ORCID Profile
0000-0002-9936-1919
Current Organisations
CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere
,
CSIRO
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Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-02-2018
Abstract: Chlorophyll a is the most commonly used indicator of phytoplankton biomass in the marine environment. It is relatively simple and cost effective to measure when compared to phytoplankton abundance and is thus routinely included in many surveys. Here we collate 173, 333 records of chlorophyll a collected since 1965 from Australian waters gathered from researchers on regular coastal monitoring surveys and ocean voyages into a single repository. This dataset includes the chlorophyll a values as measured from s les analysed using spectrophotometry, fluorometry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The Australian Chlorophyll a database is freely available through the Australian Ocean Data Network portal ( portal.aodn.org.au/ ). These data can be used in isolation as an index of phytoplankton biomass or in combination with other data to provide insight into water quality, ecosystem state, and relationships with other trophic levels such as zooplankton or fish.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-09-2021
DOI: 10.1002/RCM.9173
Abstract: Around the world biosecurity measures are being strengthened to prevent the spread of pests and diseases across national and international borders. Quarantine protocols that involve s le sterilisation have potential effects on s le integrity. The consequences of sterilisation methods such as gamma (γ)‐irradiation on the elemental and chemical properties of biological s les have not been widely examined. We tested the effect of γ‐irradiation (50 kGy) on the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions ( δ 13 C and δ 15 N values) and elemental concentrations (C % and N %) of common biological s les (fish, plants and bulk soils). The analysis used a continuous flow system consisting of a Delta V Plus isotope ratio mass spectrometer connected with a Thermo Flash 1112 elemental analyser via a ConFlo IV interface. Results were compared using two one‐sided tests (TOST) to test for statistical similarity between paired s les. There was no change in the δ 15 N values or N % of γ‐irradiated s les, and only small changes to the δ 13 C values of consumers (range: 0.01‰ to 0.04‰), producers (−0.02‰ to 0.04‰) and sediments (0‰ to 0.07‰). The magnitude of change in δ 13 C values was greatest at low carbon concentrations but appeared negligible when measured against replicated s le analysis and the combined analytical uncertainty (i.e., 0.10‰). The C % values of irradiated s les were higher for consumers (0.23%) and lower for producers and sediments (0.04% and 0.05%, respectively) which may have implications for certain types of biological material. Routine γ‐irradiation has little effect on the stable carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions of common biological s les and marginal effects on carbon elemental concentrations. This is unlikely to warrant concerns since the observed difference is typically of a magnitude lower than other sources of potential uncertainty.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-11-2012
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2009
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 15-03-2023
Abstract: Abstract. Coral reefs face increasing pressures in response to unprecedented rates of environmental change at present. The coral reef physical framework is formed through the production of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and maintained by marine organisms, primarily hermatypic corals, and calcifying algae. The northern part of Western Australia, known as the Kimberley, has largely escaped land-based anthropogenic impacts and this study provides important metabolic data on reef-building organisms from an undisturbed set of marine habitats. From the reef platform of Browse Island, located on the mid-shelf just inside the 200 m isobath off the Kimberley coast, specimens of the dominant coral (six species) and algal (five species) taxa were collected and incubated ex situ in light and dark shipboard experimental mesocosms for 4 h to measure rates of calcification and production patterns of oxygen. During experimental light and dark incubations, all algae were net autotrophic producing 6 to 111 mmolO2m-2d-1. In contrast, most corals were net consumers of O2 with average net fluxes ranging from −42 to 47 mmolO2m-2d-1. The net change in pH was generally negative for corals and calcifying algae (−0.01 to −0.08 h−1). Resulting net calcification rates (1.9 to 9.9 gCaCO3m-2d-1) for corals and calcifying algae (Halimeda and Galaxura) were all positive and were strongly correlated with net O2 production. In intertidal habitats around Browse Island, estimated relative contributions of coral and Halimeda to the reef production of CaCO3 were similar at around 600 to 840 gm-2yr-1. The low reef platform had very low coral cover of 3 % which made a smaller contribution to calcification of ∼ 240 gCaCO3m-2yr-1. Calcification on the subtidal reef slope was predominantly from corals, producing ∼ 1540 gCaCO3m-2yr-1, twice that of Halimeda. These data provide the first measures of community metabolism from the offshore reef systems of the Kimberley. The relative contributions of the main reef builders, in these undisturbed areas, to net community metabolism and CaCO3 production is important to understand exclusively climate-driven negative effects on tropical reefs.
Publisher: American Geophysical Union (AGU)
Date: 11-2020
DOI: 10.1029/2020JC016615
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2019
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1071/MF19066
Abstract: Most of the world’s tropical coastal and shelf areas are heavily affected by anthropogenic activities, but the north-west shelf of Australia is considered a ‘very low-impact’ area. The role of herbivory on coral reefs is recognised, but most of that research comes from reefs with considerable land-based impacts. In this study we s led the teleost community and evaluated herbivory on the reef platform at Browse Island, a small isolated island 200km off north-western Australia, using several approaches: (1) tethering of macroalgae (2) herbivore exclosures and (3) video footage. In total, 99 teleost species from 26 families were identified. Turf algal consumption was evident and 18 teleost turf consumers were identified. In contrast, no evidence was found of herbivory on large macroalgae, and browsers, the only group able to consume macroalgae, were represented by just four species all belonging to the genus Naso. The lack of ersity among these specialist herbivores may be a consequence of the small surface area of the reef and the distance to other emergent reefs. Based on a model of top-down control of macroalgae, the reef is potentially vulnerable to disturbance. Small isolated reefs can have low resilience despite having low impacts from land.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 11-2013
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-05-2010
DOI: 10.1002/ZOO.20244
Abstract: Mitchell's water monitors (Varanus mitchelli) have been maintained on display at Perth Zoo since 1997. They are generally a timid species but have been maintained and bred in a mixed species water feature exhibit. In this article we describe their captive management and behavior with an insight into their reproductive biology. Between 2002 and 2005, 11 clutches were laid ranging from 13 to 27 (X = 20) eggs from one female. Egg size ranged between 3.00 and 6.08 g (X = 4.77 g) in weight, 22.8 and 31.9 mm (X = 28.3 mm) in length, and 11.1 and 19.3 mm (X = 17.1 mm) in width. Oviposition included double and triple clutches ranging between 41 and 60 days apart (X = 48 days), events n = 6. Four clutches were incubated at three different temperatures and hatchlings emerged after 157-289 days. The weight of the hatchlings ranged between 2.60 and 4.52 g (X = 4.34 g). Total length ranged between 140.1 and 178.0 mm (X = 165.9 mm) and snout-vent length ranged from 53.8 to 70.0 (X = 64.4 mm). Juvenile growth and development information is presented from hatching through to approximately 3 years of age.
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 28-06-2022
DOI: 10.5194/EGUSPHERE-2022-467
Abstract: Abstract. Coral reefs face increasing pressures in response to unprecedented rates of environmental change at present. The coral reef physical framework is formed through the production of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and maintained by marine organisms, primarily hermatypic corals, crustose coralline algae (CCA), and other calcifying algae. The Kimberley bioregion, located in the northern part of Western Australia, has largely escaped land-based anthropogenic impacts and this study provides important metabolic data we are lacking on reef-building calcifying corals and macrophytes from an undisturbed set of marine habitats. Specimens of the dominant coral and algal taxa were collected from the reef platform of Browse Island located on the mid-shelf just inside the 200 m isobath off the Kimberley coast. During experimental light/dark incubations, all algae were net autotrophic producing 6–111 mmol O2 m−2 day−1. In contrast, most corals were net consumers of O2 with average net fluxes ranging from −42 to 47 mmol O2 m−2 day−1. The net change in pH was generally negative for corals and calcifying algae (−0.01 to −0.08 h−1). Corals, Halimeda (a calcifying green algae) and Galaxaura (a calcifying red algae) had positive calcification rates in light ranging from 4.2 to 18.4 g CaCO3 m−2 d−1. Resulting net calcification rates were all positive and ranged from 1.9 to 9.9 g CaCO3 m−2 d−1 and were strongly correlated to net O2 production. In intertidal habitats around Browse Island, estimated relative contributions of coral and Halimeda to the reef production of CaCO3 were similar at around 600–840 g m−2 year−1. The low reef platform had very low coral cover of 3 % which made a smaller contribution to calcification of ~240 g CaCO3 m−2 year−1. Calcification on the subtidal reef slope was predominantly from corals, producing ~1540 g CaCO3 m−2 year−1, twice that of Halimeda. The relative contributions of the main reef builders, in these undisturbed areas, to net community metabolism and CaCO3 production and reef metabolism is important to understand exclusively climate-driven coral bleaching and mortality.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-07-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1002/ZOO.20317
Abstract: In 1997, Perth Zoo acquired six pink-eared turtles (Emydura victoriae) from the wild for display in the reptile facility. There is very little documented information on pink-eared turtles in captivity. This article looks at the reproductive biology, ecology, behavior, diet, and captive husbandry of the species. Eight clutches of eggs were documented over a 2-year period with an average clutch size of 10 eggs. Egg size was recorded with three clutches incubated to hatching. Ten hatchlings were maintained for a growth and development study. Measurements of weight, carapace length, width, height, and plastron length were recorded weekly for about 12 months, and then monthly for approximately 2 years. The data were analyzed and showed positive growth curves in all animals. Sexual dimorphism was observed after 20 weeks and sexual maturity in males observed after 2 years.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-06-2017
Abstract: There have been many in idual phytoplankton datasets collected across Australia since the mid 1900s, but most are unavailable to the research community. We have searched archives, contacted researchers, and scanned the primary and grey literature to collate 3,621,847 records of marine phytoplankton species from Australian waters from 1844 to the present. Many of these are small datasets collected for local questions, but combined they provide over 170 years of data on phytoplankton communities in Australian waters. Units and taxonomy have been standardised, obviously erroneous data removed, and all metadata included. We have lodged this dataset with the Australian Ocean Data Network ( portal.aodn.org.au/ ) allowing public access. The Australian Phytoplankton Database will be invaluable for global change studies, as it allows analysis of ecological indicators of climate change and eutrophication (e.g., changes in distribution diatom:dinoflagellate ratios). In addition, the standardised conversion of abundance records to biomass provides modellers with quantifiable data to initialise and validate ecosystem models of lower marine trophic levels.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-02-2020
DOI: 10.1002/EDN3.74
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-03-2022
DOI: 10.1002/EAP.2558
Abstract: Positive feedbacks driving habitat‐forming species recovery and population growth are often lost as ecosystems degrade. For such systems, identifying mechanisms that limit the re‐establishment of critical positive feedbacks is key to facilitating recovery. Theory predicts the primary drivers limiting system recovery shift from biological to physical as abiotic stress increases, but recent work has demonstrated that this seldom happens. We combined field and laboratory experiments to identify variation in limitations to coral recovery along an environmental stress gradient at Ningaloo Reef and Exmouth Gulf in northwest Australia. Many reefs in the region are coral depauperate due to recent cyclones and thermal stress. In general, recovery trajectories are prolonged due to limited coral recruitment. Consistent with theory, clearer water reefs under low thermal stress appear limited by biological interactions: competition with turf algae caused high mortality of newly settled corals and upright macroalgal stands drove mortality in transplanted juvenile corals. Laboratory experiments showed a positive relationship between crustose coralline algae cover and coral settlement, but only in the absence of sedimentation. Contrary to expectation, coral recovery does not appear limited by the survival or growth of recruits on turbid reefs under higher thermal stress, but to exceptionally low larval supply. Laboratory experiments showed that larval survival and settlement are unaffected by seawater quality across the study region. Rather, connectivity models predicted that many of the more turbid reefs in the Gulf are predominantly self seeded, receiving limited supply under degraded reef states. Overall, we find that the influence of oceanography can overwhelm the influences of physical and biological interactions on recovery potential at locations where environmental stressors are high, whereas populations in relatively benign physical conditions are predominantly structured by local ecological drivers. Such context‐dependent information can help guide expectations and assist managers in optimizing strategies for spatial conservation planning for system recovery.
Location: Australia
No related grants have been discovered for James McLaughlin.