Carissa Reason

Carissa Reason has 20 years’ experience as a marine scientist developing a broad range of skills to understand habitat and fisheries dynamics in coastal ecosystems. Carissa has a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Zoology and began her science career monitoring fisheries resources before moving into marine habitat research.

Carissa's role as a Research Officer with James Cook University TropWATER (Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research) involves studying and researching various aspects of seagrass ecosystems. As a Principal Investigator, Chief Investigator, and Project Manager of various statewide monitoring programs and research projects, Carissa's work revolves around understanding seagrass ecosystems, their ecological significance and their interactions with other organisms and the environment.  Monitoring and assessment projects involve regularly monitoring seagrass meadows to assess condition, growth patterns, reproductive strategies and adaptations to different environmental conditions.  Another important role is conducting research to gain a comprehensive understanding of seagrass biology, ecology and physiology and investigating the impacts of human activities on seagrass ecosystems and evaluating the effects of restoration and mitigation efforts.

Phenology of tropical seagrasses

Biology and ecology of seagrass

Fisheries habitat association and marine ecosystem connectivity

Seagrass seed bank resilience and recovery

Mapping and monitoring seagrass for habitat assessments