Ep 53 Coral Larval Enhancement Trial | Dr Jenny Shaw & Dr Damian Thompson

Dr Damian Thomson from CSIRO has been working on reef systems at Nyinggulu since 2007, giving him a powerful long-term view of what has changed, what has been lost, and what still may be possible for Western Australia’s coral reefs. Joining him is Dr Jenny Shaw from the Western Australian Marine Science Institution, who helps take us behind the scenes of the WA Reef Regen Program — a major new effort to support coral and reef regeneration along the Western Australian coastline. After the devastating 2024–25 marine heatwave and coral bleaching event at Nyinggulu, scientists, Traditional Owners, government, philanthropic partners and local communities came together to trial reef regeneration across coral spawning events in Exmouth and Coral Bay. This conversation explores what actually happens when corals bleach, why reefs are so important for biodiversity, coastlines, fisheries, tourism and culture, how baby corals can “swim” and choose where to settle, and what it takes to attempt reef regeneration while dealing with cyclones, closed roads, difficult logistics and a very small biological window. It is a powerful conversation about science, urgency, collaboration and realistic hope for the future of Western Australia’s coral reefs. Host: Kurt Krispyn Guest: Dr Jenny Shaw, Western Australian Marine Science Institution Guest: Dr Damian Thomson, CSIRO Podcast: Paramount Importance If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe and hit the bell to support more long-form science conversations.