Recommendations to maintain functioning of the Great Barrier Reef (Old ID 24994)

Department of the Environment and Energy
Role

Collaborator

Description

The Great Barrier Reef is experiencing increased environmental stress which threatens its functioning. Yet a subset of species are often disproportionately important in maintaining a functioning ecosystem. This project harnesses Queensland's breadth of reef expertise to deliver timely recommendations on what can be done to strengthen and protect key supportive species. Specifically we ask which species - or functional groups of species - drive processes that maintain a healthy reef. We provide a scientific consensus in support of (1) species' rankings and recommendations for enhanced protection, (2) informed scenarios for what's at stake; the consequences of not taking further action, and (3) make recommendations for targeted R&D. We will also suggest activities that can be undertaken by citizen science organisations to help monitor the status of priority species or identify areas of either outstanding value or threat.

Date

01 Jan 2018 - 10 Jun 2019

Project Type

N/A

Keywords

Coral Reefs;Function;traits;Management;Climate Change;Diversity

Funding Body

Department of the Environment and Energy

Amount

2308

Project Team

Geoffrey Jones;Mia Hoogenboom;Morgan Pratchett;David Bourne;Andrew Hoey;Sue-Ann Watson;Mark McCormick;Michael Kingsford