In the lead up to our Annual Marine Science Forum on the 4th and 5th May, we will feature a post about each of the scientists presenting this year.

Dr Ezequiel (Ziggy) Marzinelli, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Sydney Institute of Marine Science & Centre for Marine Bio-innovation, University of NSW.

Dr Ziggy Marzinelli is a full-time researcher at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science and the University of NSW, with a strong background in marine ecological research and expertise in experimental ecology and seaweed ecology, particularly on environmental and human impacts on habitat-forming seaweeds and the organisms they support. Ziggy studied biology and did research on commercially important shellfish in Argentina. In 2006, Ziggy got awarded an International Postgraduate Research Scholarship to do his PhD at the University of Sydney, where he investigated how coastal infrastructure such as marinas influence invasive species affecting native seaweeds.

Presentation title: Restoration of missing underwater forests

Presentation outline: Seaweeds are key marine habitat-forming organisms that provide resources that enhance biodiversity and support economically important species of fish and shellfish. Seaweeds are, however, declining globally, impacting on the biodiversity they support. In NSW, ‘Crayweed’ has disappeared from Sydney, affecting biodiversity. We are restoring these seaweed forests in an ecologically sensible way to enhance local diversity of fish and other marine organisms.