Scott Bennett – The Conversation

The 2011 heatwave hit kelp forests hard along a long stretch of WA coast. J. Costa

July 8, 2016

A marine heatwave has wiped out a swathe of WA’s undersea kelp forest

Scott Bennett, Curtin University; Julia Santana-Garcon, and Thomas Wernberg, The University of Western Australia

A 10-week surge in ocean temperatures off the Western Australian coast has killed off large patches of kelp forest, the “biological engine” of Australia’s southern reefs.

The Great Southern Reef is unique, beautiful and contributes significantly to Australia’s culture and economy. However, few of us realise the magnitude and value of this gem right at our doorstep. T. Wernberg 2002

August 16, 2015

Australia’s ‘other’ reef is worth more than $10 billion a year ‑ but have you heard of it?

Thomas Wernberg, The University of Western Australia; Alistair Hobday, CSIRO; Craig Johnson, University of Tasmania; Elvira Poloczanska, CSIRO; Scott Bennett, Curtin University, and Sean Connell, University of Adelaide

The Great Southern Reef covers 71,000 square km and contributes more than A$10 billion to Australia’s economy each year.

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