Adriana Verges

Professor Adriana Verges is a leading marine ecologist at UNSW Sydney's School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences and the Sydney Institute of Marine Science. Her research integrates climate change science with innovative marine ecosystem regeneration strategies, particularly focusing on kelp forests and seagrass meadows.

Her primary research interests include:

• Climate change impacts on temperate marine ecosystems
• Tropicalization processes and range-shifting species
• Kelp forest and seagrass conservation/restoration
• Public engagement in marine restoration through participatory art-science initiatives
• Ecosystem service valuation of marine forests

Her recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on kelp forest conservation challenges, tropicalization effects on temperate reefs, seagrass restoration techniques, and global assessments of marine forest ecosystems. The research consistently addresses climate change impacts while developing practical restoration methodologies like Operation Crayweed and Green Gravel.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Green Globe Award (2017) for Operation Crayweed
• UNSW Emerging Thought Leader Prize (2019)
• WINGS Women of Discovery Award (2024)

Verges directs the Kelp Forest Alliance and co-founded Operation Crayweed and Operation Posidonia, pioneering community-based marine restoration projects that have restored seaweed forests and seagrass meadows across New South Wales. Her work uniquely bridges rigorous science with public engagement through art-science collaborations.