OCEANS: Living on the edge

Life underwater can be tough, but marine species living on reef edges where conditions change frequently, and into deeper waters, show remarkably diverse and resilient survival skills.

Using new technologies, we are discovering more about corals and other species, and what the environment is like beyond where humans can comfortably dive.

Our speakers use technologies like DNA sequencing and submersibles, along with valuable input from citizen scientists to expand our knowledge of what lies below the ocean’s surface.

Program and speaker highlights

Our speakers are from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Queensland Museum Network, and James Cook University.

This event is part of a series to commemorate 20 years of the Queensland-Smithsonian partnership which includes the Queensland – Smithsonian Fellowships.

PROGRAM

Caitlin Syme Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist is our MC.

Session 1 Survival

Andrea Quattrini Research Zoologist and Curator of Corals at the National Museum of Natural History. Corals are arguably the most important animals in the marine environment, and they are highly susceptible to global ocean change. Andrea will highlight main stressors on coral ecosystems and how she and her colleagues across the globe are gathering fundamental, yet essential information to better inform conservation and restoration of coral habitat.

Tom Bridge Senior Curator of Corals, Queensland Museum Network and Senior Research Fellow, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University. Tom will talk about the critical importance of robust taxonomy for underpinning biological and ecological research, how newly developed phylogenomic methods are fundamentally altering our understanding of the diversity and evolution of corals and informing management.

Session 2 Getting in deeper

Michael Vecchione Adjunct Zoologist and Curator of Cephalopoda from the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Many tools are used to study the ocean depths. Specialised technology such as manned and robotic submersibles allow direct personal access to the deep, providing a distinct perspective on that environment and what lives there. Mike will present on his personal experiences using such technologies to study life in the deep sea.

Robin Beaman Research Fellow, College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University. More than half of the Great Barrier Reef lies deeper than 50 metres below sea level and is inaccessible to most people. Robin, a marine geologist, will talk about the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s RV Falkor expedition series of the past year exploring the deep Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea.

Panel Q&A

This is your chance to pose questions to our speakers, with the session moderated by Pamela Hudson-Veenbaas, Fellowships Manager, Office of Fellowships, Smithsonian Institute.

Post-event networking session

You’re welcome to join our speakers to relax and chat informally—a Zoom link will be available at the end of the panel session.

For more information about this event, please contact us: qldscience@qld.gov.au

We look forward to seeing you online.

Best regards

Event team