With the ongoing destruction of marine environments, restoration is needed to reverse habitat loss, enhance biodiversity, and reinstate the benefits society derive from healthy coastal ecosystems. However, current restoration initiatives have a narrow focus on vegetation, assume animals will colonise restored habitats, and many fail to deliver.
Dr Sievers’ work focuses on the critical role animals play in healthy ecosystems, and aims to better understand how manipulating and supporting animals can maximise restoration success and improve outcomes for society, the environment, and the economy.
Michael’s science communication spans television, radio and print interviews, and he tutors high school students as part of the Smith Family Learning Club. His work has also featured in key policy documents, including the Ramsar Convention Secretariat report on the Global Wetland Outlook, and the 2020 United Nations Global Seagrass report.
Dr Sievers was awarded his PhD in 2018 from the University of Melbourne. He is currently an ARC DECRA Fellow at Griffith University within the Global Wetlands Project, the Australian Rivers Institute, and the Costal and Marine Research Centre.
Ecosystem restoration, Conservation Biology, coastal wetlands