Marine Biology & Aquaculture

Colin Simpfendorfer

Colin Simpfendorfer

David Bellwood

David Bellwood

Jin Lim

Jin Lim

Alastair Birtles

Alastair Birtles

Orpha Bellwood

Orpha Bellwood

Garry Russ

Garry Russ

Reniel Cabral

Reniel Cabral

Morgan Pratchett

Morgan Pratchett

Sally Lau

Sally Lau

Sue-Ann Watson

Sue-Ann Watson

GBRF EOI Island Monitoring (Old ID 27698)
Nicholas Murray
01 Jun 2022 - 30 Jun 2024
The more than 1000 islands and cays in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) World Heritage Area (GBRMPA spatial data, 2019) support a diverse range of ecological, cultural and economic values. Many are threatened by climate change, but monitoring and management is difficult as many cays are remote and difficult to access. This project will develop and implement an efficient drone-based hierarchical monitoring protocol based on the recognition and use of ‘natural ground control points’ that will enable more rapid and resource efficient capture of reef island status to inform management decisions.
SEAPRO - Seaweed Environmental Action for Pollution Reduction and Algae Protein Optimisation
Mark Cyrus
27 May 2024 - 30 Jun 2025
Aquaculture plays a crucial role in ensuring global food security and fostering future job creation, especially given the rising global demand for seafood and the plateauing of capture fisheries. In Queensland, it significantly contributes to the bioeconomy, playing a pivotal role in food production and economic development. The industry's value in the region has reached $224.7 million, indicating a notable growth of 16.1% from 2021. While the aquaculture industry in Queensland heavily relies on two main species, prawns, and barramundi, which collectively contribute to 95% of the state's production. Currently within aquaculture there is a growing global recognition of another species group: Seaweed. Seaweed is gaining recognition not only as a sustainable food source but also for its remarkable capacity to function as bio-filters, extracting excess nutrients (N & P) from aquatic environments. This makes it a potentially valuable new aquaculture product while also enhancing the environmental sustainability and circularity of aquaculture operations. Integrated aquaculture technology is a key driver of this progress, enabling the coordinated and sustainable cultivation of multiple species. This technology can be integrated into both new and existing commercial operations both on land and at sea, thereby diversifying production within a single cultivation area. By incorporating algal biofilters, this technology efficiently removes excess nutrients and contaminants from farm effluent, transforming them into valuable co-products. This project aims to strategically deploy seaweed aquaculture to eliminate nutrient pollution and simultaneously enhance the growth of the aquaculture and seaweed industry in the tropics. Focusing on Queensland's aquaculture industry, we aim to employ innovative technology developed by Blue Carbon Pty Ltd to convert excess nutrients into high-value food proteins (extracted from algae) developed by James Cook University, crucial for the growing alternative protein sector. Preliminary work will determine which species of seaweed which are culturable within the IMTA systems will be most appropriate for use in the alternative protein sector, and will include both marine (Ulva ohnoi, Cladophora sp., Sargasum sp. Asparagopsis taxiformis, etc.) and freshwater species (Oedogonium sp.). The selected seaweed species will be analysed for the abundance and type of extracted proteins using biochemical process developed by the research team at James Cook University. This proof-of-concept project envisions a harmonious blend of technological innovation and sustainable aquaculture practices to produce sustainable proteins for the growing alternative protein food sector as well as animal feed. The new protein products developed from seaweed will be economically viable and increase the circular product generation of the aquaculture industry, while helping to reduce negative effect on the environment both directly and indirectly. This innovative protein production is highly scalable through the implementation of IMTA technology within aquaculture operations and different types of seaweed can be identified for production in both tropical and tempered water of Australia. The introduction of Australia's Reef Credit Scheme further amplifies the benefits of such technology. Farms implementing integrated aquaculture technology not only contribute to sustainable farming and diversifying products but also standing to gain additional benefits through this innovative credit scheme. Overall, these advancements have the potential to significantly improve the overall sustainability, environmental impact, and circularity of aquaculture operations. This investment promises not only environmental benefits but also positions Queensland as a key player in the evolving landscape of alternative protein production.
Small equipment grant for water quality monitoring multiparameter instrument
Nathan Waltham
15 Jul 2024 - 31 Dec 2024
Purchase of a multiparameter water quality monitoring instrument to replace old and no longer fit-for-purpose instruments. The new instrument is required to fulfil the research outcomes of several current projects and will be necesssary for future projects. The projects' monitor and assess water quality across the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon and Gulf of Carpenataria and include CRC for Water Security for Northern Australia, NQBP Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Program, and Whitsundays Water Quality Blueprint for Tourism Operators. The projects are led by JCU and involve collaborations across JCU, other institutions, government, Traditional Owners, NGO's, citizen science.
Assessment of the sustainability of coral reef fisheries in Indoesia
Reniel Cabral
26 May 2023 - 25 May 2025
By applying the model of global reef fish biomass data developed by Zamborain-Mason et. al. (2023), the research will estimate reference points on Indonesia's reef fish biomasses based on local environment covariates such as ocean productivity, sea surface temperature, atoll shape, and the distance between coral reefs and nearest market. Then, a comparison will be made on the current biomass status of coral reef fishes for each site with the reference points to assess the sustainability of the coral reef fisheries in Indonesia.
Dwarf Minke Whale Project
Naomi Gardiner
01 Jan 2020 - 01 Jan 2025
The Minke Whale Project MWP (based at James Cook University, North Queensland Australia) conducts multi-disciplinary research into dwarf minke whale biology and behaviour, the social and economic values of the whales and the sustainable management of swim-with-whales tourism. The MWP research team works collaboratively with the GBR swim-with-minke whales tourism industry, Reef managers and wildlife conservation NGOs. Our work is primarily funded by ongoing passenger donations and the generous in-kind support of the CHARROA tourism operators in the Northern Great Barrier Reef. Please visit http://minkewhaleproject.org/
Artificial intelligence-guided detection of tumour peptides for immunotherapy against therap y-resistant cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC)
Ludwig Lopata
01 Jan 2025 - 30 Dec 2026
North Queensland has the highest incidence of CSCC worldwide, which has a huge impact on the local population. With a high tumour mutational burden, CSCC is responsive to immunotherapy, however therapy-resistant CSCC presents a significant challenge. This project aims to detect and select tumour-specific peptides for immunotherapy in patients with therapy-resistant CSCC. The focus on tumour-specific peptides aims to ensure that these peptides are unique to tumour cells, thereby minimising the risk of triggering autoimmunity in treated patients. This innovative approach seeks to enhance the precision and safety of immunotherapies by targeting tumour-specific antigens.
How magnetic resonance impacts on immune regulatory factor secretion from brain tumour cells during radiotherapy
Ludwig Lopata
01 Aug 2024 - 30 Jul 2026
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To investigate how magnetic resonance impacts on brain tumour cell growth and immune regulatory factor secretion from brain tumour cells during radiotherapy 2. To identify and quantify specific immune regulatory factors which are observed during irradiation within a magnetic field.
Closing the circular food economy: Advanced technologies to optimise black soldier fly (BSF) larvae nutritional composition for inclusion in aquafeed
Ludwig Lopata
10 Oct 2024 - 30 Jun 2026
Black soldier fly (BSF) biomass is a highly valuable source of nutrients for terrestrial and aquatic animals and has shown to include health promoting compounds that enhances animal production. However, the quality and composition of BSF biomass depends on numerous factors including the BSF stocks, rearing conditions including waste stream diets, post-harvest processing methods and storage conditions. To-date, there is currently little information available on the optimum post-harvest processing technologies and real-time on farm monitoring systems to maximise black soldier fly protein profiles for inclusion in aquafeeds. The objective of this study is to generate on-farm data to improve the nutritional profile of BSF larvae for their application as a substitute component in aquafeed. To achieve this aim, three main studies will be conducted, the first one will focus on generating optimum BSF larvae nutritional data through post-harvest technologies to enhancing BSF larvae composition for aquafeed, the second will focus on the development of a rapid digital diagnostic NIR tool for the real-time evaluation of organic waste streams and BSF larvae composition, and the final study will generate critical data on the effects of feeding BSF larvae on growth performance, gut health and product quality of black tiger marine shrimp.
Closing the circular food economy: Advanced technologies to optimise black soldier fly (BSF) larvae nutritional composition for inclusion in aquafeed
Leo Nankervis
10 Oct 2024 - 30 Jun 2026
Black soldier fly (BSF) biomass is a highly valuable source of nutrients for terrestrial and aquatic animals and has shown to include health promoting compounds that enhances animal production. However, the quality and composition of BSF biomass depends on numerous factors including the BSF stocks, rearing conditions including waste stream diets, post-harvest processing methods and storage conditions. To-date, there is currently little information available on the optimum post-harvest processing technologies and real-time on farm monitoring systems to maximise black soldier fly protein profiles for inclusion in aquafeeds. The objective of this study is to generate on-farm data to improve the nutritional profile of BSF larvae for their application as a substitute component in aquafeed. To achieve this aim, three main studies will be conducted, the first one will focus on generating optimum BSF larvae nutritional data through post-harvest technologies to enhancing BSF larvae composition for aquafeed, the second will focus on the development of a rapid digital diagnostic NIR tool for the real-time evaluation of organic waste streams and BSF larvae composition, and the final study will generate critical data on the effects of feeding BSF larvae on growth performance, gut health and product quality of black tiger marine shrimp.
Workshopping a reef restoration toolkit for Wallis et Futuna as a model for Pacific Island nations
Hillary Smith
11 Oct 2024 - 01 May 2026
This project aims to achieve two main objectives: 1) Rapid analysis of recent mass coral bleaching and recovery in Wallis and Futuna. Utilising existing photographic data (from April 2024), we will use CoralNet point-count software to identify severely affected reef sites and assess bleaching severity and susceptibility of coral species between sites. Follow-up surveys in October 2024 will determine bleaching-related mortality and recovery progress prior to summer 2024/2025. These surveys, conducted by the Wallis and Futuna Service Territorial de l’Environnement (STE), will compare data with the April surveys. Additionally, discussions are underway with National Geographic to include a summer 2025 survey. This analysis will guide prioritisation of reefs for restoration intervention and identify resilient reefs for protection. 2) Support three representatives from the Wallis and Futuna STE to attend specialised training in Townsville, Australia in February 2025, with online preparatory training from August 2024 to February 2025. Townsville is a leading hub for reef restoration research, with state of the art facilities and leading scientists. Training will focus on participatory reef monitoring, restoration techniques, and experimental design, facilitated by collaborators at the Australian Institute of Marine Science. Activities include visits to restoration sites, training on technologies such as CoralClip, coral gardening, ReefSeed, ‘sea-weeding,’ and ReefCloud, presentations on emerging restoration methods, and workshops for adapting techniques to local contexts. Reciprocal knowledge exchange will help guide both future Australian research to be applicable for Pacific islands, as well as arm Wallisian and Futunian delegates with knowledge to develop strategies for reef monitoring and management into the future.

Coral bleaching, reef fish community phase shifts and the resilience of coral reefs

Regional-scale assembly rules and biodiversity of coral reefs

Confronting the coral reef crisis

Influence of age and moderate-intensity exercise training on heart rate variability in young and mature adults

Influence of intensive cycling training on heart rate variability during rest and exercise

Selection for faster growth in the freshwater crayfish Cherax destructor

Parentage determination of Kuruma prawn shrimp Penaeus (Marsupenaeus) japonicus using microsatellite markers

Phylogenetic relationships of Australian members of the family Percichthyidae inferred from mitochondrial 12S rRNA sequence data

Phylogeography of the freshwater crayfish Cherax destructor Clark (Parastacidae) in inland Australia: historical fragmentation and recent range expansion

Larval growth history determines juvenile growth and survival in a tropical marine fish

Title: JCU reef scientist goes global after plumbing the depths, Townsville Bulletin
Reseracher: Gemma Galbraith (AIMS@JCU Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Reef Connectivity)
Start Date: 10 Nov 2024
Title: Deep dive: How I use robots to survey coral reefs, Nature
Reseracher: Gemma Galbraith (AIMS@JCU Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Reef Connectivity)
Start Date: 31 Mar 2025
Title: Wet Tropics Management Authority - Scientific Advisory Committee
Reseracher: Nathan Waltham (Associate Professor, Blue Carbon)
Start Date: 01 Jan 2024
Title: Aquaculture without Frontiers (AwF), Australia
Reseracher: Simon Das (Research Fellow - Grouper Nutrition)
Start Date: 01 Jan 2024
End Date: 01 Jan 2027
Title: Australian Coral Reef Society
Reseracher: Morgan Pratchett (Professor, Marine Biology & Aquaculture)
Title: International Coral Reef Society
Reseracher: Morgan Pratchett (Professor, Marine Biology & Aquaculture)
Title: BSc Ecology, University of Cape Town
Reseracher: Mark Cyrus (Senior Lecturer Aquaculture Macroalgae)
Start Date: 01 Jan 2004
End Date: 01 Jan 2006
Title: BSc Honours, University of Cape Town
Reseracher: Mark Cyrus (Senior Lecturer Aquaculture Macroalgae)
Start Date: 01 Jan 2007
End Date: 01 Jan 2007
Title: PhD, James Cook University
Reseracher: Leo Nankervis (Associate Professor, Aquaculture)
Start Date: 01 Jan 2002
End Date: 01 Jan 2005
Title: BSc(Hons), James Cook University
Reseracher: Leo Nankervis (Associate Professor, Aquaculture)
Start Date: 01 Jan 1996
End Date: 01 Jan 1999