Melinda Coleman

Biography

Melinda is a Principal Research Scientist with Regional NSW, DPI, whose work is transforming kelp forest conservation. Kelp forests support immense biodiversity, sequester carbon and underpin fisheries yet are declining globally, including in NSW. Through the development of innovative science-based restoration technologies, Melinda’s research is reversing loss of kelp forests and protecting the vast economic, social and ecological values derived from the NSW Marine Estate. Importantly, Melinda’s research has real-world impact. Notably, her team’s successful restoration of Sydney’s underwater forests earned a Green Globe award and delivers estimated savings of $1M per km of coastline restored annually.

Melinda's work contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals

Research

As part of a global research team, Melinda pioneered a new restoration technology (“green gravel”) which overcomes extant challenges in underwater restoration. Melinda’s research is paving the way for proactive “future-proof” management that allows restoration to match natural adaptive responses of kelp to future climatic conditions, placing NSW at the forefront of environmental management. She is internationally recognized in kelp forest conservation, with editorial roles in top journals and frequent keynote appearances at global conferences.

Supervision

She mentors the next generation of scientists through supervision of PhD students and postdoctoral scientists.