Tropical Water & Ecosystems

Scott Morrissey

Scott Morrissey

Tim Smith

Tim Smith

Alejandro Navarro Otero

Alejandro Navarro Otero

Jack Koci

Jack Koci

Sarah McDonald

Sarah McDonald

Emily Webster

Emily Webster

Abbi Scott

Abbi Scott

Catherine Collier

Catherine Collier

Rob Coles

Rob Coles

Aaron Davis

Aaron Davis

Emerging technologies as a tool to monitor for invasive pathogens
Cecilia Villacorta Rath - Tropical Water & Ecosystems
01 Sep 2024 - 01 May 2026
We will evaluate the emerging technologies of environmental DNA (eDNA; air and water) sampling and next generation sequencing for use as rapid, cost-effective and scalable approaches of monitoring for the introduction and circulation of invasive pathogens. These approaches could be adapted to a wide range of high-risk interfaces.
Lower Herbert Fine Scale Monitoring
Aaron Davis - Tropical Water & Ecosystems
04 Sep 2024 - 31 Aug 2027
Fine scale monitoring program for water quality, developed in co-design with sugar industry
Lower Herbert Fine Scale Monitoring
Aaron Davis - Tropical Water & Ecosystems
04 Sep 2024 - 31 Aug 2027
Fine scale monitoring program for water quality, developed in co-design with sugar industry
Using eDNA for red imported fire ant (RIFA, Solenopsis invicta) detection
Cecilia Villacorta Rath - Tropical Water & Ecosystems
09 Oct 2024 - 02 Oct 2026
This project will investigate the detectability of red imported fire ant (RIFA) eDNA in soil around ant mounds and in water from waterbodies adjacent to infestations. The project team will be comprised of one researcher from TropWATER and one researcher from Zoology &Ecology (CSE).
Monitoring seagrass habitat of Yanyuwa Sea Country using Drones and Remote sensing
Catherine Collier - Tropical Water & Ecosystems
01 May 2024 - 20 Dec 2024
The Yanyuwa people in the Gulf of Carpentaria are custodians of some of the most significant seagrass in the Northern Territory. This project will 1. provide training to li-Anthawirriyarra rangers for intertidal seagrass habitat mapping and monitoring of Yanyuwa Sea Country using drones and 2. Undertake intertidal seagrass monitoring using drones and remote sensing. and 3. Undertake drop camera surveys in subtidal habitats.
Monitoring seagrass habitat of Yanyuwa Sea Country using Drones and Remote sensing
Catherine Collier - Tropical Water & Ecosystems
01 May 2024 - 20 Dec 2024
The Yanyuwa people in the Gulf of Carpentaria are custodians of some of the most significant seagrass in the Northern Territory. This project will 1. provide training to li-Anthawirriyarra rangers for intertidal seagrass habitat mapping and monitoring of Yanyuwa Sea Country using drones and 2. Undertake intertidal seagrass monitoring using drones and remote sensing. and 3. Undertake drop camera surveys in subtidal habitats.
Monitoring seagrass habitat of Yanyuwa Sea Country using Drones and Remote sensing
Alexandra Carter - Tropical Water & Ecosystems
01 May 2024 - 20 Dec 2024
The Yanyuwa people in the Gulf of Carpentaria are custodians of some of the most significant seagrass in the Northern Territory. This project will 1. provide training to li-Anthawirriyarra rangers for intertidal seagrass habitat mapping and monitoring of Yanyuwa Sea Country using drones and 2. Undertake intertidal seagrass monitoring using drones and remote sensing. and 3. Undertake drop camera surveys in subtidal habitats.
Monitoring seagrass habitat of Yanyuwa Sea Country using Drones and Remote sensing
Lucas Langlois - Tropical Water & Ecosystems
01 May 2024 - 20 Dec 2024
The Yanyuwa people in the Gulf of Carpentaria are custodians of some of the most significant seagrass in the Northern Territory. This project will 1. provide training to li-Anthawirriyarra rangers for intertidal seagrass habitat mapping and monitoring of Yanyuwa Sea Country using drones and 2. Undertake intertidal seagrass monitoring using drones and remote sensing. and 3. Undertake drop camera surveys in subtidal habitats.
Townsville City Council Saltmarsh Restoration
Sigit Deni Sasmito - Tropical Water & Ecosystems
30 Oct 2024 - 31 Mar 2026
Undertake saltmarsh restoration trials with Townsville City Council within their estate.
Assessing seagrass distribution as habitat for dugong, turtle and fish on Mandubarra Sea Country
Tim Smith - Tropical Water & Ecosystems
01 May 2024 - 31 Jan 2026
The Mandubarra Sea Country project aims to understand and manage crucial coastal habitats and the ecosystems they support. Focusing on expansive seagrass habitats, this initiative partners with TropWATER and involves comprehensive mapping and monitoring along the coast, including the South Barnard Islands. The project integrates high-intensity aerial surveys to study the usage of seagrass meadows by green sea turtles and dugongs, both vital to the ecosystem. Additionally, it includes baseline fish surveys and workshops training Mandubarra Rangers in drone usage and underwater video assessments to monitor and manage fish and megaherbivore populations effectively. This collaboration aims to enhance fisheries resilience and inform future conservation efforts within the Mandubarra Sea Country.
Title: Ports North, Ports North supports an annual monitoring program conducted by James Cook University (JCU) in Cairns Harbour and Trinity Inlet, as well as at our other ports, such as Karumba, Mourilyan and Thursday Island. By using helicopters and underwater cameras on boats, the seagrass meadows are mapped and assessed for any changes.
Reseracher: Carissa Reason (Senior Research Officer)
Start Date: 01 Jan 2009
End Date: 01 Jan 2026
Title: Gladstone Ports Corporation, The purpose of the Long-term Maintenance Dredging Management Plan (LMDMP) is to address operational needs, environmental risks, monitoring and adaptive management actions specific to the Port of Gladstone whilst ensuring the ongoing sustainability of maintenance dredging within the port.
Reseracher: Carissa Reason (Senior Research Officer)
Start Date: 01 Jan 2009
End Date: 01 Jan 2030
Title: North Queensland Bulk Ports, Partnering with scientists at James Cook University (JCU), NQBP has been collecting data on seagrass growth around our port sites for more than 20 years. In addition to informing our own environmental activities and port operations, our data has contributed to advances in an international body of seagrass knowledge through JCU's academic research and regional report cards developed to help monitor the health of our waterways.
Reseracher: Carissa Reason (Senior Research Officer)
Start Date: 01 Jan 2014
End Date: 01 Jan 2030
Title: Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service contracted James Cook University to conduct surveys and research on the impacts to and resilience of seagrass in Great Sandy Marine Park. This important surveying and research help government understand the impacts to seagrass from the 2022 flooding events and its ability to recovery.
Reseracher: Carissa Reason (Senior Research Officer)
Start Date: 01 Jan 2021
End Date: 01 Jan 2025
Title: Master of Science - Botany, James Cook University
Reseracher: Norm Duke (Senior Research Scientist)
Start Date: 01 Jan 1981
End Date: 01 Jan 1984
Title: Doctor of Philosophy, James Cook University
Reseracher: Norm Duke (Senior Research Scientist)
Start Date: 01 Jan 1986
End Date: 01 Jan 1988
Title: Bachelor of Science with Honours, James Cook University
Reseracher: Norm Duke (Senior Research Scientist)
Start Date: 01 Jan 1973
End Date: 01 Jan 1973
Title: Editor of the SeDNAS PeerJ Hub
Reseracher: Cecilia Villacorta Rath (Senior Research Officer)
Start Date: 01 Jan 2024
Title: Higher Degree By Research Committee
Reseracher: Jack Koci (Principal Research Officer)
Start Date: 01 Jan 2022
End Date: 01 Jan 2023
Title: Conference co-chair
Reseracher: Sarah McDonald (Senior Research Officer)
Start Date: 01 Jan 2023
End Date: 01 Jan 2023