Message from the President

The Australian Coral Reef Society supported the protection, conservation and science on Australia’s coral reefs since its inception. With the help of our members, we have significantly advanced our understanding of Australia’s coral reefs and brought conservation issues and solutions to the attention of governments and the general public. We have been busy keeping this work up over the last year, providing several submissions to government policy makers, reef managers and conservationists. We have advised the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority on their draft Interventions policy; commented to the Australian National Audit Office on the implementation of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation Partnership; reported on the export status of the East Coast Sea Cucumber Fishery for the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment; helped to revise Australian Scientific Diving and Diver training standards and called on the NSW Fisheries Scientific Committee (FSC) to protect Cauliflower soft coral (Dendronephthya australis) in New South Wales, which was subsequently listed as an Endangered Species under the Fisheries Management Act 1994, making significant steps toward its protection. The example illustrates how ACRS Submissions continue to make a meaningful difference to Australia’s coral reefs.

At a time when experts are routinely called upon to assist with political decision making through Senate Inquiry hearings, Royal Commissions and Expert Panels, it is important to remember the value of speaking out on behalf of coral reefs. To this end, we have also been keeping up the pressure to act on climate change, an issue which is fundamental to the health of Australia’s coral reefs. We have worked with the American Fisheries Society on the “Statement of World Aquatic Scientific Societies” and endorsed Zali Steggalli’s Climate Change Bill under the National Framework for Adaptation and Mitigation for better management of climate change.

As the Society enters its hundredth year, it continues to evolve with the times. We strive to speak with a voice that is inclusive, independent and informed about pressing contemporary environmental issues. We continue to benefit from a diverse Council membership, with females represented in several executive positions and a newly introduced Indigenous Council Officer position expected for next year. Inspired by covid-19, we have a digital identity that has grown through a flurry of online seminars and social media activity.

Look out for the exciting Hundred Year Anniversary activities we are planning for 2022. This is a time to acknowledge generations of council members who have worked tirelessly, driven by an enduring passion and curiosity for reefs, to maintain an impressive track record of coral reef science, communication and advocacy. A special centenary conference in Brisbane is being planned, including an exhibition and a commemorative book with contributions from our members.

This is a time of remarkable change. I have been inspired by the dedication of our Council members over the last year to keep coral reefs at the forefront of people’s minds. A Society such as ACRS has a unique opportunity to help and reshape the next generation of reef scientists. We are fortunate to have cultivated some of the best and brightest in the world to work on Australia’s reefs: what could be a better challenge than making it work well, so that we can continue to learn about, live alongside and look after the world’s natural wonders?

Sarah Hamylton ACRS President

Left: Coral reef biodiversity. © Ciemon Caballes 2015 ACRS Photo Competition