I AM AN ECOLOGIST that seeks to understand the loss of ecosystems and how to repair them.

My award-winning research in excellence for conservation and innovation has laid the foundation for evidence-based policies to repair coastal ecosystems. This work has led to:

1. The launch of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest oyster reef restorations, now adopted nationwide;
2. Improved coastal water quality through advanced engineering infrastructure;
3. Achieving globally significant recoveries of seagrass meadows, kelp forests, and oyster reefs, ranking among the world’s largest restorations.

RESTORING MARINE & COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS: REBUILDING THE FUTURE OF OUR OCEANS

The degradation of marine and coastal ecosystems is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Once-vibrant habitats that housed a rich diversity of plants and animals have been reduced to fragmented ecosystems, struggling to maintain their ecological functions. This project aims to reverse the damage by focusing on the restoration of marine and coastal plants and animals, using cutting-edge science, innovation, and community engagement. From seagrass meadows to oyster reefs, these ecosystems are not only crucial to marine life but also play an essential role in human well-being by providing services such as carbon sequestration, storm protection, and water filtration.

At the core of this ambitious initiative is a multidisciplinary approach to marine restoration that blends modern technology with nature-based solutions. Our team of scientists, engineers, and conservationists is committed to restoring ecosystems to their natural state while enhancing their resilience in the face of climate change. Through partnerships with local communities, government agencies, and international organizations, we are spearheading efforts to restore key marine habitats, including seagrass beds, mangroves, salt marshes, and oyster reefs.

RESTORING SEAGRASS MEADOWS & MANGROVES: Breathing Life Back into Coastal Waters
Seagrass meadows and mangrove forests are foundational components of coastal ecosystems. They provide nurseries for fish, absorb carbon from the atmosphere, and act as natural buffers against coastal erosion. Unfortunately, these habitats have been severely degraded by human activities such as coastal development, pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices.

Our team is actively engaged in large-scale seagrass restoration efforts, which involve collecting healthy seagrass seeds and transplanting them into areas where the vegetation has been lost. Using imaging and advanced monitoring techniques, we can track the growth of these meadows and their impact on biodiversity and water quality. The re-establishment of these ecosystems not only supports marine life but also serves as a crucial tool in mitigating the effects of climate change by capturing carbon from the atmosphere.

REBUILDING OYSTER REEFS: A Revolutionary Approach to Ecosystem Restoration
One of the most exciting and innovative aspects of this project is our work on restoring oyster reefs, which were once the lifeblood of many coastal ecosystems. Overharvesting, pollution, and habitat destruction have led to the near extinction of many native oyster populations, with devastating consequences for water quality and biodiversity. Oysters are natural filter feeders, capable of cleansing large volumes of water and supporting a myriad of marine life.

Our research team has pioneered a groundbreaking technique to attract native oysters back to these extinct reefs—by playing underwater music! This unique method involves using underwater speakers to broadcast the sounds of healthy reefs, which oyster larvae use as acoustic cues to locate suitable habitats. Early experiments have shown that this innovative approach has significantly increased the settlement of oyster larvae on newly constructed reefs. By restoring oyster reefs, we are not only enhancing biodiversity but also improving water quality and bolstering coastal resilience.

The success of this work has garnered significant attention and praise, earning prestigious awards for innovation and conservation on both local and international stages. Our acoustic restoration approach has been recognized as a game-changer in marine conservation, and we continue to refine the technology for use in other restoration projects around the world.

ECOSYSTEM ENGINEERS: Partnering with Nature
Marine restoration is not just about replanting and rebuilding ecosystems—it’s about working with nature to engineer sustainable, self-sustaining systems. Oysters, seagrasses, and mangroves are all "ecosystem engineers"—species that physically modify their environments in ways that benefit other organisms. By focusing on these species, our project amplifies the natural resilience of ecosystems, creating ripple effects that extend throughout the marine food web.

For example, restored oyster reefs provide habitat for fish, crabs, and shrimp, which in turn attract larger predators, such as birds and marine mammals. Similarly, seagrass meadows enhance the clarity and quality of coastal waters, creating ideal conditions for fish nurseries and promoting the recovery of other species. These interconnected systems form the backbone of a healthy marine environment, supporting a diverse array of life.

ENGAGING COMMUNITIES: The Heart of Restoration
One of the keys to the success of this project is the involvement of local communities. Coastal ecosystems are not only home to marine life—they also sustain livelihoods, cultural traditions, and economies. By engaging with local communities through educational programs, citizen science, and participatory restoration efforts, we are ensuring that the benefits of restoration are felt by people as well as wildlife.

Local fishers, school children, and volunteers have all been active participants in the restoration process, whether it’s by planting seagrass, collecting oyster shells, or monitoring the growth of mangroves. Through these partnerships, we are fostering a deeper connection between people and their environment, inspiring a new generation of conservationists to carry on this vital work.

GLOBAL IMPACT: Leading the Way in Innovation and Conservation
This project is not only transforming local ecosystems but also setting a global standard for marine conservation and restoration. By combining cutting-edge technology with ecological expertise and community involvement, we are demonstrating that large-scale restoration is not only possible but also essential to the future health of our planet. The techniques we are developing—such as acoustic attraction for oyster larvae and large-scale seagrass restoration—are being studied and replicated around the world, from the coral reefs of the Pacific to the seagrass meadows of Europe.

THE INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF OUR WORK highlights the importance of innovation in conservation. Our team has been honored with numerous awards, including accolades from leading scientific and environmental organizations. These awards reflect the impact of our work on the global stage, as well as our commitment to restoring the health of our oceans for future generations.

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Looking ahead, we are committed to scaling up our efforts, refining our techniques, and continuing to push the boundaries of marine restoration science. With ongoing support from partners, funders, and local communities, we are confident that we can achieve lasting, positive change for marine ecosystems and the people who depend on them. Our vision is one of healthy, thriving coastal environments where nature and humanity can coexist in harmony—where oyster reefs teem with life, seagrass meadows sway in the currents, and mangroves stand tall against the rising tides.

Together, we are rebuilding the future of our oceans, one meadow, and one forest, and one reef at a time.

People

Publications