Editorial foreword

Dear members,

This year’s magazine highlights the resilience of coral reef scientists during very trying times and showcases important work. The COVID pandemic has affected, and continues to affect people in many different ways. Our hearts go out to everyone struggling with the challenges this pandemic has thrown at us. On the science front, this may have meant cessation of fieldwork, project delays and isolation, particularly when it comes to conferences and information sharing. This year’s magazine celebrates how many of our community have adapted to allow research to continue, innovative shifts to virtual communication and people connecting with their artistic side during lockdown.

Throughout 2020 and into 2021 the Australian Coral Reef Society has increased its online presence with virtual seminars through the Reef Matters Seminar Series. We thank all of the wonderful presenters who shared their inspiring research and helped maintain connections amongst the coral reef community. Our social media presence has also increased, with a focus on ‘quirky science facts’ during Science Week. Given the engaging and simple nature of these posts, they were easy for teachers to use in classrooms and were a highlight for many children across Australia.

This is the first year in a while where the flavour of our articles isn’t focussing on the impact from a mass bleaching event. This summer has provided some relief for reefs, however we need many more like it to support recovery. Research highlights from last year’s ACRS research awards highlight the continuing impact of past disturbances on fish genetic diversity, the importance of seaweeds and their invertebrate community to food web dynamics, investigating new species of black coral and the resilience of crown-of-thorns starfish larvae to food scarcity. Last but not least, the inner workings of coral and algae – and the lung-function shared. The editorial team thanks award recipients for your amazing articles and wishes you all the best for the remainder of your studies.

We were privileged this year to partner with Indigenous artist Melanie Hava and showcase some of her art which epitomises her connection to sea country. We found many people turned to art during lockdown and were overwhelmed with the photos sent in following our call for marine art. From acrylic, to recycled posters and stained glass; the marine environment was honoured and showcased in many differed forms.

Our key research stations around Australia continue to function and have found a way to continue to support coral reef science in a safe and modified fashion. The ACRS thanks you for your dedication, hard work and continuous support to help us get into the field and study one of the most important environments’ on the planet.

We hope you enjoy the 2021 issue of the Reef in Review, the magazine of the Australian Coral Reef Society.

Jessica Hoey Victor Huertas Coulson Lantz Brett Lewis Kennedy Wolfe