Following an extensive recruitment process, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Roger Beeden as the new Chief Scientist.

Dr Beeden, who has held several senior management roles since he joined the Reef Authority in 2008 including positions in Climate Change, Reef Knowledge, Reef Interventions and Tourism and Stewardship, said the position was the culmination of more than two decades working to protect the Reef.

“We came to this part of the world intending to stay for 18 months… and 20 years later we are still here, and I am incredibly honoured to accept the position of Chief Scientist,” Dr Beeden said. 

“I have been acting the role for the past few months so for me, it is really business as usual to ensure we are enacting the most effective management practices to help protect the Reef and build resilience, particularly as we head into the summer months and an El Niño weather pattern.

“With the warm weather comes the increased risk of extreme weather events which can have severe consequences for the Reef. As Chief Scientist, my colleagues and I across the entire Reef Authority will continue to use the latest climate modelling and forecasts to focus our management actions.

“This includes targeted culling of coral eating crown-of-thorns starfish, localised action to manage water quality and reduce residential and industrial runoff into catchment areas and ultimately onto the Great Barrier Reef, as well as sustainable recreational and commercial fishing practices.

“I’m looking forward to working with the Reef science community in my new capacity as Chief Scientist. It is important that our management actions continue to be based on the best available science.”

Dr Beeden holds a Master’s Degree in Natural Resource Management and a PhD in Environmental Science from James Cook University.

For enquiries, email media@gbrmpa.gov.au.