Skye McKenna

About

Skye McKenna is a leading seagrass habitat ecologist whose work aims to bridge the gap between science, environmental management, industry, and community engagement. With over 20 years of experience in marine research, Skye's focus is on seagrass ecology, productivity, and resilience to environmental and anthropogenic disturbances.

Currently serving as a senior research officer at TropWATER, James Cook University, Skye leads, collaborates on and manages numerous projects with diverse stakeholders and funding agencies. Funding agencies include all levels of government, industry, Traditional Owners, Land and Sea Rangers and community groups.

Key industry projects include the Port of Townsville Channel Upgrade Seagrass Program for capital dredging and the North Queensland Bulk Ports/JCU partnership (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrSOT7XroqI). Skye's work has contributed significantly to the development of science-based solutions for the management of these critical marine habitats, particularly through the development of reactive and long-term monitoring programs to mitigate risks to seagrass ecosystems. Her work is not only important from an ecological standpoint but has also directly informed management practices, particularly in high-impact areas such as Queensland’s ports, dredging projects, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Skye’s research and management expertise extends beyond scientific studies into impactful community collaboration. More recently, Skye’s vision has centred on building and fostering genuine partnerships with First Nations communities along the Great Barrier Reef. She plays a key role in capacity-building projects with Traditional Owners and Rangers, where she helps to upskill Traditional Owners and Rangers in habitat mapping and monitoring of their Sea Country and the animals that live within sea Country https://www.tropwater.com/projects/building-capacity-of-gunggandji-mandingalbay-yidinji-rangers. Through these collaborations, Skye has fostered capacity building and knowledge sharing to empower local communities to help and heal sea Country, improve conservation practices and awareness, and facilitated scientific research on benthic habitats essential to species such as dugongs and turtles.

This blend of scientific research, management, and community engagement underscores Skye's extensive contribution to marine conservation. Skye's work represents a holistic approach to marine science, where rigorous research informs practical, industry and community-driven solutions.

Projects that I currently lead and manage include:

• North Queensland Bulk Ports / JCU Partnership - Co-lead the seagrass habitat component of the 10 year partnership.    
• Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Sea Country Project: Creating healthy sea Country through building partnerships, connections and capacity 2022 - ongoing
• Port of Townsville Channel Upgrade Seagrass Program - 2018 - ongoing 
• Wulgurukaba seagrass and megafauna project - 2024 - 2026
  
• Ports North long-term seagrass monitoring and research programs in the ports of Karumba, Cairns & Mourilyan Harbour 2009 - ongoing.