The Great Southern Reef was coined a decade ago by scientists from across Australia – to define an interconnected system of temperate reefs, spanning the southern half of Australia. The idea behind the name was to create an identity for this entity - highlighting the interconnectedness of temperate reefs in Australia, both in terms of their bio-physical and their socio-cultural properties. So what has happened in the intervening years? Does there remain a case for considering temperate reefs of Australia as an entity? What progress has been made toward establishing broader societal recognition for the region?
In the theme of harmony, this talk will look at how the Great Southern Reef unites Australia. Starting with the biogeography of species that live on the reef – I will discuss the history and patterns of endemism of seaweeds and animals across southern Australia. I will then dive into some of the shared threats that the GSR faces and the work underway to combat these impacts, transcending jurisdictional boundaries and forging unlikely alliances between different sectors of society. Finally, I will explore the progress that has been made toward building societal recognition for the reef, the ongoing challenges that Great Southern Reef faces and the crucial role that collective action will play to understand, protect and sustainably manage reefs into the future.