ORCID Profile
0000-0001-9679-7023
Current Organisation
University of New South Wales
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl. Marine Ichthyology) | Ecosystem Function | Environmental Science and Management | Environmental Rehabilitation (excl. Bioremediation) | Ecology | Environmental Management
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Ecosystem Assessment and Management of Marine Environments | Coastal and Estuarine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity | Rehabilitation of Degraded Coastal and Estuarine Environments | Marine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity |
Related Links
Publications
Tropicalisation of temperate reefs: Implications for ecosystem functions and management actions
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-03-2019
Effects of organic pollution on the initial development of fouling communities in a tropical bay, Brazil
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2003
Functional and structural responses to marine urbanisation
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 2018
Functional responses of filter feeders increase with elevated metal contamination: Are these good or bad signs of environmental health?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.MARPOLBUL.2019.110571
Abstract: Fast urbanization in coastal areas has increased the load of contaminants entering estuaries worldwide, threatening the ersity and provision of services by these important systems. Contamination causes structural changes in ecosystems, but the consequences for their functioning are still overlooked. Here we investigated filtration and biodeposition rates of the mussel Mytilaster solisianus across different concentrations of metals, nutrients and suspended material, and levels of urbanization. As expected, filtration rates increased with the number of particles in the water column. However, in areas with low particle concentration, filtering increased in mussels with higher metal concentrations (Cu/Zn/Ni), which were, in turn, related to high urbanization. Similarly, biodeposition rates were positively related to metal concentration in mussels. The increased functional responses observed here is likely a symptom of stress, caused by potential compensatory mechanisms to the energetic costs of cell maintenance and body detoxification of mussels, rather than an indication of healthy systems/organisms. CAPSULE: Increased functional responses of mussels can be a sign of environmental stress.
Effects of zinc on microalgal biofilms in intertidal and subtidal habitats.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-07-2011
DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2011.600448
Abstract: Microalgal biofilms are sensitive to environmental conditions. Impacts of contaminants on assemblages of marine biofilm are often investigated in laboratories or in mesocosms. Such experiments are rarely representative of the effects of contaminants on biofilms under natural conditions. Studies in field situations, with enough power to detect impacts, are necessary to develop a better understanding of the effects of contaminants on ecological processes. Metals are a common contaminant of marine systems and can cause disturbances to assemblages. Using a new technique to experimentally deliver contaminants to microalgal assemblages, hypotheses were tested regarding the effects of zinc on microalgal biofilms growing on settlement panels in subtidal and intertidal habitats. PAM fluorometry was used to assess the amount and physiological state of biofilms on panels. Control panels deployed for 1 month in each habitat had significantly greater amounts of biofilm than those exposed to zinc. After deployment for 3 months, the results varied with location. The observed effects on the biofilm did not, however, cause significant changes in the macro-invertebrate assemblages that developed on the panels.
Application of management tools to integrate ecological principles with the design of marine infrastructure
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.JENVMAN.2015.05.001
Abstract: Globally the coastal zone is suffering the collateral damage from continuing urban development and construction, expanding resource sectors, increasing population, regulation to river flow, and on-going land change and degradation. While protection of natural coastal habitat is recommended, balancing conservation with human services is now the challenge for managers. Marine infrastructure such as seawalls, marinas and offshore platforms is increasingly used to support and provide services, but has primarily been designed for engineering purposes without consideration of the ecological consequences. Increasingly developments are seeking alternatives to hard engineering and a range of ecological solutions has begun to replace or be incorporated into marine and coastal infrastructure. But too often, hard engineering remains the primary strategy because the tools for managers to implement ecological solutions are either lacking or not supported by policy and stakeholders. Here we outline critical research needs for marine urban development and emerging strategies that seek to mitigate the impacts of marine infrastructure. We present case studies to highlight the strategic direction necessary to support management decisions internationally.
Coastal urbanisation affects microbial communities on a dominant marine holobiont
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-01-2018
DOI: 10.1038/S41522-017-0044-Z
Abstract: Host-associated microbial communities play a fundamental role in the life of eukaryotic hosts. It is increasingly argued that hosts and their microbiota must be studied together as 'holobionts' to better understand the effects of environmental stressors on host functioning. Disruptions of host–microbiota interactions by environmental stressors can negatively affect host performance and survival. Substantial ecological impacts are likely when the affected hosts are habitat-forming species (e.g., trees, kelps) that underpin local bio ersity. In marine systems, coastal urbanisation via the addition of artificial structures is a major source of stress to habitat formers, but its effect on their associated microbial communities is unknown. We characterised kelp-associated microbial communities in two of the most common and abundant artificial structures in Sydney Harbour—pier-pilings and seawalls—and in neighbouring natural rocky reefs. The kelp Ecklonia radiata is the dominant habitat-forming species along 8000 km of the temperate Australian coast. Kelp-associated microbial communities on pilings differed significantly from those on seawalls and natural rocky reefs, possibly due to differences in abiotic (e.g., shade) and biotic (e.g., grazing) factors between habitats. Many bacteria that were more abundant on kelp on pilings belonged to taxa often associated with macroalgal diseases, including tissue bleaching in Ecklonia . There were, however, no differences in kelp photosynthetic capacity between habitats. The observed differences in microbial communities may have negative effects on the host by promoting fouling by macroorganisms or by causing and spreading disease over time. This study demonstrates that urbanisation can alter the microbiota of key habitat-forming species with potential ecological consequences.
Chemical contaminant effects on marine ecosystem functioning
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 29-10-2015
Learning from nature to enhance Blue engineering of marine infrastructure
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2018
Pollution: Effects of chemical contaminants and debris
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Date: 18-06-2015
Differences in Intertidal Microbial Assemblages on Urban Structures and Natural Rocky Reef
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 20-11-2015
Not all artificial structures are created equal: Pilings linked to greater ecological and environmental change in sediment communities than seawalls
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.MARENVRES.2018.08.012
Abstract: Artificial structures are agents of change in marine ecosystems. They add novel habitat for hard-substrate organisms and modify the surrounding environment. Most research to date has focused on the communities living directly on artificial structures, and more research is needed on the potential impacts these structures have on nearby communities and the surrounding environment. We compared the sedimentary habitat surrounding two types of artificial structures (pilings and seawalls) to sediments adjacent to rocky reefs using a combination of traditional sediment analyses, stable isotope analysis, and environmental DNA. Artificial and natural shore sediments were best differentiated by sediment variables strongly associated with flow speed. Pilings sediments had significantly finer grain size, higher organic content, and generally lower C:N ratios than sediments adjacent to the other habitat types, suggesting flow is reduced by pilings. Sedimentary assemblages near pilings were also consistent with those predicted under low-flow conditions, with elevated bacterial colonization and increased relative abundances of small deposit feeders compared with other habitat types. Additionally, lumbrinerid polychaetes in pilings sediments had reduced δ
Predicting the impact of sea-level rise on intertidal rocky shores with remote sensing
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2020
Size, depth and position affect the diversity and structure of rock pool communities in an urban estuary
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1071/MF18074
Abstract: Rock pools provide a range of ecological niches that can support erse assemblages on rocky shores. As intertidal shores are increasingly lost to developments, understanding the drivers of ersity in rock pools is important for the conservation and construction of these key habitats. In this study we investigated relationships between physical characteristics of rock pools and their biota in an urban estuary. We s led the biota every 6 weeks for 1 year at sites in the inner and outer zones of Sydney Harbour. In the well-flushed and exposed outer zone, sessile and mobile taxa richness was positively related to rock pool width, whereas only mobile taxa richness was related to depth and volume. In the more urbanised and less exposed inner zone, mobile taxa richness was positively related to rock pool width and volume. In both zones, sessile taxa richness decreased with increasing height on shore. Our results suggest that the bio ersity of intertidal rock pools varies depending on their position in Sydney Harbour and the available species pool. Therefore, restoration efforts should consider rock pool size parameters and local environmental conditions, including location, so designs can be optimised to maximise species ersity in these pools.
How Much Is Too Little to Detect Impacts? A Case Study of a Nuclear Power Plant
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 26-10-2012
The impacts of artificial light at night on the ecology of temperate and tropical reefs
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 30-10-2023
Towards a general framework for the assessment of interactive effects of multiple stressors on aquatic ecosystems: Results from the Making Aquatic Ecosystems Great Again (MAEGA) workshop
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2019.02.455
Abstract: A workshop was held in Wageningen, The Netherlands, in September 2017 to collate data and literature on three aquatic ecosystem types (agricultural drainage ditches, urban floodplains, and urban estuaries), and develop a general framework for the assessment of multiple stressors on the structure and functioning of these systems. An assessment framework considering multiple stressors is crucial for our understanding of ecosystem responses within a multiply stressed environment, and to inform appropriate environmental management strategies. The framework consists of two components: (i) problem identification and (ii) impact assessment. Both assessments together proceed through the following steps: 1) ecosystem selection 2) identification of stressors and quantification of their intensity 3) identification of receptors or sensitive groups for each stressor 4) identification of stressor-response relationships and their potential interactions 5) construction of an ecological model that includes relevant functional groups and endpoints 6) prediction of impacts of multiple stressors, 7) confirmation of these predictions with experimental and monitoring data, and 8) potential adjustment of the ecological model. Steps 7 and 8 allow the assessment to be adaptive and can be repeated until a satisfactory match between model predictions and experimental and monitoring data has been obtained. This paper is the preface of the MAEGA (Making Aquatic Ecosystems Great Again) special section that includes three associated papers which are also published in this volume, which present applications of the framework for each of the three aquatic systems.
Light pollution: a landscape-scale issue requiring cross-realm consideration
Publisher: UCL Press
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.14324/111.444/UCLOE.000036
Abstract: Terrestrial, marine and freshwater realms are inherently linked through ecological, biogeochemical and/or physical processes. An understanding of these connections is critical to optimise management strategies and ensure the ongoing resilience of ecosystems. Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a global stressor that can profoundly affect a wide range of organisms and habitats and impact multiple realms. Despite this, current management practices for light pollution rarely consider connectivity between realms. Here we discuss the ways in which ALAN can have cross-realm impacts and provide case studies for each ex le discussed. We identified three main ways in which ALAN can affect two or more realms: 1) impacts on species that have life cycles and/or stages in two or more realms, such as diadromous fish that cross realms during ontogenetic migrations and many terrestrial insects that have juvenile phases of the life cycle in aquatic realms 2) impacts on species interactions that occur across realm boundaries, and 3) impacts on transition zones or ecosystems such as mangroves and estuaries. We then propose a framework for cross-realm management of light pollution and discuss current challenges and potential solutions to increase the uptake of a cross-realm approach for ALAN management. We argue that the strengthening and formalisation of professional networks that involve academics, lighting practitioners, environmental managers and regulators that work in multiple realms is essential to provide an integrated approach to light pollution. Networks that have a strong multi-realm and multi-disciplinary focus are important as they enable a holistic understanding of issues related to ALAN.
A Decision Framework for Coastal Infrastructure to Optimize Biotic Resistance and Resilience in a Changing Climate
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 04-09-2019
Abstract: Coastal ecosystems are under growing pressure from human activities such as pollution and climate change. Although the rapidly growing numbers of humans living in coastal areas is a large part of the problem, there is great opportunity to improve the resistance and resilience of biotic communities via creative changes to the engineering design of built infrastructure. Here, we apply ecological theories to create a framework for adaptive building in marine systems that can be applied by managers worldwide. We explain how climate effects could be mitigated across different spatial scales with both physical and biological interventions. This requires an approach based on ecological theory that incorporates our understanding of how systems withstand (resistance) or recover (resilience) from impacts and takes into account future local and global environmental conditions. By translating ecological theory into practical application, we propose a framework for the choice and design of coastal infrastructure that can underpin effective, forward-looking conservation strategies.
Effects of metals on aquatic assemblages: What do we really know?
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2010
After decades of stressor research in urban estuarine ecosystems the focus is still on single stressors: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2019.02.131
Abstract: Natural systems are threatened by a variety of anthropogenic stressors and so understanding the interactive threats posed by multiple stressors is essential. In this study we focused on urban stressors that are ubiquitous to urban estuarine systems worldwide: elevated nutrients, toxic chemical contaminants, built infrastructure and non-indigenous species (NIS). We investigated structural (abundance, ersity and species richness) and functional endpoints (productivity, primary production (chlorophyll-a) and metabolism) commonly used to determine responses to these selected stressors. Through a systematic review of global literature, we found 579 studies of our selected stressors 93% measured responses to a single stressor, with few assessing the effects of multiple stressors (7%). Structural endpoints were commonly used to measure the effects of stressors (49% of the total 579 studies). Whereas, functional endpoints were rarely assessed alone (10%) but rather in combination with structural endpoints (41%). Elevated nutrients followed by NIS were the most studied single stressors (43% and 16% of the 541 single stressor studies), while elevated nutrients and toxic contaminants were overwhelmingly the most common stressor combination (79% of the 38 multiple stressor studies) with NIS and built infrastructure representing major gaps in multi-stressor research. In the meta-analysis, structural endpoints tended to decrease, while functional endpoints increased and/or decreased in response to different types of organisms or groups. We predicted an antagonistic effect of elevated nutrients and toxic contaminants based on the opposing enriching versus toxic effects of this stressor combination. Of note, bio ersity was the only endpoint that revealed such an antagonistic response. Our results highlight the continuing paucity of multiple stressor studies and provide evidence for opposing patterns in the responses to single and interacting stressors depending on the measured endpoint. The latter is of significant consequence to understanding relevant impacts of stressors in coastal monitoring and management.
Positive and Negative Effects of Habitat-Forming Algae on Survival, Growth and Intra-Specific Competition of Limpets
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 10-12-2012
Sydney Harbour: What we do and do not know about a highly diverse estuary
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1071/MF15159
Abstract: Sydney Harbour is a global hotspot for marine and estuarine ersity. Despite its social, economic and biological value, the available knowledge has not previously been reviewed or synthesised. We systematically reviewed the published literature and consulted experts to establish our current understanding of the Harbour’s natural systems, identify knowledge gaps, and compare Sydney Harbour to other major estuaries worldwide. Of the 110 studies in our review, 81 focussed on ecology or biology, six on the chemistry, 10 on geology and 11 on oceanography. Subtidal rocky reef habitats were the most studied, with a focus on habitat forming macroalgae. In total 586 fish species have been recorded from the Harbour, which is high relative to other major estuaries worldwide. There has been a lack of process studies, and an almost complete absence of substantial time series that constrains our capacity to identify trends, environmental thresholds or major drivers of biotic interactions. We also highlight a lack of knowledge on the ecological functioning of Sydney Harbour, including studies on microbial communities. A sound understanding of the complexity, connectivity and dynamics underlying ecosystem functioning will allow further advances in management for the Harbour and for similarly modified estuaries around the world.
Simulating regimes of chemical disturbance and testing impacts in the ecosystem using a novel programmable dosing system
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-01-2016
Eco-engineering increases habitat availability and utilisation of seawalls by fish
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
Effects of chemical disturbances on intertidal benthic assemblages
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2014.10.095
Abstract: Contamination is a particular harmful type of chemical disturbance and predicting their effects on natural systems is very complex. Effects of disturbances vary in space and time and depend, among other things, on the type and age of organisms, the habitat being studied and the complex interactions occurring in the systems. Most impact analyses of contaminants are however still done with limited number of selected organisms under laboratory conditions. Manipulative experiments done in situ are important to measure ecologically relevant responses of contaminant effects on marine systems. Ecological approaches on contamination studies, accounting for interactions among species and the environment are essential to understand how such disturbances affect systems. We evaluated the effects of bleach and permethrin, two common and pervasive contaminants, on intertidal benthic assemblages in two different successional stages, mature and young. There were no impacts on the overall structure of assemblages, regardless of their age. The lack of effects on the structure of assemblages might be due to the intrinsic characteristic of the habitat studied, which provide few sinks for contaminants, as well as the inherent features of the organisms themselves. Bleach did cause, however, a decrease in the abundance of limpets, which can have further consequences to these systems. This study shows the importance of studies on chemical disturbances done under relevant natural scenarios and that efficient management policies of natural systems will only achieve successful responses with properly designed experiments under natural conditions.
Coastal urban lighting has ecological consequences for multiple trophic levels under the sea
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2016.10.037
Abstract: Urban land and seascapes are increasingly exposed to artificial lighting at night (ALAN), which is a significant source of light pollution. A broad range of ecological effects are associated with ALAN, but the changes to ecological processes remain largely unstudied. Predation is a key ecological process that structures assemblages and responds to natural cycles of light and dark. We investigated the effect of ALAN on fish predatory behaviour, and sessile invertebrate prey assemblages. Over 21days fish and sessile assemblages were exposed to 3 light treatments (Day, Night and ALAN). An array of LED spotlights was installed under a wharf to create the ALAN treatments. We used GoPro cameras to film during the day and ALAN treatments, and a Dual frequency IDentification SONar (DIDSON) to film during the night treatments. Fish were most abundant during unlit nights, but were also relatively sedentary. Predatory behaviour was greatest during the day and under ALAN than at night, suggesting that fish are using structures for non-feeding purposes (e.g. shelter) at night, but artificial light dramatically increases their predatory behaviour. Altered predator behaviour corresponded with structural changes to sessile prey assemblages among the experimental lighting treatments. We demonstrate the direct effects of artificial lighting on fish behaviour and the concomitant indirect effects on sessile assemblage structure. Current and future projected use of artificial lights has the potential to significantly affect predator-prey interactions in marine systems by altering habitat use for both predators and prey. However, developments in lighting technology are a promising avenue for mitigation. This is among the first empirical evidence from the marine system on how ALAN can directly alter predation, a fundamental ecosystem process, and have indirect trophic consequences.
Light pollution: A landscape-scale issue requiring cross-realm consideration
Publisher: UCL Press
Date: 08-05-2022
DOI: 10.14324/111.444/000103.V2
Abstract: Terrestrial, marine, and freshwater realms are inherently linked through ecological, biogeochemical and/or physical processes. An understanding of these connections is critical to optimise management strategies and ensure the ongoing resilience of ecosystems. Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a global stressor that can profoundly affect a wide range of organisms and habitats and impact multiple realms. Despite this, current management practices for light pollution rarely consider connectivity between realms. Here we discuss the ways in which ALAN can have cross-realm impacts and provide case studies for each ex le discussed. We identified three main ways in which ALAN can affect two or more realms: 1) impacts on species that have life cycles and/or stages on two or more realms, such as diadromous fish that cross realms during ontogenetic migrations and many terrestrial insects that have juvenile phases of the lifecycle in aquatic realms 2) impacts on species interactions that occur across realm boundaries, and 3) impacts on transition zones or ecosystems such as mangroves and estuaries. We then propose a framework for cross-realm management of light pollution and discuss current challenges and potential solutions to increase the uptake of a cross-realm approach for ALAN management. We argue that the strengthening and formalisation of professional networks that involve academics, lighting practitioners, environmental managers and regulators that work in multiple realms is essential to provide an integrated approach to light pollution. Networks that have a strong multi-realm and multi-disciplinary focus are important as they enable a holistic understanding of issues related to ALAN.
Artificial structures alter kelp functioning across an urbanised estuary
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.MARENVRES.2018.05.004
Abstract: Assessments of human impacts on natural habitats often focus on the abundance of component species, yet physiological and/or sub-lethal effects of stressors on functional attributes may be equally important to consider. Here we evaluated how artificial structures, an integral part of urbanisation in the marine environment, affects key functional properties of the habitat-forming kelp Ecklonia radiata. Given that stressors rarely occur in isolation, we assessed the effects of infrastructure across an urbanised estuary. Estuaries are ideal for studying how multiple anthropogenic and natural stressors influence potential impacts of infrastructure on habitat-forming species because these habitats usually face a wide range and levels of stressors. Here, we compared the abundance of habitat-forming macro-algae as well as the growth, erosion and photosynthetic activity of kelp in artificial and natural habitats across one of the largest urbanised estuaries in the word - Sydney Harbour. We predicted that effects of artificial structures on functional attributes of kelps would be stronger in the inner area of the Harbour, characterised by higher levels of human impacts and low flushing. Contrary to our predictions, we found that effects of infrastructure were consistent across the estuary, regardless of the ecological footprint caused by human activities or natural environmental gradients. When differences were observed between areas of the estuary, they mostly occurred independently of impacts of substrate type. Importantly, we found lower erosion rates of kelp on pilings than on reefs, likely resulting in lower production of detritus in estuaries where natural reefs are degraded or lost and pilings added. Such impacts have important implications for the connectivity among coastal habitats and secondary productivity in adjacent and remote habitats, which are highly dependent on the exportation of kelp detritus. Our study is the first to assess potential functional consequences of urbanisation through physiological and/or biomechanical effects on habitat-formers, an often overlooked mechanism of environmental impact on ecosystem functioning.
Physical and biogenic complexity mediates ecosystem functions in urban sessile marine communities
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-01-2023
Abstract: The influence of habitat complexity on bio ersity is a central theme in ecology, with many studies reporting positive relationships. Reconciliation approaches in urbanised areas, such as eco‐engineering, have increasingly focused on ‘re‐building’ the complexity of degraded and/or homogenised habitats to support bio ersity. Yet, the effects of increasing complexity and bio ersity on ecological functions are rarely measured. We assessed how increasing the physical and/or biogenic complexity of habitats affects the net primary productivity (NPP) and gross primary productivity (GPP), community respiration and nutrient cycling (specifically dissolved inorganic phosphorus and nitrogen) of intertidal sessile marine communities at three sites. We manipulated physical complexity using two types of settlement tiles: ‘complex’, with crevices and ridges, and ‘flat’. We increased biogenic complexity on half the replicates of each tile type by seeding with oysters. Increased physical and biogenic complexity resulted in greater sessile species richness at all sites. Although many variables assessed varied with sites and time of measurements, overall, GPP and NPP were greater on flat tiles than on complex ones. These patterns were not explained by differences in the total surface area of tiles. Daily flux rates of dissolved inorganic phosphorus had a significant positive relationship with biogenic complexity. There were no effects of biogenic or physical complexity on the net fluxes of dissolved inorganic nitrogen. Effects of habitat complexity on the productivity and nutrient cycling of marine sessile communities were largely unrelated to ersity measures, such as richness or abundance of key taxa and functional groups. Synthesis and applications . Eco‐engineering practices that manipulate habitat complexity might benefit from explicit functional targets that also consider associated ecosystem services, as we found that under some conditions there is a trade‐off between bio ersity and functional targets. Our results suggest that increasing habitat complexity has a positive effect on sessile species richness, but not necessarily on productivity (GPP and NPP). The species pool available as well as light availability is likely to mediate effects of complexity on assemblages, so local environment needs to be a key consideration when designing interventions.
Eco‐engineering urban infrastructure for marine and coastal biodiversity: Which interventions have the greatest ecological benefit?
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-07-2017
Sublethal effects of contaminants on marine habitat‐forming species: a review and meta‐analysis
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-07-2020
DOI: 10.1111/BRV.12630
Identifying the consequences of ocean sprawl for sedimentary habitats
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2017
Effects of ocean sprawl on ecological connectivity: impacts and solutions
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2017
Marine urbanization: An ecological framework for designing multifunctional artificial structures
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-2015
DOI: 10.1890/140050
Current and projected global extent of marine built structures
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-08-2020
Making seawalls multifunctional: The positive effects of seeded bivalves and habitat structure on species diversity and filtration rates
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2021
Sydney Harbour: A review of anthropogenic impacts on the biodiversity and ecosystem function of one of the world's largest natural harbours
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1071/MF15157
Abstract: Sydney Harbour is a hotspot for ersity. However, as with estuaries worldwide, its ersity and functioning faces increasing threats from urbanisation. This is the first synthesis of threats and impacts in Sydney Harbour. In total 200 studies were reviewed: 109 focussed on contamination, 58 on habitat modification, 11 addressed non-indigenous species (NIS) and eight investigated fisheries. Metal concentrations in sediments and seaweeds are among the highest recorded worldwide and organic contamination can also be high. Contamination is associated with increased abundances of opportunistic species, and changes in benthic community structure. The Harbour is also heavily invaded, but invaders’ ecological and economic impacts are poorly quantified. Communities within Sydney Harbour are significantly affected by extensive physical modification, with artificial structures supporting more NIS and lower ersity than their natural equivalents. We know little about the effects of fishing on the Harbour’s ecology, and although ocean warming along Sydney is among the fastest in the world, we know little about how the ecosystem will respond to warming. The interactive and cumulative effects of stressors on ecosystem functioning and services in the Harbour are largely unknown. Sustainable management of this iconic natural system requires that knowledge gaps are addressed and translated into coherent environmental plans.
The matrix influences direct and indirect effects of an anthropogenic disturbance on marine organisms
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.ENVRES.2014.10.006
Abstract: The magnitude and direction of direct and indirect effects of disturbances can be context-dependent, with the matrix (surrounding habitat) in which populations are embedded either mitigating or worsening the impacts of disturbances. Chemical disturbances are particularly harmful and can affect organisms directly or indirectly. We used bleach, a common stressor in marine systems, to test hypotheses about direct and indirect effects of anthropogenic disturbances on intertidal grazers and the influence of the surrounding macro-algal matrix on such effects. We manipulated the contaminant, food (biofilm) and surrounding macro-algal matrix. Fewer limpets were found in contaminated areas. Bleach had a strong direct negative effect on limpets and caused a reduction in biofilm food, indirectly affecting limpets. This effect was strongest in the presence of macro-algal matrix. Anthropogenic disturbances can have major consequences via direct and indirect effects on key interacting species. We showed that such effects are, however, context-dependent. Capsule: Pollution is a major driver of bio ersity declines. We show that direct and indirect effects of contaminants on organisms depend on the context in which they occur.
The interplay between habitat structure and chemical contaminants on biotic responses of benthic organisms
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 03-05-2016
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.1985
Abstract: Habitat structure influences the ersity and distribution of organisms, potentially affecting their response to disturbances by either affecting their ‘susceptibility’ or through the provision of resources that can mitigate impacts of disturbances. Chemical disturbances due to contamination are associated with decreases in ersity and functioning of systems and are also likely to increase due to coastal urbanisation. Understanding how habitat structure interacts with contaminants is essential to predict and therefore manage such effects, minimising their consequences to marine systems. Here, we manipulated two structurally different habitats and exposed them to different types of contaminants. The effects of contamination and habitat structure interacted, affecting species richness. More complex experimental habitats were colonized by a greater ersity of organisms than the less complex habitats. These differences disappeared, however, when habitats were exposed to contaminants, suggesting that contaminants can override effects of habitats structure at small spatial scales. These results provide insight into the complex ways that habitat structure and contamination interact and the need to incorporate evidence of biotic responses from in idual disturbances to multiple stressors. Such effects need to be taken into account when designing and planning management and conservation strategies to natural systems.
Building ‘blue’: An eco-engineering framework for foreshore developments
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.JENVMAN.2016.12.039
Abstract: Urbanisation in terrestrial systems has driven architects, planners, ecologists and engineers to collaborate on the design and creation of more sustainable structures. Ex les include the development of 'green infrastructure' and the introduction of wildlife corridors that mitigate urban stressors and provide positive ecological outcomes. In contrast, efforts to minimise the impacts of urban developments in marine environments have been far more restricted in their extent and scope, and have often overlooked the ecological role of the built environment as potential habitat. Urban foreshore developments, i.e. those built on the interface of intertidal and/or subtidal zones, have the potential to incorporate clear multi-functional outcomes, by supporting novel ecosystems. We present a step-by-step eco-engineering framework for 'building blue' that will allow coastal managers to facilitate planning and construction of sustainable foreshore developments. Adopting such an approach will incorporate ecological principles, thereby mitigating some of the environmental impacts, creating more resilient urban infrastructure and environments, and maximising benefits to the multiple stakeholders and users of marine urban waterfronts.
Impacts of bleach on bryozoans: A framework to distinguish direct and indirect effects using chemical and physical manipulations
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2017.04.201
Abstract: Chemical disturbances, caused by contamination, are a global issue and can cause changes in the abundance of populations of one or more species via direct and/or indirect effects. This, in turn, can have profound consequences on assemblages and/or systems. Understanding how contaminants affect functional groups or taxa, i.e. which ecological or biological processes are being affected, is necessary to better predict their consequences. To distinguish between direct and indirect effects of contaminants, however, specific experiments, physically manipulating the changing variable (in this case, biofilm) as well as the contaminant, are necessary. Here, I tested which processes were affected by bleach, a biocide commonly found in urban run-offs that caused a decrease in covers of bryozoans. Effects of bleach on recruitment and growth of bryozoans were variable, suggesting that impacts are complex. Nevertheless, results indicate that bleach reduced recruitment of bryozoans. Therefore, manipulative field experiments were done to test whether these effects were direct or indirect, through changes in the abundance of photosynthetic biofilms. Responses of biofilms varied with the duration and exposure to bleach, as well as the timing of experiments. Abundance of biofilms did not seem, however, to affect the number of recruits of bryozoans, which could suggest a direct effect of bleach on bryozoan recruitment. Given that bryozoans are a major component of subtidal benthic assemblages and an important food source for >300 species, decreases in their abundance, as those observed here, might have important knock-on effects on marine systems due to trophic cascades. Capsule. In situ manipulative experiments showed that bleach decreased covers of bryozoans, which is possibly due to a combination of effects on their growth and recruitment. Manual removals and chemically induced removals are necessary to disentangle direct and indirect effects of contaminants.
Knowledge exchange to improve research and management of the impacts of artificial light at night
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-08-2020
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.12948
Related Organisations
Universidade Federal Do Rio De Janeiro Museu Nacional
Location: Brazil
Related Funding Activities
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220100308
Start Date: 01-2022
End Date: 01-2025
Amount: $435,748.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityLinkage Projects - Grant ID: LP200100190
Start Date: 04-2021
End Date: 04-2024
Amount: $405,267.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityLinkage Projects - Grant ID: LP200200220
Start Date: 06-2022
End Date: 06-2025
Amount: $643,998.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity