Michael Rasheed

I have over 29 years experience leading successful research programs on topical marine habitats with a focus on seagrass ecology. My passion is finding science-based solutions to apply in the management of marine habitats. I began my research career in government where the importance of having results of research effect change in management and policy was instilled. Based at JCU's Cairns Nguma-bada campus since 2012, I have built a team whose work focuses on coastal development and risk with research outcomes significantly impacting the way seagrass and marine habitats are managed and protected. Results of my work not only lead to advances in the field of seagrass ecology, but have changed practices within coastal development, ports and shipping industries and improved the ability of regulators and managers to protect marine habitats.

My research is built around establishing partnerships with industry, community and government to deliver applied outcomes effecting real change in marine habitat and seagrass protection. My projects span tropical Australia and the Indo Pacific and develop innovative approaches to assess condition of seagrasses and understand the ecosystem services they deliver. Current projects include assessing Blue Carbon potential of seagrass habitats as well as their fisheries values and interactions with dugongs and green turtles.

My work on understanding the drivers and processes of tropical seagrass recovery and loss has led to a current research focus developing restoration approaches for tropical seagrasses to apply across Australia and the Indo Pacific.

Recent Media

• Seagrass meadows begin extensive rehabilitation - ABC News, Aug 2023
• The Importance of Seagrass - Sanlian Life Week, China -Jun 2023
• The truth about The Maldives’ pristine ocean - Weekend Audtralian, Jan 2023
• Saltmarsh and seagrass are nature's storm protectors - ABC Wide Bay Dec 2022
• Researchers Use Aerial Imagery to take stock of Queensland's suffereing dugong population - ABC News, Nov 2022
• Qld seagrass meadows vanishing: study - 7News, October 2022
• Scientists brave crocs to regrow seagrasses - 7News, Aug 2022
• Crocodile, jellyfish threat as volunteers race to restore tropical harbour's forgotten seagrass meadows - ABC News, Aug 2022
• Dugongs and sea turtles at risk after Queensland floods wipe out seagrass - The Guardian May, 2022
• Scientists work around crocs and jellyfish to restore lost seagrass meadow - ABC News, Sep 2021
• Gladstone’s seagrass in prime condition after a decade - Gladstone Observer, June 2020

Videos

• The JCU and North Queensland Bulk Ports Research Partnership
• Monitoring Seagrasses from the air in Weipa
• Seagrass Restoration Trials Mourilyan

Podcasts

• Seagrasses in the Wet Tropics - Wet Tropics Healthy Waterways