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Historical Records of Australian Science Historical Records of Australian Science Society
The history of science, pure and applied, in Australia, New Zealand and the southwest Pacific
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Making Waves: A Century of Australian Coral Reef Science

This virtual issue acknowledges the Hundred Year anniversary of the Australian Coral Reef Society (ACRS), which first met as the Great Barrier Reef Committee in Brisbane on 12th September 1922. The collection reflects on many years of dedication of reef scientists, members and councillors to advancing our understanding of, and protecting, coral reefs.

The first three papers chronicle the work of the GBR Committee and ACRS Councillors in providing expert advice, reviews, and enquiry submissions about pressing issues for Australia’s coral reefs.

The remaining papers tells the stories behind some major advances to reef science, including the work of women scientists, Australian drilling expeditions to establish reef foundations at Funafuti and the search for marine drug leads by Roche Research Institute of Marine Pharmacology at Heron Island.

As a companion volume, Coral Reefs of Australia, ACRS have produced a centenary collection of essays about living alongside Australia’s coral reefs from Indigenous Australians, coral reef scientists, historians, social scientists, managers and politicians.

These are exciting times in a disciplinary field with an extraordinary history. I hope you enjoy reading about it.

Dr Sarah Hamylton

President, Australian Coral Reef Society, Guest Editor

Last Updated: 18 Nov 2022

HR22009The remarkable contributions of ten outstanding women to Australian coral reef science

Pat Hutchings, Barbara E. Brown, Maria Byrne, Sarah Hamylton and Tom Spencer
pp. 19-35
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This paper highlights the critical role that women have played in Australian coral reef science over the last 90 years, through documenting the biodiversity, ecology and functioning of coral reefs. The scientific contributions of ten outstanding women are summarised, along with how they broke down barriers by working on oceanographic vessels and undertaking research in remote areas, while also using their expertise to advocate for the management and conservation of Australia’s diverse coral reefs.

HR22010The Australian Coral Reef Society: the last 40 years of a century working with Australia’s coral reefs

Sarah M. Hamylton, Pat Hutchings, Carrie Sims and Selina Ward
pp. 1-18
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We review ACRS activities under the following themes: consulting on the Capricorn Bunker Group to zone the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, marine protected area design, water quality on the GBR, Queensland port expansions, environmental reform for the offshore oil and gas industry and the impacts of climate change on Australian reefs. We outline how the ACRS has promoted the exchange of scientific information to protect and conserve Australian reefs for a 100 years.