Professor Catriona Hurd

From the icy waters of Canada to the windswept coasts of New Zealand, Professor Catriona Hurd has spent her career following the tides — uncovering how seaweeds shape and sustain marine ecosystems. Now based at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) in Hobart, she’s leading world-class research into how these vital underwater forests respond to climate change, and how they can help protect the planet’s future.

As a Professor of Seaweed Physiology and Ecology, Catriona studies how seaweeds grow, adapt and survive in a changing ocean. Her work explores their role in carbon capture, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable aquaculture — all critical to building climate resilience in Lutruwita / Tasmania’s coastal waters. She’s also helping to restore our island’s giant kelp forests, which have declined dramatically due to warming seas.

In 2023, Catriona co-chaired and spoke at the International Seaweed Symposium — an event that brought 500 scientists and industry experts from around the world to Hobart. It was the first time in the symposium’s 75-year history that it had been held in Australia, a milestone that highlighted Lutruwita / Tasmania’s leadership in marine science and innovation. Under her guidance, the symposium shone a light on global challenges and solutions — from climate change impacts to the emerging potential of seaweed industries.

For Catriona, Lutruwita / Tasmania is more than a research base; it’s a living laboratory. With its pristine waters, rich biodiversity, and collaborative spirit, the island offers a rare opportunity to conduct science that is both deeply local and globally significant.