Optimizing the allocation of resources for defending marine protected areas against invasive species. The National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas contributes directly to the protection of marine biodiversity, and to Australia's international obligations under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Non-indigenous species have potential to undermine native biodiversity in marine protected areas across Australia. By identifying the most effective strategies for dealing with pot ....Optimizing the allocation of resources for defending marine protected areas against invasive species. The National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas contributes directly to the protection of marine biodiversity, and to Australia's international obligations under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. Non-indigenous species have potential to undermine native biodiversity in marine protected areas across Australia. By identifying the most effective strategies for dealing with potential incursions of non-indigenous species in Victorian marine national parks and sanctuaries, the project will make a valuable contribution to the viability of local marine ecosystems and the maintenance of biodiversity. Furthermore, it will provide a template to aid similar decision-making in other marine protected areas around the country.Read moreRead less
Hazard identification, risk assessment and decision analysis for conservation and management of Australian marine parks. Victoria is the first jurisdiction in the world to proclaim an entire system of marine protected areas at once. The new management responsibilities have created imperatives for robust, scientifically defendable approaches to identifying threats, setting management priorities and developing monitoring systems. This project will develop, for the first time, a risk assessment pro ....Hazard identification, risk assessment and decision analysis for conservation and management of Australian marine parks. Victoria is the first jurisdiction in the world to proclaim an entire system of marine protected areas at once. The new management responsibilities have created imperatives for robust, scientifically defendable approaches to identifying threats, setting management priorities and developing monitoring systems. This project will develop, for the first time, a risk assessment protocol that has due regard for the perception of risks by individuals, and ensures that stakeholder values are an intrinsic part of decision-making. The protocol will create a system that stays faithful to the priorities of those who bear the risks, while using technical methods to ensure that models are consistent and that monitoring provides pertinent information.Read moreRead less
Ecology, Physiology and Phylogeography: an integrated approach to the study of the invasive marine green macroalga Caulerpa taxifolia in Australia. The green marine macroalga Caulerpa taxifolia is one of the world's worst invasive species. In Australia 'exotic strains' of this alga are a listed pest species. Invasions in NSW and SA have caused environmental harm and managing them has cost $10 million since 2000. We propose to integrate ecology, physiology and genetic analyses to provide data to ....Ecology, Physiology and Phylogeography: an integrated approach to the study of the invasive marine green macroalga Caulerpa taxifolia in Australia. The green marine macroalga Caulerpa taxifolia is one of the world's worst invasive species. In Australia 'exotic strains' of this alga are a listed pest species. Invasions in NSW and SA have caused environmental harm and managing them has cost $10 million since 2000. We propose to integrate ecology, physiology and genetic analyses to provide data to better respond to this pest, potentially savings millions of dollars per year. We will produce the first empirical evidence of the effects of climate change and ocean acidification on this marine pest, in the context of increasing coastal human populations.Read moreRead less