Dean Miller
Dean Miller
GBR Legacy Managing Director
Dr Dean Miller is a scientist, multimedia professional, BBC presenter, and an Australian Geographic-sponsored explorer. With a PhD in coral reef management, tourism, and resource allocation, Dean has a wealth of scientific experience in Antarctica, the Arctic, and the world's oceans.
Having participated in over 300 ocean expeditions worldwide, Dean has spent a significant portion of his life at sea. He has worked with polar bears in the northern Russian Arctic, explored northeastern Greenland, led expeditions in Antarctica, and spent the last 20 years researching and tagging marine life on the Great Barrier Reef.
A self-taught filmmaker, having produced and presented over 50 documentaries. His work is acclaimed for its cinematic qualities and has been narrated by Sir David Attenborough on numerous occasions.
Dean is the co-founder and MD of Great Barrier Reef Legacy, a non-profit organization that operates the only independent research vessel on the Great Barrier Reef. It provides free and essential access to the best scientific minds, innovators, and multimedia specialists to build a platform for research, education, and change.
However, Deans life mission is to collect and conserve all 415 species of corals from the Great Barrier Reef and keep them alive in land-based facilities to protect the entire biodiversity of corals and aid in research and restoration efforts - this is The Forever Reef project. This kind of venture is usually reserved for entire countries and government agencies. Still, Dean and the Great Barrier Reef Legacy team are leading the charge. Currently, they have 181 species representing nearly 45% of Great Barrier Reef corals already secured in state-of-the-art facilities making this the most extensive conservation effort for corals in Australia. The Forever Reef Project has won multiple international awards, has been endorsed by prestigious international organisations, and is well on its way to completing the most precious coral collection on Earth by as soon as 2026.
Having participated in over 300 ocean expeditions worldwide, Dean has spent a significant portion of his life at sea. He has worked with polar bears in the northern Russian Arctic, explored northeastern Greenland, led expeditions in Antarctica, and spent the last 20 years researching and tagging marine life on the Great Barrier Reef.
A self-taught filmmaker, having produced and presented over 50 documentaries. His work is acclaimed for its cinematic qualities and has been narrated by Sir David Attenborough on numerous occasions.
Dean is the co-founder and MD of Great Barrier Reef Legacy, a non-profit organization that operates the only independent research vessel on the Great Barrier Reef. It provides free and essential access to the best scientific minds, innovators, and multimedia specialists to build a platform for research, education, and change.
However, Deans life mission is to collect and conserve all 415 species of corals from the Great Barrier Reef and keep them alive in land-based facilities to protect the entire biodiversity of corals and aid in research and restoration efforts - this is The Forever Reef project. This kind of venture is usually reserved for entire countries and government agencies. Still, Dean and the Great Barrier Reef Legacy team are leading the charge. Currently, they have 181 species representing nearly 45% of Great Barrier Reef corals already secured in state-of-the-art facilities making this the most extensive conservation effort for corals in Australia. The Forever Reef Project has won multiple international awards, has been endorsed by prestigious international organisations, and is well on its way to completing the most precious coral collection on Earth by as soon as 2026.
Related Sessions
The Forever Reef Project, a living backup for the biodiversity of coral reefs
MON, OCT 16, 1:00 PM
Conference
Coral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, providing habitats for over 25% of all marine species. Supporting fishing and tourism. Defending coastlines from storms. Helping manage ocean acidification. And are culturally significant to many communities, that rely on them for traditional practices, cultural identity, and spiritual beliefs.
But time is running out as mass bleaching events are deleting huge areas of coral reefs and along with it the diverse and significant life they support.
The Forever Reef project is a bold plan to collect and create a living coral biobank that provides a permanent backup for the planet's corals. So far the bank holds 200 of 800 known species. But the clock is ticking to gather and protect the remaining corals.
Esteemed conservationists and marine scientists Dr Dean Miller and Dr John (Charlie) Vernon will unpack their critical work and explain how this living biobank is helping preserve this essential life form. How it supports scientists developing medicines and help reforest reefs with hardier species.
They will be joined by award-winning creative director Sharon Edmondston, M&C Saatchi Group who has been integral to raising awareness of the project and driving donations to fund dives and collections.
