The Jock Clough Marine Foundation and UWA’s collective commitment to preserve our blue backyard.

It’s no exaggeration to say that oceans are the lifeblood of our planet. Covering over 70 per cent of its surface, they sustain countless forms of life, regulate climate, and provide food and energy, all while inspiring wonder and influencing cultures across the globe. Protecting these vast waters, their treasures and shorelines is not just a choice – it’s a vital responsibility. 

At a time when the health of our oceans is at a critical crossroads, a long-standing partnership between The Jock Clough Marine Foundation (JCMF) and The University of Western Australia’s Oceans Institute (OI) plays a leading role in advancing ocean conservation and sustainability worldwide.

With rising concerns over climate change, ocean warming, marine ecosystems degradation, and biodiversity loss, the OI’s mission has never been more vital. Located on one of the world’s most biodiverse coastlines, and on the rim of the world’s least explored ocean, the OI is uniquely positioned to lead marine science across the Indian Ocean region and, for close to a decade, the JCMF has played a transformative role in the institute’s ability to advance marine research at UWA. 

From supporting early-career researchers and postdoctoral fellows, to the prestigious establishment of the JCMF Oceans Chair, there is a steadfast shared vision to protect, restore, and sustain the delicate balance of our planet’s marine ecosystems and ensure a thriving future for generations to come.

A cornerstone of JCMF’s investment is the Robson & Robertson Awards, launched in 2017 to support early-career researchers with bursaries for fieldwork, travel, and equipment. In just eight years, more than 85 researchers have benefited, advancing research in critical areas such as seagrass and kelp restoration, coral reef resilience, species conservation, marine megafauna, Indigenous knowledge integration, shoreline protection and environmental DNA (eDNA).

One such success story is Dr Matt Fraser, who used his five-year Robson & Robertson Fellowship to develop innovative approaches to seagrass ecosystem management. Western Australia has some of the largest seagrass meadows in the world, playing a vital role in protecting our coastlines, filtering water, storing and sequestering carbon, and providing habitat to iconic and valuable marine animals.


Image: Rowley Shoals in 2021. Image credit: Michael Cuttler.

Now at Minderoo Foundation, Dr Fraser is leading ecology and biodiversity initiatives, including a collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Using eDNA – the collection and analysis of the genetic traces that every species leaves behind as they move through an environment – this collaboration will provide timely information to support evaluation of species’ extinction risk under the Union’s Red List protocol, a strong example of how early support translates into global conservation impact.

In another major milestone for the partnership, Professor Steve Swearer, was appointed as the inaugural JCMF Oceans Chair in 2017. A marine ecologist of international standing, Professor Swearer relocated his REEF (Research on the Ecology and Evolution of Fishes) lab from the University of Melbourne to UWA. Spanning habitat restoration, aquaculture, and marine ecosystem responses to environmental change, his research is already shaping sustainable marine management strategies.

In thanking Jock Clough and JCMF for their vision, passion and generosity, Professor Nicki Mitchell, OI Deputy Director, said even beyond the immeasurable value of the research, the partnership had enabled, the appointment of the Ocean’s Chair, a key driver of the Oceans Institute’s strategic growth.

“Professor Swearer plays a pivotal role in identifying new research opportunities, fostering high impact multidisciplinary collaborations, and strengthening UWA’s postgraduate research training,” said Professor Christophe Gaudin, OI Director. “His leadership enhances the Institute’s engagement with government, industry, and academia, drawing upon the expertise at the Oceans Institute.

The partnership between the Oceans Institute and the Jock Clough Marine Foundation continues to drive innovation, research and action, supporting the resilience of marine ecosystems for future generations to come.

Read the full issue of the Summer 2025 edition of Uniview [Accessible PDF 13MB].