Dr Ana Bugnot

Dr Ana Bugnot is a marine ecologist specialising in biodiversity assessment, coastal and marine ecosystem management, and restoration ecology. Her research focuses on understanding the pressures affecting biodiversity and ecosystem condition, including climate change, fisheries, urbanisation, and other human activities, and on developing science-based solutions that support ecosystem recovery, resilience, and nature-positive outcomes. Her research places particular emphasis on integrating ecological processes and ecosystem connectivity across the land-to-ocean continuum.

A key focus of Ana’s work is translating ecological science into practical tools and advice for policy and management. She collaborates closely with government agencies, research organisations, industry partners, restoration practitioners, and community groups to develop biodiversity assessment frameworks, ecosystem accounts, decision-support tools, and restoration strategies. Her work has supported major Australian initiatives, including the National Climate Risk Assessment, the Nature Repair Market, State of the Environment reporting, and National Ecosystem Accounts.

Ana is recognised nationally for her expertise in coastal restoration, ecosystem assessment, and nature-positive initiatives. She is a recipient of the Australian Marine Science Association Emerging Leader Award and regularly provides expert advice to government agencies, industry bodies, and environmental organisations on biodiversity assessment, ecosystem restoration, and environmental policy.