Could you introduce yourself and tell us more about your background and your career trajectory in the field of ecological restoration?

My name is Anita, and I am a marine biologist and Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner specializing in marine ecological restoration. Growing up in a remote coastal town on the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia, I developed a passion for the ocean, fascinated by life in the rockpools and the unique creatures I encountered. This led me to complete an honours thesis in marine biology in 2009 and further studies in Environmental Management and Policy at the University of Adelaide.

My career began with research on the symbiotic relationship between clownfish and anemones, which inspired me to co-found Saving Nemo, a conservation initiative protecting wild clownfish from the aquarium trade. I then worked in mining environmental impact assessment for the Australian Government and a consulting firm before joining The Nature Conservancy Australia in 2016.

Photo taken in 2024 at Kangaroo Island, as the South Australian Seascapes Program Coordinator. In this role, I've led the strategy and management of several large-scale ecological restoration projects, including the critically endangered Australian Flat Oyster reef restoration and coastal wetlands. Photo credit: L. Hurley.

For my role leading restoration programs, I was listed as a Top-50 most influential environmental champion in South Australia in 2021, and was a 40-under-40 award winner in 2022. One of the restoration projects that I led played a part in The Nature Conservancy Australia winning the prestigious 2020 Australian Museum Eureka Prize — the equivalent to the Oscars in the environment sector.

What inspired you to join SER, and what do you value most about your membership?

My inspiration to join SER stems from a profound commitment to enduring ecosystem resilience in the face of anthropogenic pressures. The urgency of addressing biodiversity loss and habitat degradation has never been more critical. SER provides a network of dedicated scientific researchers and professionals advancing effective restoration projects.

I value the community sharing cutting-edge research, innovative methodologies and best practices that have helped me improve the implementation of my projects. The dynamic nature of the field demands ongoing learning and adaptation, and SER provides a vital resource for staying abreast of new developments.

Taking millions of juvenile hatchery-reared oysters out to the newly created reef bases on the Yorke Peninsula that are constructed out of limestone rocks to complete the first shellfish reef restoration project in South Australia in 2018. Photo credit: T. Brockhouse.

What are your main responsibilities as Chair of SER Australasia, and what inspired you to take on this leadership role?

I joined the SER Australasia board in 2022 with the goal of contributing to the field of ecological restoration and collaborating with others to influence the organization's direction and priorities. My focus is on shaping policies and initiatives that promote best practices, enhance industry and community participation, and support scientific research in restoration.

Being on the board enables me to work alongside diverse professionals and experts to advocate for restoration efforts that address climate change, biodiversity and habitat loss, and ecosystem health. Over the past two years, we successfully organized the SER2023 conference in Darwin. This year, I stepped into the chair position, despite being one of the newest and youngest members, I was encouraged by respected board mentors.

My role on the board provides an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. I am particularly excited about updating our strategy, expanding our membership across Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and the Pacific islands, and increasing Indigenous engagement. We will also continue to facilitate conferences and contribute to policy discussions that shape the future of restoration ecology in our region.

What about ecological restoration excites you the most?

The idea that we can actively repair damaged habitats and restore nature is incredibly inspiring. I’m particularly drawn to the collaborative aspect of projects, where diverse people come together to share knowledge and best practices. Seeing tangible results, such as thriving marine populations and healthier coastal ecosystems, reinforces the meaningful impact we can make on the planet’s future. For example, monitoring efforts have confirmed that at one of the shellfish reefs that I built near Adelaide, we have recorded the highest densities of Australian Flat oyster populations of any reef we have built in Australia to date at 2,436 individuals per m2 after only two years, far exceeding our restoration success benchmarks.

Undertaking ecological monitoring with The Nature Conservancy Australia colleagues at a restoration site in the Gulf St Vincent, South Australia. Photo credit: J. Fitzsimons.

Could you highlight a particular project or initiative you've been involved in that you're especially proud of or passionate about?

In my role at The Nature Conservancy Australia, I lead large-scale ecosystem restoration projects that benefit both people and nature by aiming to improve the state’s fish production, carbon sequestration, and water quality.

A project I am particularly proud of was the restoration of 20 hectares of Australian Flat Oyster reefs at Yorke Peninsula, one of Australia’s most endangered marine ecosystems. This was the first reef of its kind in South Australia and stands as the largest underwater restoration project in the southern hemisphere. Not only did we restore a vital reef ecosystem, but we also created 33 jobs and stimulated long-term economic growth through increased fishing tourism in the region.

Following on from the project's success, in 2021 The Nature Conservancy Australia received $20 million from the Australian Government to restore reefs across 13 locations as part of Australia’s largest marine restoration initiative, Reefbuilder. Our target is to restore reefs in 60 geographic locations across Australia by 2030. Recently, I’ve been passionate about developing new blue carbon projects that are eligible under the new Emissions Reduction Fund initiative to generate carbon credit income to landowners from restoring coastal wetlands.

Showing government partners one of our shellfish reef restoration projects on the Yorke Peninsula. Photo credit: S. Habel.

In your view, what are the most pressing ecological restoration challenges or opportunities that the field is currently facing, and how do you see SER playing a role in addressing them?

I am particularly excited (and equally nervous) about the opportunities that emerging markets can have in incentivizing the reduction of carbon emissions and the preservation of biodiversity through restoration. These markets have emerged as critical tools in addressing climate change and environmental degradation however, they are not without challenges and criticisms. For instance, the quantification of biodiversity and ecosystem services remains complex and contentious. Unlike carbon, biodiversity is not easily reducible to a single metric, making standardization difficult. The distribution of the Global Biodiversity Standard and other guiding documents is one way SER can continue to play a role in promoting effective and high-quality global biodiversity outcomes for restoration projects.

Scuba-diving on one of my recent shellfish reef restoration sites at Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Photo credit: J. Boord.

Can you share some key lessons or insights you've gained from your work that you believe are important for the broader restoration community?

Over the past eight years, I've learned that restoring degraded ecosystems is both achievable and rewarding, which motivates me deeply. However, recreating an entire ecosystem is complex and demands a multidisciplinary team to effectively address the ecological challenges. We often face permitting issues and inconsistent or outdated policies that can complicate large-scale restoration efforts. Yet, with a team of proactive and innovative thinkers, no challenge is insurmountable.

Large restoration projects typically require extensive planning, often taking 1-2 years before any on-ground work begins. There’s still much to learn about ecological restoration, and through project replication, you can build valuable knowledge that informs future initiatives. I strongly encourage practitioners starting new projects to engage with established communities of practice, such as the Australian Coastal Restoration Network, Kelp Forest Alliance, and Seagrass Restoration Network. These networks can provide support and insights that enhance restoration efforts.

Working with a team of volunteers to clean and bag 1,500 tonnes of recycled oyster shells to restore a 20-hectare Shellfish reef on the Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. Photo credit: A. Thomas.

What unique ecological restoration challenges and opportunities are associated with your region and how does the SER Australasia Chapter address them?

The Australasian region faces unique ecological restoration challenges due to its diverse ecosystems, a legacy of agriculture, fishing, and mining, and significant climate change impacts like sea-level rise and drought. Australian and its surrounding islands also has the world’s highest rate of mammal extinction, disrupting ecosystem dynamics. While rich in Indigenous knowledge, restoration efforts often prioritize western science, overlooking the benefits of integrating traditional ecological practices.

The SER Australasia Chapter addresses these challenges by promoting the incorporation of Indigenous perspectives in restoration projects. We engage with our members to provide tailored support, share innovative research, and highlight best practices that adapt to climate change. Additionally, we advocate for comprehensive policies aimed at mitigating climate impacts and preserving biodiversity in the region.

Hosting a field trip to one of our shellfish reef restoration sites at the 2018 International Conference on Shellfish Restoration in South Australia. Photo credit: A. Thomas.

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

In my spare time, I am a children’s book author and scientific illustrator. My debut book Diary of a Marine Biologist, for 6 to 10 year olds, will be published with Walker Books in February 2025. Inspired by the many parents and children who share their dreams of becoming marine biologists, I wrote this book to ignite passion for ocean exploration and the wonders of marine life through the eyes of a marine biologist. I am currently working on a follow-up book, Diary of a Paleontologist, which takes readers on a journey into the world of fossils as they dig through dirt for ancient treasures, rummage through museum drawers filled with bones, and unravel the mysteries of life’s origins. It's an exciting project of mine to inspire the next generation of scientists.

Cover title of my new children’s book Diary of a Marine Biologist due to be released in February 2025. Image credit: Walker Books Australia.