The people

Nerida co-founded the SeadragonSearch project, and spends all her spare time on the project. In her day job, she works for CSIRO at the National Biodiversity DNA Library.

“Seadragons are fascinating and amazing animals. I can’t wait to understand more about them.”

Greg is a professor of marine biology in the Marine Biology Research Division at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego and a co-founder of SeadragonSearch. He is also curator of the Benthic Invertebrate Collection at Scripps.

“Seadragons are emblems of southern Australian environments. Understanding their distributions through time and space is critical for conservation.”

Chrissy is a co-founder of SeadragonSearch, and is currently doing her PhD at the university of Western Australia, using the data that comes from the project.

“Seadragons are beautiful and unique icons for marine conservation with the potential to help us protect coastal habitats.”

Jason is a scientific software developer and leader of the Wild Me lab (wildme.org) of Conservation X Labs. Jason’s team is conducting novel AI experiments – such as building autonomous intelligent agents for wildlife research – and deploying large-scale, multispecies AI models in support of marine and terrestrial conservation efforts.

“Being able to contribute in a small way to seadragon conservation and research is a joy for me. These are perhaps the most beautiful creatures on the planet (sorry, whales. you’re cool too).”

Dewy is a philanthropist with a passion for seadragons.

“I have loved these elusive and charismatic seadragons since I first saw them. I want them to be understood and protected.”

Bronwyn is a Professor at the University of Adelaide, Head of School of Biological Sciences and the Deputy Dean of Research.

Kade is the ReefWatch Co-ordinator at the Victorian National Parks Association.

“Seadragons are an iconic species of the great southern reef that inspire curiosity around the world.”

Keith worked with Project Seahorse, and then was a high-school science teacher. He now works part-time as a Discovery Ranger for the Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife Service and with the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.

“Education about charismatic species such as seadragons has the potential to engage communities in marine conservation efforts.”

David is a Professor of Marine Ecology in the School of Life Sciences at University Technology, Sydney, and leads a Fish Ecology lab.

“It is important to focus research efforts on the ecology and behaviour of threatened fishes such as seadragons, and then apply this research to inform policy.”

Anke is a marine biologist and science writer, based in San Diego California.

“Seadragons are such fascinating and visually captivating creatures, I have been in awe since I first saw them 20 years ago. I have always believed in the great power of citizen science.”

Erin is the Senior Communications Manager at Oceana, an ocean conservation organization. Prior to joining them, she carried out a project documenting SeadragonSearch, starting in 2024.

“Nothing on this planet compares to a seadragon. With a name as mythical as their appearance, they seem almost too surreal to be real – which makes them a perfect icon for ocean conservation.”