Exploring WA's Deep Sea: Floortalks

Take a journey into the abyssal world of Western Australia's waters with an expert guide!

Dr Todd Bond can share with you some of the highlights and insights for the two year project that has recently delved into the inky depths of WA's deepest marine canyons. These little-known zones of marine habitat have revealed some surprising findings, and this research project offers scientists a rewarding view into some of the forms of life that humankind can only access through sophisticated sub-sea technology.

Join Todd as he illuminates the project with behind-the-scenes insight in this special exhibition floortalk.

About the presenter

Dr Todd Bond – Deputy Director, Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre, The University of Western Australia.

Dr Todd Bond is a marine ecologist with over 10 years of experience in academic research and teaching that has centred on fish and shark ecology. His current research focuses on hadal and abyssal ecology where he utilises his extensive experience with underwater video technology and sampling methods. This research seeks to understand the distribution of deep-sea organisms across large spatial scales – within and between trenches, fracture zones, and abyssal plains, and amongst oceans. 

Much of Todd’s research occurs in Australia’s network of marine parks where he has developed long-term monitoring programs. He continues to be an advocate for the protection and recognition of Australia’s deep sea.

Todd’s research also extends to shallower environments where he works in photic and mesophotic fish ecology and fisheries. He is considered a global expert in the ecology of fishes surrounding artificial structures including oil and gas installations and his work informs sensible approaches to decommissioning structures that have reached end-of-life. 

Todd is a WA Science Ambassador and an avid science communicator whose knowledge of marine systems and stewardship for the oceans has led him all over the world from Fiji to Japan, Antarctica to Hawaii, the US to the UK, and many places in between. His research is awarded at international conferences and saw him receive a Premier’s Science Award in 2020.