Sean Connell

Professor Sean Connell

Professor

School of Biological Sciences

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.

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

Sean @ Work

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Publications

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  • Appointments
    Date Position Institution name
    2011 - ongoing Professor University of Adelaide
    2005 - 2010 Associate Professor University of Adelaide
    1999 - 2004 Senior Lecturer The University of Adelaide
    1997 - 1999 Lecturer University of Sydney
    1996 - 1997 Lecturer University of Tasmania (Australian Maritime College)
    1994 - 1996 Scientist The Ecology Laboratory

  • Awards and Achievements
    Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
    2023 Award SA Science Excellence Award 2023 South Australian Government, Department for Industry, Innovation and Science Australia -
    2010 Fellowship ARC Future Fellowship - - -
    2004 Fellowship ARC Queen Elizabeath II Fellowship - Australia -
    2003 Award J.G. Russell Award Australian Academy of Science - -
    2003 Award The Andrewartha Medal - - -
    1992 Research Award Scholarship (PhD) - Australia University of Sydney - -
    1990 Award Scholarship (PhD) - New Zealand New Zealand University Grants Committee New Zealand -

  • Education
    Date Institution name Country Title
    University of Sydney Australia PhD
    University of Auckland New Zealand MSc (1st Class Honours)
    University of Canterbury New Zealand BSc

  • Research Interests
    Aquatic Ecosystem Studies and Stock Assessment Climate Change Processes Community Ecology Ecological Impacts of Climate Change Ecology Ecosystem Function Marine and Estuarine Ecology

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   Me writing a grant @ in the middle of the Great Australian Bight.

   My best ideas come whilst surrounded by the systems I study.

 

 

 

Grants with layperson titles:

  • ARC Linkage (2020-2022): The social and environmental repair of ecosystem restoration.
  • ARC Discovery (2014-2016):  Ocean acidification drives production and consumption in the web of life.
  • ARC Future Fellowship (2011-2013):  Global and local emissions boosts limiting resources for global change.
  • ARC Linkage (2008 -2010): Managing global imprints with local activities to empower local managers.
  • ARC Linkage (2005-2007): Planning for coastal policy success by resolving land-to-sea linkages.
  • ARC Queen Elizabeth Fellowship II (2003-2005): Ecosystem decline in human-dominated landscapes.
  • ARC Discovery (2002-2005): Biogeography and ecology of southern kelp forests.
  • ARC Discovery (2000-2003): Experimental ecology of a subtidal rocky coast.

I teach the hard skills with love and passion.

1. Marine Biology.  I coordinate the Bachelor of Marine and Wildlife Conservation.

2. Statistics. I receive unsolicited emails, such as "I just wanted to thank you for being a highly effective and thoughtful teacher during the first four weeks of RMEB III this semester.  I feel confident for the remainder of the course because of the way you presented the (relatively dry!) content and the way you listened to the students' needs"  (Student, 2017).

3. Writing.  Beautiful and nourishing reading comes from the effort we put into writing. Relative to maths, this one of the most under-valued skills in science.  Science writing is so dull and impenetrable that it sounds as if we are speaking in tongues.  Science communicators are employed to decode the babble. 

 

 

 

  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2024 Co-Supervisor Expanding the near-shore restoration potential of native oyster reefs using positive species interactions Master of Philosophy Master Full Time Miss Nichole Lindsey
    2024 Co-Supervisor Quantifying the human benefits of community-led marine restoration; mental, emotional, and socio-economic wellbeing of community participation. Master of Philosophy Master Full Time Ms Michelle Margaret Holian
    2024 Principal Supervisor Are Pinna bicolor the key to successful intertidal restoration? Master of Philosophy Master Full Time Miss Samantha Maree George-Neich
    2024 Principal Supervisor How to boost coastal restoration through improved reef design and increased community participation via public engagement Master of Philosophy Master Full Time Ms Lauren Brigitte Woolhiser
    2024 Co-Supervisor The restructuring of marine trophic pyramids under climate change Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Mary Ellen Brownridge
    2023 Principal Supervisor Enacting effective marine ecosystem restoration along the South Australian coast. Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Ishtar Raven Kenny
    2022 Principal Supervisor Science Communication: Sharing via Storytelling (Working Title) Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Mollie Hawkes Hohmann
    2022 Co-Supervisor To Investigate the Influence of Climate Change on Reef Fish Nutritional Content. Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Beth Rose Dawson
    2021 Principal Supervisor Oyster Reef Restoration Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Lachlan McLeod

  • Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2021 - 2025 Principal Supervisor Exploring the social, economic, and ecological dimensions of managing marine ecosystems Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Erin Laura Pichler
    2020 - 2023 Principal Supervisor Enriching Marine Soundscapes to Restore Australia's Lost Native Oyster Reefs Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Brittany Ruth Williams
    2020 - 2022 Principal Supervisor The Science and Philosophy of Natural Resource Management: Papers on Fisheries, Environmental Philanthropy, and Animal Sentience Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Benjamin Sean Freeling
    2020 - 2024 Principal Supervisor Using animal-borne video and movement data to identify and map critical foraging behaviours and benthic habitats for the Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Nathan Michael Angelakis
    2018 - 2022 Co-Supervisor Occurrence of Microplastic in Fish: Presence, Knowledge and Solutions Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Nina Kantor Wootton
    2017 - 2023 Co-Supervisor Shifting Cultural-Ecological Baselines in the Recovery of Long-Nosed Fur Seals and the Implications for Little Penguin Prey Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Sarah-Lena Reinhold
    2016 - 2020 Co-Supervisor How marine organisms cope with changing climate Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Almendra Rodriguez Dominguez
    2015 - 2018 Co-Supervisor Ecological Responses to Ocean Acidification and Warming: Scaling up from Individuals to Communities Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Silvan Goldenberg
    2015 - 2019 Co-Supervisor The Role of Herbivores in a Near Future Ocean: Positive and Negative Effects of Climate Change on Herbivore Ecological Function Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Camilo Moitinho Ferreira
    2014 - 2018 Principal Supervisor Living Costs of Ocean Acidification and Warming in Herbivorous Gastropods and their Adaptations Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Jonathan Leung
    2013 - 2016 Principal Supervisor Ecological Resistance and Buffers of Environmental Change Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Giulia Ghedini
    2012 - 2016 Co-Supervisor The Effects of Ocean Acidification on Sound Production and Reception in Marine Animals Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Tullio Rossi
    2012 - 2016 Co-Supervisor Early life behaviour & sensory ecology of predatory fish under climate change and ocean acidification Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Jennifer Chryseis Alcestis Pistevos
    2012 - 2016 Principal Supervisor Changing Consumer Strength in a Changing Climate Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Nicole Lee Mertens
    2011 - 2015 Principal Supervisor Reconstructing Ecological Baselines: Toward Improved Management in Aquatic Ecosystems Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Mrs Heidi Alleway
    2011 - 2015 Principal Supervisor Stability and Recovery of Coastal Ecosystems to Local and Global Resource Enhancement Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Chloe McSkimming
    2010 - 2014 Principal Supervisor SEAGRASS ECOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY IN A LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY CHANGING ENVIRONMENT Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Owen Burnell
    2009 - 2013 Principal Supervisor Mediation of Global Change by Local Biotic and Abiotic Interactions Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Laura Falkenberg
    2007 - 2012 Principal Supervisor Strength of Sea Urchin Herbivory and Condition from Biogeographic to Organismal Scales Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Juan Livore
    2007 - 2012 Co-Supervisor Stable Isotopes of Estuarine Fish: Experimental Validations and Ecological Investigations Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Alexandra Bloomfield
    2005 - 2008 Principal Supervisor Disturbances That Influence Patterns of Benthic Assemblages Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Bethany Roberts
    2005 - 2009 Principal Supervisor Using Shell Morphology to Characterise Abalone Populations Across Multiple Spatial Scales Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Thor Mayo Saunders
    2004 - 2009 Principal Supervisor Declining Water Quality as a Driver of Changes to Subtidal Communities Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Daniel Gorman
    2002 - 2005 Co-Supervisor The Ecology of Subtidal Turfs in Southern Australia Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Bayden Russell
    2002 - 2005 Principal Supervisor Regional and Local Patterns in Kelp Morphology and Benthic Assemblages Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Meegan Fowler-Walker
    2002 - 2005 Co-Supervisor Reconstructing Environmental Histories of Fish from Otolith Chemistry; Experimental Validations and Applications Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Travis Elsdon
    2001 - 2004 Principal Supervisor CONSEQUENCES OF DISTURBANCE FOR SUBTIDAL FLORAL AND FAUNAL DIVERSITY Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Paris Goodsell
    2001 - 2005 Principal Supervisor Patterns and Responses of Benthos to Habitat Heterogeneity in Algal Forests of Australasia and Antarctica Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Andrew Irving

  • Committee Memberships
    Date Role Committee Institution Country
    2015 - ongoing Member Habitat Enhancement Working Group Primary Industries South Australia Australia
    2014 - 2016 Member International Temperate Reefs Symposium (Plymouth, UK) Plymouth University United Kingdom
    2008 - 2016 Chair International Temperate Reefs Sympoium (Adelaide) - -
    2002 - 2014 Advisory Board Member Scientific Working Group Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources Australia
    2001 - 2008 Board Member Wildlife Advsory Group Department of Environment and Hertiage Australia

  • Memberships
    Date Role Membership Country
    2013 - ongoing Member The Environment Institute Australia

  • Consulting/Advisories
    Date Institution Department Organisation Type Country
    2006 - 2012 Department of Agriculture Great Australian Bight Fishery - Australia
    1994 - 1996 The Ecology Lab - - Australia

  • Editorial Boards
    Date Role Editorial Board Name Institution Country
    2010 - 2013 Associate Editor Aquatic Biology - -
    2004 - ongoing Associate Editor Marine Biology: international journal on life in oceans and coastal waters - -

  • Industry Partnerships
    Date Engagement Type Partner Name
    2013 - ongoing Consultant SA Water
  • Position: Professor
  • Phone: 83135513
  • Email: sean.connell@adelaide.edu.au
  • Fax: 83134364
  • Campus: North Terrace
  • Building: Darling, floor 1
  • Org Unit: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
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