Paula Cartwright

§ Marine and Freshwater Ecology, Spatial Science and Oceanography: I am a Coastal Biogeoscientist focused on understanding how river catchments and met-ocean processes influence marine environments across tropical northern Australia. My research examines the ecological dynamics and ecosystem services of marine and coastal habitats, and investigates how biogeochemical properties of coastal and oceanic waters respond to met-ocean variability, river flows, and terrestrial inputs from urban, industrial, and agricultural activities in the Great Barrier Reef and Gulf of Carpentaria regions. I lead and manage several large-scale marine water quality monitoring programs in partnership with government and industry, including North Queensland Bulk Ports and regional coastal councils. These projects provide long-term datasets that underpin environmental assessments and inform sustainable port and coastal management. I have developed algorithms for detecting marine sediment plumes and delivered practical satellite-based water quality monitoring toolkits for managers. My work also spans marine benthic ecology (using remotely operated video systems) and climate modelling to quantify the impacts of changing climatic and oceanographic processes on coastal water quality. Current research includes investigating groundwater contributions to temporary waterholes across northern Australia and analysing spectral light wavelengths reaching benthic habitats (seagrasses and coral reefs) under changing met-ocean conditions and catchment pollutants loads along the GBR coast. I welcome inquiries from potential HDR students.