Research Projects
Filters for Projects
Research Units
Pre-outbreak monitoring of the density, distribution and size-structure of crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS) in the Great Barrier Reef (Old ID 27501)
This project will conduct annual field surveys (diver-based and eDNA) across reefs in the primary outbreak initiation region to reveal how the density, distribution and size-structure of COTS populations changes, providing field data to inform early warning and response in the lead up to the 2025 outbreak.
Quantifying predation rates on CoTS relative to fisheries management zones and corresponding differences in abundance of putative predators (Old ID 27504)
The purpose of this research is to quantify rates of predation on CoTS at reefs within contrasting Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) management zones. More specifically, we will quantify predation and mortality rates for CoTS, as well as differences in the abundance and composition of potential predators, between reefs where fishing is permitted (Blue zones), restricted (Yellow zones) or effectively prohibited (Green zones). The focus of this project is unequivocally on relatively large and conspicuous post-settlement life stages of CoTS (e.g., sub-adults and adults) and the relatively large predators (mainly fishes) that might be consuming them.
In situ feeding rates of crown-of-thorns starfish and fate of prey corals (Old ID 27494)
Accurate measurements of CoTS feeding rates are key in modelling ecological thresholds to inform CoTS management. This project aims to quantify feeding rates of CoTS in the field, to better resolve ecological impacts of CoTS on coral assemblages relative to the size and abundance of CoTS, as well as changes in prey availability and seasonal variation in temperature. This will significantly improve current models that estimate ecological thresholds used to inform surveillance (density of CoTS required to prevent further coral damage) and control (levels of culling required to ensure that coral growth outpaces CoTS feeding) activities in the GBR.
Spatiotemporal variation in settlement rates of crown-of-thorns starfish on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef: critical research to underpin understanding and management of impending population irruptions (Old ID 27784)
The purpose of this research is to quantify spatiotemporal variation in settlement rates of crown-of-thorns starfish in the lead up to renewed population irruptions on the GBR. Attention will focus on reefs within the putative initiation area, though complementary sampling will also be conducted on reefs in the far northern GBR. Despite existing evidence that population irruptions in the far northern GBR (specifically, at reefs in the Cape Grenville region) can precede the emergence of population irruptions in the northern extent of the currently defined initiation area there has never been any attempt to measure and compare settlement rates of crown-of-thorns starfish over a broad cross-section of reefs in the northern GBR.
Coral bleaching assessment 2024 in northern Great Barrier Reef
Climate induced coral bleaching is now the foremost threat to coral reefs, including Australia's Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Based on current and projected sea surface temperatures there is a very high likelihood that mass bleaching will occur in March 2024 on the GBR. As such, The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) are requesting that our team undertake in-water bleaching assessments in the northern GBR in March 2024, at reefs where we are working on crown-of-thorns starfish.
Localised status assessment for specialty coral harvest species in the Great Barrier Reef (Old ID 27915)
The objectives of the proposed 2-year program of monitoring are to assess the relative abundance and biomass of coral species within localised areas of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, directly comparing between areas of intensive coral harvesting with complementary reference areas within Marine National Park areas that are closed to fishing.
Processes and patterns in larval settlement of crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster cf. solaris)
JCU Postgraduate Research Scholarship 2020-2023 (stipend & fees)
Ecological Impact of Antibiotic Resistance Released from the Cleveland Bay Purification Plant using Marine Turtle Species (Old ID 26730)
Cleveland Bay is a grazing ground for turtle species. Cleveland Bay Purification plant (CBPP) treats waste that may contain a variety of antibiotics. This study aims to determine the prevalence and distribution patterns of antibiotic resistant genes in the CBPP effluent and in the immediate receiving environment.
Genotyping Australian Cats for ABCB1 Gene Mutation: Implications for Drug Sensitivity and Veterinary Pharmacogenomics
The aim of this research is to determine the existence of the ABCB1 gene mutation in Australian domestic cats and its potential effect on drug induced toxicity. The ABCB1 gene encodes for P-glycoprotein, a membrane transporter that affects the absorption, tissue distribution, and elimination of many clinically used drugs. In the brain, this protein contributes to a blood-brain barrier that safeguards animals from chemical induced neurotoxicity. In dogs and cats, specific mutations in the ABCB1 gene introduce premature stop codons which disrupt the biosynthesis of this protein. These mutations are associated with increased drug movement into the brain, and increased susceptibility to drug induced adverse reactions. In North America, approximately 5% of domestic cats carry the ABCB1 gene mutation but its prevalence in Australian cats is not known. Our primary objective is to determine the frequency of ABCB1 gene mutation in Australian cats presenting with drug-induced neurologic toxicity. This information will be essential for improving drug safety in domestic cats.