WE ARE SAVING NEMO
Over 1 million fish from the clownfish family are taken from the reef every year for aquariums. In some areas they are now going extinct from overcollection and coral bleaching. The good news is that clownfish breed often in captivity.
Our solution is to supply aquarium stores with captive bred clownfish, educate consumers and lead scientific research to protect wild clownfish.
We exist to protect clownfish for future generations.
KAREN
Director/ Co-Founder
Karen is the Dean (Education) in the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University. Karen runs the Clownfish Research Group and established the Saving Nemo breeding program. She works in partnership with governments, communities, and businesses to find solutions to ensure the sustainability of our natural resources. Karen’s educational interests have focused on educating tertiary students and the public about conservation issues in Australia and around the world. In 2014 she won the South Australia Science Educator of the Year Award for her efforts.
ANITA
Director/Co-Founder
Anita is a marine biologist at Flinders University and a social entrepreneur. She established Saving Nemo in 2009 whilst working at an aquarium store. Now she continues to research clownfish and drive the vision of the organisation to stop harvesting these iconic species from the wild for aquariums. She has a keen interest in citizen science projects and has been educating people about clownfish since 2009 and has co-authored a book chapter on the symbiosis of clownfish and anemones. She is also co-founder and managing director of The Universal Coach
CARMEN
Project Coordinator (QLD)
Carmen recieved a BSc in Marine Biology from Flinders University and is currently undertaking a PhD at The University of Queensland. Her role at Saving Nemo is coordinating our education and citizen science projects in Queensland. Her research interests include behaviour and evolutionary ecology in order to inform conservation strategies particularly focused on the Great Barrier Reef.
ANTHONY
Head of Community Engagement
Anthony brings a wealth of experience in the form of marketing research, innovation, and finance. He leads the development of new partnerships, helps us connect with potential donors and establishes future collaborations and relationships with government, corporations and NGOs.
EmilY
Director of Research
Emily is a Research Associate in the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University and the oversees the Saving Nemo research programs. Emily received a Bachelor of Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Carleton University, Canada, and a MSc in Environmental Science from Trent University, Canada, where she studied freshwater fish in Europe. Emily then migrated to Australia, and to the ocean to complete a PhD in marine ecology from the University of Melbourne. Emily’s research focuses on understanding how human-induced stressors impact fish behaviour and fitness, and identifying ways to reduce these impacts.
Ph.D Candidate
Cassie is investigating if clownfish themselves can become toxic through their symbiotic relationship with anemones! Bright colours and stripes are well known warning signals for species who have a chemical defence such as toxins. Incorporating anemone toxins into the clownfish's mucus layer could contribute to their long lifespan (up to 30 years) and the lack of parasites found on individuals in the wild.
Cassie has a BSc Hons in Marine Biology and is currently a Ph.D Candidate at Flinders University.
kennadie
Research Assistant
Hi! I am a BSc: Animal Behaviour student and completed my Honours in October 2017. My Honours research focused on the recovery of anemones post-bleaching in the presence/absence of their symbiont anemonefish.
Kristin
Honours Student
Hi my name is Kristen; I did a BSc (Biodiversity and Conservation) and am currently in my honours year looking at anemone venom toxicity structure and function
PARIS
3rd Year Research Student
Hey! My name is Paris and I’m in my third year of a Bachelor of Science (Biodiversity & Conservation). I will be researching clownfish vocalisations.
COREY
Honours Student
My name is Corey and I am an honours student studying the affects of toxicity on anemone feeding behaviour. I love all aspects of the environment and wildlife, both terrestrial and marine. I hope to see the world and all the natural wonder it has to offer.
