Marine and Coastal Ecology

The Marine and Coastal Ecology Programme undertakes research, contract research and consulting in the broader coastal and marine environment. Many of the programme's studies are undertaken throughout the Queensland coastline and abroad. The programme has expertise and experience in the issues associated with industrialised and urbanised coastal zones in the wet and dry tropics, inshore reef waters and the influence of adjacent catchment management on fringing reef waters.

Mission

Understanding dynamics and ecological processes in coastal marine environments.

Aims and Objective

Undertake research and contract research and consulting as well as facilitate postgraduate studies to:

• Identify and describe the spatial extent of coastal and marine ecosystems throughout central Queensland;
• Describe the physical and biological structure and composition of these ecosystems;
• Identify and monitor key natural and anthropogenic processes acting on these ecosystems;
• Integrate this knowledge and consider issues of ecological sustainability especially in relation to the growth of human populations and industry as well as the hypothesised impacts of climate change;
• Work with regional stakeholders and clients to address environmental issues;
• Provide impartial advice to the community;

• Communicate results and knowledge to the community through public and technical workshops, popular electronic and print media and specialist publications and forums.

Services Provided 

• Water and sediment quality analysis in coastal and marine ecosystems
• Effluent and industrial discharge testing
• Development of water and sediment trigger values using marine organisms
• Whole of Effluent Testing (WET)
• Ocean outfall discharge assessments
• Risk assessment of industrial and urban development
• Seagrass, mangrove, macroinvertebrate and fish assemblage assessments
• Effects of dredging in the marine environment
• Fisheries research including stock assessment and recruitment
• Coral reef mapping and assessments.
• Nutrient trophic dynamics in marine and coastal ecosystems

Reports

Keppel Isl Reef Baseline Study (1.95 MB)

Contact

Programme Leader: Dr Scott Wilson