DNA reveals the past and future of coral reefs
New DNA techniques are being used to understand how coral reacted to the end of the last ice age in order to better predict how they will cope with current changes to the climate. James Cook Univer
From 2005 to 2022, the main node of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies was headquartered at James Cook University in Townsville, Queensland (Australia)
Abstract. It is increasingly apparent that sustainable management of marine ecosystems requires understanding both the ecological and social values of these complex environments. Local and traditional ecological knowledge plays an important role in aiding decision making, particularly in data-poor contexts or where values conflict. However, this knowledge is rarely translated into decision making outcomes for large industrial projects – although this is changing. This seminar will explore the role of local ecological knowledge in informing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) developments in the southern Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Drawing on case study research from the Gladstone LNG industry, the seminar will discuss community perspectives on the risks, benefits and environmental impacts of industrial development and examine the extent to which EIA processes currently respond to local values, priorities and concerns, before discussing how project decisions may be improved through the integration of local ecological knowledge.
Biography. Claudia is an interdisciplinary marine and social scientist specialising in tropical environments. Her recent work has explored the ecological and social impacts of industrial development in Australia and the Pacific region, with a particular focus on coastal social-ecological systems. Prior to joining JCU in February 2017, Claudia worked for the Australian Government in marine conservation management planning, and as a postdoctoral research fellow with the Global Change Institute, University of Queensland.
New DNA techniques are being used to understand how coral reacted to the end of the last ice age in order to better predict how they will cope with current changes to the climate. James Cook Univer
A new study on the effects of climate change in five tropical countries has found fisheries are in more trouble than agriculture, and poor people are in the most danger. Distinguished Profess
James Cook University researchers have found brightly coloured fish are becoming increasingly rare as coral declines, with the phenomenon likely to get worse in the future. Christopher Hemingson, a
Researchers working with stakeholders in the Great Barrier Reef region have come up with ideas on how groups responsible for looking after the reef can operate more effectively when the next bleaching
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Abstract: Evolution of many eukaryotic organisms is affected by interactions with microbes. Microbial symbioses can ultimately reflect host’s diet, habitat range, and even body shape. However, how
Abstract: The past few years have seen unprecedented coral bleaching and mortality on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) but the consequences of this on biodiversity are not yet known. This talk will expl
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