Dominic McAfee

Dr Dominic McAfee is an ARC Grant-Funded Researcher B at the University of Adelaide's Environment Institute, within the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department. His work focuses on coastal marine ecosystem restoration, emphasizing both ecological and socio-ecological interactions to enhance human well-being and environmental sustainability. He collaborates with governments, NGOs, industries, and communities on projects ranging from large-scale reef constructions to community-led restorations, particularly in oyster reefs, seagrass, kelp, and mangrove ecosystems.

Key research interests include multi-species restoration strategies, the use of marine sound to accelerate recovery, and effective conservation messaging rooted in optimism. His projects address climate adaptation, ecosystem engineering, and the psychological dimensions of environmental engagement.

Dr McAfee has received prestigious awards, including the 2023 South Australian Science and Innovation Excellence Award for Science-Industry Collaboration and the 2020 Eureka Prize for Applied Environmental Research. He actively supervises postgraduate and Honours students in areas like community-based restoration and socio-ecological dynamics.

His research bridges ecological science with communication strategies, leveraging cognitive biases to foster public engagement. Ongoing collaborations include projects with the Department for Environment and Water, The Nature Conservancy, and local communities to restore Australia's lost shellfish reefs and communicate their value.