Marine Reserves as Fisheries Management Tools: A Long-term, Experimental Approach. Marine reserves, areas permanently closed to fishing, are potentially valuable fisheries management tools. Reserves may sustain fisheries external to them by containing undisturbed breeding stocks and becoming net exporters of adults and propagules. Our studies in the Philippines suggest that such benefits may only eventuate after 5-15 years of effective protection. This project will continue our long-term (17-25 ....Marine Reserves as Fisheries Management Tools: A Long-term, Experimental Approach. Marine reserves, areas permanently closed to fishing, are potentially valuable fisheries management tools. Reserves may sustain fisheries external to them by containing undisturbed breeding stocks and becoming net exporters of adults and propagules. Our studies in the Philippines suggest that such benefits may only eventuate after 5-15 years of effective protection. This project will continue our long-term (17-25 year) studies of abundance and yield at 3 established reserves, and use a replicated experiment at 3 new reserves, to test if reserves can enhance local fish biomass and catch. We will also compare effects of reserves in Australia and the Philippines.Read moreRead less
Australian Laureate Fellowships - Grant ID: FL0992179
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,985,000.00
Summary
Adapting the sustainable exploitation of coral reef resources to provide for climate change. The research program quantifies the impacts of climate change on coral reefs and harnesses remote sensing technology and ecological modelling to provide new tools for reef management. Research outcomes will help bodies such as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority adapt their management of marine production systems to take account of climate change, and thereby help ensure the sustainable delivery ....Adapting the sustainable exploitation of coral reef resources to provide for climate change. The research program quantifies the impacts of climate change on coral reefs and harnesses remote sensing technology and ecological modelling to provide new tools for reef management. Research outcomes will help bodies such as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority adapt their management of marine production systems to take account of climate change, and thereby help ensure the sustainable delivery of ecosystem services including tourism, recreation, fisheries, and the sustainability of Australia's marine biodiversity. Algorithms generated by the study will also help resource managers better target their actions, which improves both conservation benefits and value for money.Read moreRead less
The quality of seagrass as a dugong food resource: the importance of the effects of season and water depth. Australia has international obligations to conserve dugongs (sea cows). Dugongs rely on seagrasses for food. Knowledge of the abundance and quality of seagrasses, and how these change in response to the environment, is vital if dugong conservation is to have the necessary scientific basis. Research has focussed on intertidal seagrass as food for dugongs. However, deepwater seagrasses ....The quality of seagrass as a dugong food resource: the importance of the effects of season and water depth. Australia has international obligations to conserve dugongs (sea cows). Dugongs rely on seagrasses for food. Knowledge of the abundance and quality of seagrasses, and how these change in response to the environment, is vital if dugong conservation is to have the necessary scientific basis. Research has focussed on intertidal seagrass as food for dugongs. However, deepwater seagrasses are a mainstay of most significant dugong populations, such as the population in Hervey Bay, Queensland. This research will provide information on the effect of season and water depth on the quality of seagrasses as dugong food.Read moreRead less
Spatial ecology of inshore predators in tropical marine systems and implications of marine protection zones. Coastal development and threats of global climate change mean that coastal ecosystems are under increasing pressure. Developing an understanding of how coastal habitats are used by native fauna and how effective protected areas are in the preservation of these species is critical for future management and sustainable use of resources. This research will provide data for resource and fis ....Spatial ecology of inshore predators in tropical marine systems and implications of marine protection zones. Coastal development and threats of global climate change mean that coastal ecosystems are under increasing pressure. Developing an understanding of how coastal habitats are used by native fauna and how effective protected areas are in the preservation of these species is critical for future management and sustainable use of resources. This research will provide data for resource and fisheries managers that are valuable for maintenance of several sectors of the economy including tourism and commercial fishing (inshore fishing worth $23 m a year). The project is linked to a national telemetry network thus providing opportunity for national and international collaboration benefiting scientific, management and coastal communities.Read moreRead less
Enhancing coral reef resilience to climate change. Coral reefs provide enormous economic, cultural and environmental benefits to Australia and its near neighbours. For reefs to remain healthy in the face of climate change and other stresses, they must be managed using best practices. Measuring how reef populations are connected and developing new tools to translate this knowledge into improved management can enhance fisheries, ensure reef health, and protect the livelihoods that reefs sustain. T ....Enhancing coral reef resilience to climate change. Coral reefs provide enormous economic, cultural and environmental benefits to Australia and its near neighbours. For reefs to remain healthy in the face of climate change and other stresses, they must be managed using best practices. Measuring how reef populations are connected and developing new tools to translate this knowledge into improved management can enhance fisheries, ensure reef health, and protect the livelihoods that reefs sustain. This research with partners from Europe, the United States of America, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia places Australia at the forefront of addressing the impacts of climate change and enhances its international reputation as the world leader in coral reef science and management.Read moreRead less