A deep love of our Tasmanian waters has inspired Robert Pennicott's Foundation to support scientists in better understanding the reefs of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, to protect this precious marine environment for future generations.
The Pennicott Foundation will provide funding of $899,000 over five years to assess the current state of reef health in the D'Entrecasteaux Channel.
Intensive monitoring of this system will help scientists from the University of Tasmania's Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) assess the natural and human caused factors driving any observable patterns in reef health.
"Good science requires a systematic set of observations taken in specific regions or sites, across seasons and over time – and analysis of those findings in the context of what is happening in the wider system," said IMAS marine ecologist and project leader, Dr Camille White.
"The generous and important support from the Pennicott Foundation makes it possible for us to monitor and assess the whole of the Channel – and make the information we gather available to everyone."
"It will allow us to build on our work to develop and apply methods that can effectively assess the environmental impacts of climate change and human activities on marine habitats and ecosystems – in the Channel and beyond."
Robert Pennicott grew up in Tinderbox just south of Hobart and has spent his lifetime on and in the water, sharing his passion for the stunning landscape and oceans of Tasmania with others.
From Bruny Island Cruises launched in 1999 through to Pennicott Wilderness Journeys today, Robert and his family have had a strong focus on giving back to the communities they work in.
"Sustainability is at the heart of our business, with the experiences we offer designed to raise awareness of environmental issues and provide financial support for conservation," Robert said.
"This would ultimately lead to us establishing the Pennicott Foundation – and I'm very proud of what it has achieved to date.
Every cent donated to the Foundation goes towards outcomes that make a real difference – and we believe this important IMAS program will deliver great benefits to the community and the environment."
"I've been swimming, diving and recreationally fishing in the waters of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel all my life – and I've seen significant changes to the marine environment during this time. Understanding the drivers behind these changes will help us protect this special waterway for future generations."
Together with the Pennicott Foundation, IMAS is working to protect one of Tasmania's most valued marine habitats.
Transparency and scientific rigour are the pillars of the program, with all findings set to be shared through public reports, videos and interactive platforms such as Tasmania's Marine Atlas .
"This will ensure the community and stakeholders know what we're doing and what we're finding in the Channel," Dr White said.
"By combining long-term datasets with new high-resolution monitoring techniques, we will build a clearer picture of reef health and the pressures shaping these ecosystems – an approach that will ensure decisions about the Channel's future are grounded in evidence and shared knowledge."
