Daniel Ierodiaconou is an experienced marine ecologist and Professor in Marine Science at Deakin University’s Warrnambool Campus. He employs multi-disciplinary approaches to improve our understanding of terrestrial and coastal processes, evaluation of marine reserves and improve marine ecosystem-based management. He is a principal scientist for the Victorian Coastal Monitoring Program that is filling important knowledge gaps in coastal processes employing innovative approaches including a citizen science drone program for coastal erosion monitoring (2020 Eureka Prize) and establishing Victoria’s first wave buoy network. He also manages one of Australia’s 8 National reference stations in the Bonney upwelling providing a critical climate record to understand our changing oceans. He leads the Deakin Marine Mapping Group and has developed new techniques to map our coasts and oceans, providing an accurate and comprehensive picture of coastal processes and life and the diversity of marine environments. He is the Victorian deputy node leader for the Integrated Marine Observing System, Board Director for the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority and is the Coastal Lead Scientist for the CoastRI Initiative.