Valerie Taylor with a crown-of-thorns starfish

Images(2)

Valerie Taylor with a crown-of-thorns starfish

Subject or historical figure Valerie Taylor (born 1935)

Photographer Ron Taylor (1934 - 2012)

Date1953-2000

Object numberANMS1463[046]

NamePhotographic slide

MediumColour transparency film, paper

DimensionsOverall (inc carrier): 50 × 50 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Valerie Taylor in memory of Ron Taylor

Terms

DescriptionCrown of thorns starfish (COTS) have devastated coral reefs for decades, notably in the Great Barrier Reef. Outbreaks of uncontrolled populations can occur in plague proportions eating hard corals at rate of up to 10 m2 of coral a year per adult COTS. Although they are native to the Great Barrier Reef, these outbreaks are a complex problem that has been noted since 1962 but may have always been an occurrence. Understanding the drivers, frequency and solutions has been an ongoing area of study and Valerie and Ron Taylor have contributed to some solution testing. Some photos show using their natural predators like giant triton snails to get the job done or injections experimenting with formalin and copper. SignificanceValerie and Ron Taylor had a slow progression into the scientific community as they metamorphosed from spearfishers to ocean protectors. While Valerie kept detailed diaries of their marine observations, their work was often derided as too popular and showy. But science came calling when they needed someone to field-test their most recent theory. From diving gear to spear tips and shark tags, the Taylors gave it a shot and reported whether it worked – or not.
Today, their scientific legacy is more highly regarded. Through their film, photography, field testing and advocacy, the Taylors’ roles as science communicators and ocean environmentalists started to be recognised. Valerie was awarded the prestigious NOGI award for Arts, presented by the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences (AUAS) in 1981. This recognised her record of accomplishment and excellence, making a global impact on diving via the arts. Valerie has tirelessly advocated for protection and promoted greater understanding of Australian marine environments and dually, continually internationally awarded. Some of these achievements include being appointed the Rider of the Order of the Golden Ark (1986), Wildlife Preservation Society of Australia’s Serventy Conservation Medal (2001), Australian Geographic Lifetime of Conservation award (2008) and Member of the Order for Australia (2010).