Science Week: A Living Refuge – Abrolhos marine biodiversity

Explore the biodiversity science that describes the significance of the stunning marine environment of the Abrolhos Islands. 

Join Dr Zoe Richards, Marine Scientist and Curator of Marine Invertebrates at the Western Australian Museum, as she shares firsthand insights and never-seen before imagery from recent fieldwork conducted in partnership with the Yamatji Rangers on the spectacular coral reefs of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands.

Just 75 km off the coast of Geraldton, this remote island chain stretches over 100 km and is home to one of the world’s southernmost coral reef systems. These vibrant reefs are bursting with life—from carpets of staghorn coral and iridescent algae to western rock lobsters, endangered sea lions, and migratory seabirds.

In this visually rich seminar, Zoe will take you underwater to explore these incredible ecosystems through stunning images and video footage captured during two recent expeditions. You’ll hear about the ecological history of the region, visit surreal anemone gardens, meet curious and undescribed marine creatures, and hear fascinating stories from the field.

Zoe will also unpack the impacts of recent marine heatwaves on Western Australian reefs and explain why the Abrolhos may now serve as a vital refuge for coral reef species struggling to survive in a changing climate.

Deep dive into the Abrolhos islands

The Fathoming the Abrolhos exhibition by underwater photogapher Graeme Gunness is on display at the WA Maritime Museum during Science Week. This exhibition shows audiences what a truly unique marine habitat the Abrolhos Islands are. Photographer Graeme and wife Ann have been capturing the exquisite natural wonder of the wildlife in these scenes, consciously endeavouring to positively influence the debate on their conservation.

About the Presenter

Dr Zoe Richards is a scleractinian coral taxonomist whose research revolves around coral biodiversity and how best to monitor and protect it. She is the leader of the Coral Conservation and Research Group within the Trace and Environmental DNA Laboratory. Working in the areas of taxonomy, systematics, phylogenetics, population genetics, ecology and conservation biology, Zoe has conducted research on coral reefs across the globe for almost 20 years. Zoe currently holds a joint appointment between the Western Australian Museum where she holds the position of Marine Invertebrate Curator and Curtin University where she is an Associate Professor in the School of Molecular and Life Sciences (MLS) within the Faculty of Science & Engineering.