and Indigenous engagement.

Conclusion

Australia has the opportunity to build a globally leading marine park network that delivers biodiversity conservation, fisheries resilience, climate adaptation and long-term ecosystem protection. The forthcoming review represents the best opportunity in a generation to strengthen protections across Australia’s oceans and secure a resilient future for people and nature alike.

This statement has been coordinated by:

Professor Jessica Meeuwig, AM University of Western Australia

Signatories

Emeritus Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg AC, FAA, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Dr Andrew Forrest AO, Adjunct Research Fellow, Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia; Founder, Minderoo Foundation, Australia

Senior Research Fellow Pat Hutchings AM, FRZS, Senior Fellow, Australian Museum, Australia

Emeritus Research Fellow Mike Bossley AM, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, Australia

Adjunct Researcher Lynda Goldsworthy AM, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Australia

Dr Christina Zdenek AM, Urban Birds Program Coordinator, Science and Conservation, BirdLife Australia, Australia

Adjunct Researcher Catrina Luz Aniere OAM, Centre for People Place and Planet, Edith Cowan University, Australia

Professor Hugh Possingham FAA, FRS, FNAS, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Emeritus Professor Malcolm McCulloch FAA, FRS, Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia

Professor Catherine Lovelock FAA, Georgina Sweet Australian Laureate Fellow, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Professor Peter Mumby FRS, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia; former Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow

Professor Matthew England FAA, FAGU, FAMOS, Director, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Our Future Oceans, University of New South Wales, Australia

Laureate Professor Peter Veth FAHA, MAACAI, MICOMOS, School of Social Sciences, University of Western Australia, Australia

Laureate Professor Joshua Cinner FASSA, FQA, Geosciences, University of Sydney, Australia

Emeritus Professor Gustaaf Hallegraeff FTSE, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Australia

Laureate Professor Thomas Wernberg, Marine Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Australia

Emeritus Professor Lynnath Beckley, Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Australia

Emeritus Professor Rob Harcourt, Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia

Emeritus Professor Gary Kendrick, Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Australia

Emeritus Professor John Pandolfi, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Professor Quentin Hanich, Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, University of Wollongong, Australia

Professor Charlie Huveneers, Director of Flinders University Marine and Coastal Research Consortium, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Australia

Professor Ivan Nagelkerken, Biological Sciences, Adelaide University, Australia

Professor Rick Stuart-Smith, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Australia

Professor Adriana Verges, Director, Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, University of New South Wales, Australia

Professor Dirk Zeller, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Australia

Professor Luciano Beheregaray, Matthew Flinders Professor in Biodiversity Genomics, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Australia

Professor Nicole Graham FAAL, Sydney Law School, University of Sydney, Australia

Professor Erika Techera FAAL, Law School, University of Western Australia, Australia

Professor Margaret Young FAAL, Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne, Australia

Professor Euan Ritchie FAMS, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Australia

Professor Alistair Poore FRSN, Head of School, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Australia

Professor James Watson FQA, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Emeritus Professor David Haig, Honorary Senior Research Fellow, Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia

Emeritus Professor Lesley Hughes, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia

Emeritus Professor Greg Ivey, School of Earth and Ocean, University of Western Australia, Australia

Emeritus Professor Paul Lavery, School of Science, Edith Cowan University, Australia

Emeritus Professor David Pannell, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy, University of Western Australia, Australia

Professor Justine Bell-James, School of Law, University of Queensland, Australia

Professor Melanie Bishop, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia

Professor Michael Bode, School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Australia

Professor Helen Bostock, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Professor Culum Brown, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia

Professor Christophe Gaudin, Director, Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia

Professor Andrea Gaynor, School of Humanities, University of Western Australia, Australia

Professor Glenn Hyndes, School of Science, Edith Cowan University, Australia

Professor Janine Joyce, Associate Dean Discipline, Research Centre for People, Place and Planet., Edith Cowan University, Australia

Professor Salit Kark, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Professor Sarah Legge, Research Institute of Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Australia

Professor Winnifred Louis, Psychology, University of Queensland, Australia

Professor Pere Masque, VC Professor, School of Science, Edith Cowan University, Australia

Professor Robert McCauley, Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Curtin University, Australia

Professor Kathryn McMahon, Co-Director, Centre for People, Place and Planet, School of Science, Edith Cowan University, Australia

Professor Nicki Mitchell SFHEA, Deputy Director, Oceans Institute, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Australia

Professor Nicholas Murray, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Australia

Professor Kylie Pitt, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Australia

Professor Steven Purcell, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Australia

Professor Richard Reina, Faculty of Science, Monash University, Australia

Professor Anthony Richardson, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Professor Cynthia Riginos, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Professor Iain Suthers, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Sydney Institute of Marine Science, University of New South Wales, Australia

Professor Stephen Swearer, Jock Clough Marine Foundation Oceans Chair, Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia

Professor Ana Vila-Concejo, School of Geosciences, Marine Studies Institute, University of Sydney, Australia

Professor Jane Williamson, Academic, School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia

Adjunct Professor Andrew Baird, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Australia

Adjunct Professor Michael Bunce, Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Australia

Adjunct Professor Stewart Frusher, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Australia

Associate Professor Sue Baker, ARC Future Fellow, School of Natural Sciences, University of Tasmania, Australia

Associate Professor Eleanor Bruce, Co-Director, Marine Studies Institute, School of Geosciences, University of Sydney, Australia

Associate Professor Karen Cheney, Director, Centre for Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of Queensland, Australia

Associate Professor Daniel Dunn, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Associate Professor Simon Foale, College of Arts, Society and Education, James Cook University, Australia

Associate Professor Hedley Grantham, Chief Scientist, Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of New South Wales, Australia

Associate Professor Alice Jones, School of Biological Sciences, Adelaide University, Australia

Associate Professor John Morrongiello, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Australia

Associate Professor Erin O'Donnell, Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne, Australia

Associate Professor Katherina Petrou, School of Life Science, University of Technology Sydney, Australia

Associate Professor Rachel Przeslawski, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Science, University of Tasmania, Australia

Associate Professor Jim Radford, Director, Research Centre for Future Landscapes, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Australia

Associate Professor Abbie Rogers, Director, Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy, School of Agriculture and Environment, Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia

Associate Professor Kate Sanders, School of Biological Sciences, Adelaide University, Australia

Associate Professor Martijn van de Pol, Zoology and Ecology, James Cook University, Australia

Associate Professor Mike van Keulen, Dean, Environmental and Conservation Sciences, School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences, Murdoch University, Australia

Assistant Professor Fabio Cortesi, ARC Future Fellow, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Principal Research Fellow Shannon Corrigan, OceanOmics Centre Lead, University of Western Australia, Australia

Senior Research Fellow Simon Allen, Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia

Senior Research Fellow Yves-Marie Bozec, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Senior Research Fellow George Carter, Head, Department of Pacific Affairs, and Director, Pacific Institute, Coral Bell School of Asian and Pacific Affairs, Australian National University, Australia

Senior Research Fellow Yung En Chee, School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia

Senior Research Fellow Marina do Valle Chagas Azaneu, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Australia

Senior Research Fellow Jason Everett, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, Australia

Senior Research Fellow Amanda Hodgson, Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, School of Science, Edith Cowan University, Australia

Senior Research Fellow Peter Kyne, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Australia

Senior Research Fellow Miguel-Angel Mateo, Senior Staff Researcher, Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research - School of Science, Edith Cowan University, Australia

Senior Research Fellow Kate Quigley, ARC DECRA Fellow, Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Australia

Senior Research Fellow Elizabeth Sinclair, Senior Research Fellow (Adjunct), School of Biological Sciences and Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia

Senior Lecturer Karen Filbee-Dexter, Senior Lecturer and Future Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Australia

Senior Lecturer Ryan Baring, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Australia

Senior Lecturer Alecia Bellgrove, Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin Marine, Deakin University, Australia

Senior Lecturer Jenna Crowe-Riddell, ARC DECRA Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, Adelaide University, Australia

Senior Lecturer Shawna Foo, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia

Senior Lecturer Adrian Gleiss, Deputy Centre Director, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Australia

Senior Lecturer Viviana Gonzalez-Astudillo AFHEA, MANZCVS, DACVP, School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Australia

Senior Lecturer Benjamin Henley, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Australia

Senior Lecturer James Hitchcock, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Australia

Senior Lecturer Caitie Kuempel, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University, Australia

Senior Lecturer Jacquomo Monk, Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Australia

Senior Lecturer Benjamin Mos, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Senior Lecturer Andrew Oxley, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Australia

Senior Lecturer Patrick Smallhorn-West, Marine Biology, James Cook University, Australia

Senior Lecturer Elisabeth Strain, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Science, University of Tasmania, Australia

Research Fellow Asia Armstrong, School of Science, Technology, and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia

Research Fellow Lily Bentley AFHEA, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, Australia

Research Fellow Delphine Chabanne, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Systems, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Australia

Research Fellow Brooke Conroy, School of Biological Sciences, Adelaide University, Australia

Research Fellow Nico Fassbender, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Australia

Research Fellow Ashton Gainsford, Adjunct Research Fellow (James Cook University) and Research Scientist (Australian Institute of Marine Science), Australian Institute of Marine Science, James Cook University, Australia

Research Fellow Alice Harford, Institute of Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Australia

Research Fellow Naima Andrea López, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Australia

Research Fellow Claire Mason, School of Geography, Planning and Spatial Sciences, University of Tasmania, Australia

Research Fellow Helen Mayfield, School of Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Research Fellow Albert Pessarrodona, DECRA Research Fellow, Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia

Research Fellow Sheridan Rabbitt, Adjunct Research Fellow, University of Queensland, and Senior Project Scientist, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia

Research Fellow Samantha Reynolds, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Australia

Research Fellow Leslie Roberson, Centre for Marine Science, University of Queensland, Australia

Research Fellow Claudia Santori, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Australia

Research Fellow Tracy Schultz, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Research Fellow Isobel Sewell, Adjunct Research Fellow, Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia

Research Fellow Nicki Shumway, Adjunct Research Fellow, Centre for Policy Futures, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, Australia

Research Fellow Christina Skinner, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Research Fellow Timothy Staples, DECRA Research Fellow, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Research Fellow Judit Szabo, Adjunct Research Fellow, Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Australia

Research Fellow Marko Terzin, School of Mathematics and Statistics / Melbourne Integrative Genomics, University of Melbourne, Australia

Research Fellow Christopher Thompson, Adjunct Research Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Australia

Research Fellow Alice Twomey, Honorary Fellow, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Research Fellow Sean van Elden, Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Australia

Research Fellow Ruben Venegas, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, Australia

Research Fellow Ama Wakwella, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Research Fellow Chanelle Webster, School of Biological Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Australia

Research Fellow Nerida Wilson, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Australia

Research Fellow Evan Worden, Marine Institute, Deakin University, Australia

Research Fellow Angus Mitchell, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Australia

Research Fellow Rosa Mar Dominguez Martinez, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, Australia

Research Fellow Daniel Gomez Isaza, Postdoctoral Scientist, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Australia

Research Fellow Tania Kenyon, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Lecturer Ethan Beringen, TC Beirne School of Law, University of Queensland, Australia

Lecturer Ekaterina Ovsyanikova, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Lecturer Katharina Peters, School of Science, University of Wollongong, Australia

Lecturer Patrick Reis Santos, School of Biological Sciences, Adelaide University, Australia

Dr Vania Andreoli, School of Biological Sciences, Ocean Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia

Dr Jutta Beher, Alumnus, School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Australia

Dr Paula Cartwright, TropWATER, James Cook University, Australia

Dr Joseph Clokey, Senior Research Analyst, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, University of Queensland, Australia

Dr Zena Dinesen, Adjunct Senior Fellow, School of the Environment, University of Queensland, Australia

Dr Matthew Fraser, Senior Advisor and Adjunct Research Fellow, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Australia

Dr Jordan Goetze, Senior Analyst, Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Australia

Dr Leonie Huijser, Casual Academic, Faculty of Science, University of Queensland, Australia

Dr Saskia Jurriaans, Australian Institute of Marine Science, Australian Coral Reef Society, Australia

Dr Sofía López-Cubillos, Honorary Researcher, School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, Australia

Dr Ray Maher, School of Architecture, Design and Planning, University of Queensland, Australia

Dr Bonnie Mappin, Acting Head of Biodiversity and Habitats, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, Australia

Dr Paige Maroni, Principal Investigator, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Australia

Dr David Pollard, Department of Ichthyology, Australian Museum, Australia

Dr Eric Raes, Adjunct, Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia

Dr Nicole Said, Centre for Marine Ecosytems Research, Edith Cowan University, Australia

Dr Katie Sambrook, Senior Research Officer, TropWATER, James Cook University, Australia

Dr Rebecca Wellard, Head of Ocean Biodiversity, Minderoo Foundation, Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Curtin University, Australia

Dr Rachel Wong, Marine Ecologist, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Australia

Adjunct Researcher Stuart Field, Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia

Adjunct Researcher Malindi Gammon, Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Australia

Marine Environmental Consultant Ian Baxter, Marine Biology, James Cook University, Australia

Professor Daniel Pauly FRSC, University Killam Professor, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Canada; Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur and recipient of the Tyler Prize

Professor Rashid Sumaila FRSC, University Killam Professor, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Canada; recipient of the Tyler Prize and Volvo Environment Prize

Professor William Cheung FRSC, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Canada; recipient of the A.G. Huntsman Award and the E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship

Professor Boris Worm FRSC, Killam Research Professor, Dalhousie University, Canada; recipient of the E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship and Peter Benchley Ocean Award

Professor Stephen Palumbi NAS, Jane and Marshall Steel Jr. Professor of Marine Sciences, Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, United States

Senior Research Fellow Tim McClanahan, Director of Marine Science, Global Marine Programs, Wildlife Conservation Society, United States

Professor Benjamin Halpern, Director, National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, University of California, Santa Barbara, United States; recipient of the A.G. Huntsman Award and Peter Benchley Ocean Award

Professor Fiorenza Micheli, David and Lucile Packard Professor of Marine Science and Chair, Oceans Department, Stanford University, United States; Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation

Distinguished Professor Emeritus Steve Gaines, AAAS Fellow, Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, United States; Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation and recipient of the Peter Benchley Ocean Award

Professor Larry Crowder, Edward F. Ricketts Provostial Professor of Marine Ecology and Conservation, Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, Stanford University, United States

Professor Ellen Pikitch, Endowed Professor of Ocean Conservation Science, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, United States; Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation

Professor Simon Thrush FRSNZ, Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, New Zealand

Professor Craig Radford, Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, New Zealand

Dr Maria Lourdes Palomares, Senior Scientist and Research Unit Manager, Sea Around Us, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Canada

Professor Nils Chr. Stenseth NAS, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, University of Oslo, Norway; recipient of the Grand Medal of Prince Albert I

Distinguished Professor Robert Steneck NAS, School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine, United States; recipient of the NAS Gilbert Morgan Smith Medal

Professor Lenore Fahrig NAS, FRSC, Chancellor's Professor and Gray Merriam Chair in Landscape Ecology, Department of Biology, Carleton University, Canada; recipient of the Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal and BBVA Frontiers of Knowledge Award

Professor Brendan Godley, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, United Kingdom

Professor Hans-Otto Pörtner, Senior Professor, Integrative Ecophysiology, Alfred Wegener Institute, Germany

Professor David Mouillot, Senior Member, Institut Universitaire de France, Marine Biodiversity, Exploitation and Conservation, University of Montpellier, France; recipient of the French National Centre for Scientific Research Bronze Medal

Professor Mark Costello, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Norway

Professor Sarah Lester, Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, United States

Professor Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu FGA, Chair, Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Research, University of Ghana, Ghana

Professor Axel Hochkirch, Head of Conservation Biology, Conservation Biology, Musée national d'histoire naturelle Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Professor Anna Metaxas, Killam Professor, Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University, Canada

Professor Martin Attrill FLS, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, United Kingdom

Professor Elisa Bonaccorso, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador

Professor Paulo Borges, Leader of the Island Biodiversity, Biogeography & Conservation (IBBC) - University of Azores, School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of the Azores, Portugal

Professor Annette Broderick, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, United Kingdom

Professor Alex Hearn, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador

Professor Heather Koldewey, Honorary Professor, University of Exeter, Head of Ocean Conservation, Zoological Society of London, United Kingdom

Professor Dan Lafolley, Emeritus Marine Vice Chair, International Union for Conservation of Nature World Commission on Protected Areas, United Kingdom

Professor Núria Marbà, Institut Mediterrani d'Estudis Avançats, Spanish National Research Council, Spain

Professor Pippa Moore, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, United Kingdom

Professor Leonard Mubalama, Head of the Department of Environment and Sustainable Development, Institut Supérieur de Développement Rural de Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Professor Kartik Shanker, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, India

Professor Mariano Sironi, Scientific Director, Instituto de Conservación de Ballenas, Argentina

Professor Athanassios Tsikliras, Head of Laboratory of Ichthyology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Professor Ernesto Weil, Director, Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, United States

Professor Hillary Young, Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, United States

Emeritus Professor Dianne Newell, Centre for Indigenous Fisheries, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Canada

Emeritus Professor Robert Warner, Distinguished Professor, Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, United States

Associate Professor Nicole Esteban FHEA, Biosciences Department, Swansea University, United Kingdom

Associate Professor Christopher Golden, Dept. of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, United States

Associate Professor Kristian Metcalfe, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, United Kingdom

Associate Professor Yannis Papastamatiou, Department of Biological Sciences and Institute of Environment, Florida International University, United States

Associate Professor Seng Chee Poh, Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia

Associate Professor Richard Sherley FHEA, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, United Kingdom

Associate Professor Lucy Turner MRSB, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, United Kingdom

Associate Professor Saskya van Nouhuys, Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, India

Associate Professor Lucy Woodall, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, United Kingdom

Assistant Professor Donna Dimarchopoulou, School of Life Sciences, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, United States

Assistant Professor Francesco Ferretti, College on Natural Resources and Environment, Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, United States

Assistant Professor Alan Friedlander, Researcher, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, United States

Assistant Professor Patricio Rojas-Silva, Institute of Microbiology, College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Ecuador

Assistant Professor Suchai Worachananant, Department of Marine Science, Kasetsart University, Thailand

Senior Research Fellow Raffaella Casotti, Senior Scientist, Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Italy

Senior Research Fellow Rodolphe Devillers, UMR Espace-Dev, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development), France

Senior Research Fellow Linda See, Principal Research Scholar, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis), Austria

Senior Research Fellow PJ Stephenson, Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Switzerland

Senior Research Fellow Miguel Correia, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Canada

Senior Lecturer Julie Hawkins, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, United Kingdom

Senior Lecturer Tom B Letessier, School of Biological and Marine Science, University of Plymouth, United Kingdom

Senior Lecturer Sakanan Plathong, Division of Biological Science, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand

Senior Lecturer Erik Willems, Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Zurich, Switzerland

Research Fellow Nur Arafeh Dalmau, Postdoctoral Scholar, Oceans, Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, United States

Research Fellow Marta Cambra Agustí, Honorary Researcher, Center for Research in Marine Sciences and Limnology (CIMAR), University of Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Research Fellow Sara Cannon, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Canada

Research Fellow Matthew Holland, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, United Kingdom

Research Fellow Jordi Pages, Investigador Ramon Y Cajal, Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB), Spanish National Research Council, Spain

Research Fellow Gaël Mariani, Marine Biodiversity, Exploitation and Conservation, University of Montpellier, France

Lecturer David Jacoby, Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, United Kingdom

Lecturer Fabio Favoretto, School of Biological and Marine Science, University of Plymouth, United Kingdom

Lecturer Paul Hallas, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, United Kingdom

Lecturer Claire Szostek, School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, United Kingdom

Dr Sarah Hameed, Blue Parks Director and Senior Scientist, Marine Conservation Institute, United States

Dr Jason Flower, Project Scientist, Environmental Markets Lab, University of California, Santa Barbara, United States

Dr Adriano Quintela, Marine Spatial Planning Specialist, Blue Azores Program and Oceano Azul Foundation, Portugal

Dr Mohammad Rozaimi, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia

Dr James Davies, School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, United Kingdom

Dr Oscar Serrano, Marine Ecology, Spanish National Research Council (Spanish National Research Council), Spain

Dr Michael Williamson, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, United Kingdom

Dr Elamin Abdelrhman, Director, Red Sea Fisheries Research Station, Federal Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries, Sudan

Dr Jana McPherson, Project Leader - National Action, Project Seahorse, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, University of British Columbia, Canada

Dr Lance Morgan, President, Marine Conservation Institute, United States

Dr Cornelia Nauen, Chair of the Board of Trustees, Quantitative Aquatics, Inc, Quantitative Aquatics, Inc., Philippines

Dr Alexander Tilley, Lead Scientist, Sustainable Aquatic Food Systems, WorldFish, Malaysia

Dr Alexander Vail, Researcher and Cinematographer, Zoology, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

Dr Katharine Clayton, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, United Kingdom

Dr Rhiannon Davies, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, United Kingdom

Dr Antonio Di Franco, Integrative Marine Ecology, Sicily Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Italy

Dr Svenja Marfurt, Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Switzerland

Dr Telmo Morato, Institute of Marine Sciences - OKEANOS, University of the Azores, Portugal

Dr Ian Nichols, Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, Virginia Tech, United States

Dr Simon Pittman, Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Postnominals and Honours/Awards

Postnominals

AC – Companion of the Order of Australia

AFHEA – Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

AM – Member of the Order of Australia

AO – Officer of the Order of Australia

DACVP – Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists

FAA – Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science

FAAL – Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law

FAGU – Fellow of the American Geophysical Union

FAHA – Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities

FAMOS – Fellow of the Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society

FAMS – Fellow of the Australian Mammal Society

FASSA – Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia

FGA – Fellow of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences

FHEA – Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

FLS – Fellow of the Linnean Society of London

FNAS – Foreign Associate / international member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences

FQA – Fellow of the Queensland Academy of Arts and Sciences

FRS – Fellow of the Royal Society

FRSC – Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada

FRSN – Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales

FRSNZ – Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand (Royal Society Te Apārangi)

FRZS – Fellow of the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales

FTSE – Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering

MAACAI – Member of the Australian Association of Consulting Archaeologists Inc.

MANZCVS – Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists

MICOMOS – Member of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)

MRSB – Member of the Royal Society of Biology

NAS – Member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences

OAM – Medal of the Order of Australia

SFHEA – Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Honours and Awards

A.G. Huntsman Award – Canadian award recognising excellence in marine science.

AAAS Fellow – Elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Albert I Grand Medal / Grand Medal of Prince Albert I – Major international honour of the Oceanographic Institute, Prince Albert I of Monaco Foundation, for exceptional contributions to ocean science and stewardship.

BBVA Frontiers of Knowledge Award – International award recognising major contributions across science, technology, humanities and environmental fields.

CNRS Bronze Medal – French National Centre for Scientific Research award recognising outstanding early-career research.

California Academy of Sciences Fellow – Fellowship of the California Academy of Sciences recognising distinguished contributions to science.

Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur – Knight of the French Legion of Honour, France’s highest national order of merit.

E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship – Prestigious Canadian research fellowship awarded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to outstanding early-career researchers demonstrating strong international leadership and research achievement.

Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal – Canada’s top federal award for sustained excellence and influence in research in the natural sciences and engineering.

ICES Prix d’Excellence – International Council for the Exploration of the Sea award for outstanding contributions to marine science and its application.

IUCN Harry Messel Award for Conservation Leadership – IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas award recognising exceptional conservation leadership.

International Cosmos Prize – International prize recognising research and action advancing the harmonious coexistence of nature and humanity.

Killam Professor – Prestigious professorial distinction supported by the Killam Trusts and awarded at participating Canadian universities in recognition of outstanding scholarly achievement.

Member, Academia Europaea – Elected membership of Academia Europaea, the pan-European academy of sciences, humanities and letters.

NAS Gilbert Morgan Smith Medal – U.S. National Academy of Sciences medal recognising excellence in published research on marine or freshwater algae.

Peter Benchley Ocean Award – International award recognising exceptional achievement in ocean conservation and stewardship.

Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation – Competitive Pew fellowship supporting leading marine conservation scientists and practitioners.

Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement – Major international award recognising exceptional environmental science, policy and leadership.

Volvo Environment Prize – International prize recognising outstanding scientific discoveries or innovations supporting environmental sustainability.

ZSL Marsh Award for Marine and Freshwater Conservation – Zoological Society of London and Marsh Charitable Trust award recognising significant contributions to marine or freshwater conservation.