Sydney Harbour is one of the most iconic waterways in the world — but beneath the postcard views lies a complex ecological story of sea-rious degradation, recovery, and renewal.

In this episode of Science Queeries, we honour the late Professor Emma Johnston — marine ecologist, champion for equity in science, and a true tide-turner. She laid the scientific foundations for understanding and restoring Sydney Harbour’s ecosystems.

Building on that legacy, Dr Cat chats to Dr Paco Martinez Baena from the Sydney Institute of Marine Science. He leads Project Restore — an initiative restoring and reconnecting habitats to boost biodiversity in Sydney Harbour.

Because, when you restore the across habitats, the whole system can rise with the tide. Thanks to Emma Johnston’s enduring influence, Sydney Harbour isn’t just staying afloat — it’s current-ly rewriting its future.

Shell yeah.

Originally aired 10th February, 2026.

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