Nursery Propagation of Halodule uninervis for Seagrass Meadow Restoration

The purpose of this scholarship is to support advanced research in the field of seagrass restoration, specifically focusing on the nursery propagation of Halodule uninervis, a vital seagrass species found in tropical and subtropical coastal regions. The scholarship aims to provide funding and resources for a PhD project that will develop and optimize propagation techniques in a controlled nursery setting to enhance seagrass meadow restoration efforts. This research will contribute to improving ecological resilience, habitat restoration, and carbon sequestration in coastal ecosystems by addressing the challenges faced in large-scale seagrass restoration.The PhD will utilize world-class facilities at the Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC) and take advantage of the resources available at three active seagrass nurseries across the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). This unique access will allow the research to incorporate cutting-edge techniques and extensive data to refine and optimize nursery-based propagation methods. The recipient will investigate key aspects of Halodule uninervis propagation, including seed collection, seedling growth, environmental requirements, and transplantation techniques. The goal is to develop scalable methods for large-scale seagrass meadow restoration, particularly in degraded areas.In addition, the scholarship supports the exploration of seed enhancement techniques, optimal nursery conditions, and post-transplant monitoring to ensure the long-term survival of restored meadows. The findings from this research will provide valuable insights for seagrass restoration practitioners, conservationists, and policymakers, offering practical tools to address the ongoing decline of seagrass ecosystems due to environmental stressors.We are looking for a driven student with a passion for seagrass ecosystems, someone who is eager to contribute to innovative restoration efforts. The successful candidate should be comfortable traveling between Airlie Beach, the Keppel Islands, and Gladstone in Queensland to engage with the three active nurseries and fully immerse themselves in the research process.The scholarship seeks to foster innovation and knowledge that will help scale restoration efforts globally, contributing to the overall health of marine environments and the vital ecosystem services they provide.