Naomi Gardiner

My research is on coral reef ecosystems and fisheries, which is also integrated with my teaching and research student's work. I have overseen the Postgraduate Coursework programs in Science, particularly in Marine Biology and Fisheries Science & Management. You can review these exciting and career changing courses here.

Research Interests:

My current and emerging research explores the drivers of coral reef and coastal ecosystem function so as to improve livelihood and food security outcomes in the Asia-Pacific. I am particularly focused on coastal and island based fishery dynamics in Indonesia and the wider Coral Triangle region.

I have substantive background in coral reef fish ecology and behaviour. I maintain my research interests in this field through several research student projects. The central theme of this research is the relationship between fish and their reefal habitats. These relationships drive fish community responses to continued habitat degradation but also to reef restoration efforts. I am interested in exploring the patterns and processes that direct community and individual responses, and how fish assemblages in degraded ecosystems can be restored, at least in part. This has direct implications for the livelihoods of people on island and coastal communities in the Coral Triangle region.

Making a difference:

I am directly involved with leading capacity building programs for managers and researchers in Indonesia and the Coral Triangle. This focuses on a science for management approach whereby I assist researchers target their work towards the applications and outcomes necessary for attaining sustainable resource management, food security and improved livelihoods. Simultaneously I assist managers and policy makers connect to the scientific community so that policy development and its implementation can take an evidence based approach.

Funding:

To date, I have been successful in attracting $300k in external funding for capacity building and research programs. The most recent of these is the 2017/18 Australian Government sponsored Australia Awards Fellowship for Indonesian marine science academics.

I am also part of the JCU-Griffith-CDU consortium that led the 2017 Australia Professional Development Program for Indonesia's Australia Award Alumni. This program was valued at over $400k.

Students:

I am seeking Masters and PhD research students in fields of fisheries biology, coral reef ecology, ecosystem restoration and fisheries management. These projects would specifically focus on using biological and /or ecological methods to investigate and improve reef and coastal fisheries in Indonesia. Field, Lab and desktop projects are available. You will need to be adaptable, resilient and have excellent self-management skills.