Tropical Water & Ecosystems
Scott Morrissey
- Research Officer
- scott.morrissey@jcu.edu.au
Tim Smith
- Senior Research Officer
- tim.smith2@jcu.edu.au
Alejandro Navarro Otero
- Casual Research Worker
- alejandro.navarrootero@jcu.edu.au
Jack Koci
- Principal Research Officer
- jack.koci1@jcu.edu.au
Sarah McDonald
- Senior Research Officer
- sarah.mcdonald@jcu.edu.au
Emily Webster
- Research Officer
- emily.webster1@jcu.edu.au
Abbi Scott
- Senior Research Officer
- abbi.scott1@jcu.edu.au
Catherine Collier
- Principal Research Officer
- catherine.collier@jcu.edu.au
Rob Coles
- Principal Research Scientist
- rob.coles@jcu.edu.au
Aaron Davis
- Principal Research Officer
- aaron.davis@jcu.edu.au
Port of Cairns 2026 Dredge Spoil Disposal Area Benthic Study
This study will undertake benthic flora and fauna as well as sediment (particle size distribution (PSD) only) monitoring at the Port of Cairns DSDA following the same or comparable methodology of previous studies (undertaken at the previous disposal area) conducted in 2020 (BMT 2020a) and 2016 (Advisian 2016). Note previous surveys did not consider flora and thus monitoring of this aspect must be appropriately considered and designed including field, laboratory (if applicable) and data analysis methodology, and analyse data to assess and highlight spatial and temporal patterns in benthic communities and sediment PSD at and adjacent the DSDA to accept or reject the abovementioned LMDMP impact hypothesis (Section 2). It is acknowledged that this is the first time this study has been conducted at the DSDA and thus temporal analysis and discussion is not possible. However, previous studies conducted at the former disposal site (DMPA) and related results and patterns should be mentioned and used whenever possible and appropriate
A Forensic Approach to Elucidating the Life History of the Deadly Jellyfish Chironex fleckeri using eDNA. (Old ID 27045)
The polyps of the deadly Chironex fleckeri represent the longest-lived stage of jellyfish and are the source of medusa. However, there is almost no information on the benthic polyp stages of this species. Environmental DNA should allow me to detect polyps and therefore identify the sources of jellyfish which will increase our understanding of cubozoan ecology and how to minimise their threat of envenomating humans. Further, oceanographic modelling, that incorporates the decay of eDNA, will provide greater knowledge of ‘DNA’ halos’ that signals proximity to targeted polyp beds and jellyfish aggregations.
Science Partnerships in RRAP (Old ID 27111)
The Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP) is a >$100M multi-institution 10-year research program designed to accelerate the resilience and recovery of corals reefs of the Great Barrier Reef. This project will provide coordination and leadership for the many science programs in the RRAP, support management, deliver milestones and assist research coordination and future planning.
Marine plant survey of the Half Tide Tug Harbour Hay Point (Old ID 27445)
North Queensland Bulk Ports (NQBP) have engaged the TropWATER to undertake a survey to determine the presence/absence of marine plants within the Half Tide Tug Harbour, located at the Port of Hay Point. Specifically, the survey requires assessment of marine plant distribution in the area proposed for expanded maintenance dredging, as well as a contemporary survey of marine plants in the area currently approved for dredging.
Seagrass Monitoring of Dugong Sanctuary in Torres Strait and Baseline survey/mapping of Torres Strait Eastern Cluster. (Old ID 26894)
Seagrass Monitoring of the Dugong Sanctuary and Torres Strait’s western cluster subtidal seagrass, and baseline survey and mapping of Torres Strait’s Eastern Cluster intertidal seagrass.
Does natal philopatry drive variable female bull shark movement? (Old ID 27470)
Despite recent advances in animal movement ecology and an increased number of studies revealing the spatio-temporal patterns of large-scale movement, drivers of movement remain less well understood in many taxa. Why animals move, however, provides vital information on life history strategies, such as reproduction and feeding behaviour, how animals interact with their environment and how they may respond to future change. Sharks and rays are no exception and for many species the drivers of movement remain unknown. This project uses acoustic telemetry and genetics to investigate reproduction as a driver for variable female bull shark movement along Australia’s East Coast.
Seagrass Monitoring and Protection in Wuthathi Sea Country (Old ID 27656)
Wuthathi land and sea country in far northern Cape York extends from Captain Billy landing south to Temple Bay and includes Shelburne Bay and Raine Island. JCU will work with Wuthathi rangers to map coastal seagrass habitats in Wuthathi. A range of techniques will be adopted, including helicopter surveys and airborne/spaceborne imagery (UAV drone and satellite) for intertidal and shallow subtidal habitats and drop cameras in deeper subtidal waters. Wuthathi rangers will be trained in seagrass mapping and monitoring techniques to facilitate continued monitoring of seagrass habitats in Wuthathi sea country.
Mt Leyshon REMP (Old ID 22096)
Development, implementation and reporting of the first stage of a receiving environment monitoring program (REMP) for the closed Mt Leyshon Mine, Charters Towers, Queensland.
Working with traditional owners and local citizens to better manage GBR estuarine wetlands (Old ID 22542)
Traditional Owner rangers and local citizens of the Port Curtis Coral Coast (PCCC) TUMRA will be engaged in developing a Mangrove Management Plan (MMP) that provides a strategic basis for estuarine repair activity and maximises water quality outcomes in the southern GBR. Development of this MMP will build capacity within the Gidarjil Development Corporation (GCD) and local community to undertake scientifically-rigorous, ecological monitoring and assessment. These management and rehabilitation strategies will protect sea country resources through partnerships between community, scientists and NRM agencies. The MMP will enable rangers and citizen scientists to conduct scientifically valid surveys of estuarine monitoring, management and rehabilitation within the PCCC TUMRA area.
Seagrass monitoring for Inshore Marine South Zone for the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership (Old ID 26977)
Continuation of annual seagrass monitoring program and development and implementation of seagrass condition report card in the south zone of the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac region.
13C and 15N translocation within and among shoots in two Posidonia species from Western Australia
- 2008
- Inter-Research
- Researchers:Catherine Collier
Effects of experimental reduction of light availability on the seagrass Amphibolis griffithi
- 2007
- Inter-Research
- Researchers:Catherine Collier
Vulnerability of seagrasses in the Great Barrier Reef to climate change
- 2007
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Australian Greenhouse Office
- Researchers:Catherine CollierAlana Grech
Pesticide residues in waterways of the lower Burdekin region: challenges in ecotoxicological interpretation of monitoring data
- 2008
- Australasian Society for Ecotoxicology
- Researchers:Aaron DavisStephen LewisZoe Bainbridge
Start Date:
01 Jan 2022
End Date:
01 Jan 2024
Title:
Peer Reviewer
Start Date:
01 Jan 2024
End Date:
01 Jan 2024
Title:
Peer Reviewer
Start Date:
01 Jan 2024
Title:
Peer Reviewer
Start Date:
01 Jan 2024
End Date:
01 Jan 2024
Start Date:
01 Jan 2024
Title:
English
Start Date:
24 Aug 2022
Title:
Are stingrays actually dangerous? 3 reasons you shouldn’t fear these sea pancakes, The Conversation
Start Date:
11 Jan 2023
Start Date:
28 Jul 2023
Start Date:
09 Dec 2025