Led by Science. Strengthened through collaboration.
Saltwater Commons is a collaborative advisory practice led by Dr Rachael Marshall, a marine ecologist and environmental strategist with experience spanning environmental accounting, natural capital, strategic project delivery and organisational leadership.
Built on the belief that nature and people are deeply interconnected, Saltwater Commons helps organisations, landholders and communities make informed decisions for nature through trusted science, collaboration and connection to place.
While led by Rachael, the strength of the practice lies in collaboration. Every project is different, and Saltwater Commons draws on a trusted network of specialists, researchers and practitioners to assemble the right expertise for each challenge, providing tailored support that is grounded in science and responsive to local needs.
Meet Rachael - Principal Consultant
With more than two decades of experience spanning science, environmental management, operations and strategic leadership, Rachael brings a unique combination of scientific expertise, practical delivery and systems thinking.
Her work has taken her across marine, coastal, catchment and landscape systems, helping organisations, landholders and communities better understand, measure and communicate environmental condition. Through environmental accounting, natural capital and evidence-based reporting, she supports informed decision-making, investment in nature and meaningful environmental outcomes.
Drawing on experience across research, implementation and leadership roles, Rachael is passionate about helping people navigate complexity, build strong partnerships and translate trusted science into practical action.
Selected Experience
PhD in Marine Ecology
20 years of experience spanning science, environmental management and strategic leadership
Environmental accounting and natural capital expertise across marine, agricultural and landscape systems
Marine and maritime experience spanning port environments, coastal ecosystems, marine protected areas, operations and planning
Leading the planning and delivery of remote field programs across terrestrial and marine environments
Extensive experience in program design, stakeholder engagement, capacity building and project delivery
Working alongside Traditional Owners to integrate ecological science, cultural knowledge and natural capital approaches into environmental planning and stewardship
Accounting for Nature® Accredited Expert
What guides our work.
Science-led
We believe better decisions begin with trusted science, robust evidence and a clear understanding of environmental condition to ensure project outcomes contribute positively to nature.
Place-based
Every landscape, catchment, coastline and community is unique. We take the time to understand the ecological, social and cultural context that shapes each project.
Collaborative
The most enduring outcomes are achieved when diverse perspectives, knowledge systems and expertise are brought together around a shared purpose.
Practical
We focus on turning complexity into meaningful action, helping clients navigate challenges, make informed decisions and achieve measurable outcomes for nature and people.
*Diagram developed by Saltwater Commons using AI-assisted design tools.
Acknowledgment of Country.
Saltwater Commons acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters on which we live and work, including the Turrbal and Jagera peoples of Meanjin (Brisbane), and the many First Nations peoples across Australia whose Countries we are privileged to visit and work alongside.
We pay our respects to Elders past and present and recognise the enduring connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country, culture and community.
We acknowledge that the health and resilience of Australia's landscapes, waterways and seas are inseparable from the knowledge, stewardship and custodianship of First Nations peoples over countless generations.
Saltwater Commons is committed to listening, learning and working respectfully alongside Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities, recognising that meaningful environmental stewardship is strengthened through partnership, shared knowledge and connection to place.