Benita Vincent

As the Founder of Benni Marine Designs, I have combined my main passion of underwater photography to create a unique design-based business. My passion for the ocean and commitment to raising awareness of its beauty are reflected in my fabric designs, which are featured across various products and accessories. Benni Marine Designs supports local charities and is a business partner of the Australian Marine conservation Society.

In 2016, I started the Invasive Seastar Clean-up Tasmania group. This is a volunteer group that gets together regularly to remove the invasive Northern pacific seastar from areas important for the endemic and endangered Spotted handfish. The group has attracted over 2000 members, conducted over 60 clean-ups, removing over 9500kg of invasive Northern Pacific Seastars. The program is now mostly coordinated by members.

My professional journey also includes roles in research, management and policy with a range of government departments including CSIRO, and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. I have a PhD in the area of fish disease. With a strong background in science, policy, and creative design, I bring a unique blend of skills and experience that I am eager to apply in new challenges.