In the lead-up to National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), scientists from James Cook University are upskilling Torres Strait rangers this week to be the eyes and ears in protecting seagrass meadows in the northernmost part of the Great Barrier Reef. TropWATER Rangers take the lead as ‘eyes and ears’ of the Northern Great Barrier Reef 25 May 2022 TropWATER BACK In one of the country’s most comprehensive seagrass monitoring programs, the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and JCU TropWATER Centre are together training rangers from remote island communities to monitor seagrass meadows in the nation’s far north. TSRA Acting Chairperson Horace Baira said Green Island off Cairns – home to vital dugong and turtle seagrass habitat – provided the perfect training ground. “Combining ancient knowledge and modern science is critical for conservation as we face climate impacts across the Torres Strait,” Mr. Baira said. “The ocean is the lifeblood of the Torres Strait, and bringing together all fields of expertise will help protect this precious natural resource for current and future generations.” JCU’s TropWATER Centre seagrass scientist Dr. Alex Carter said the rangers were critical in regional assessments of seagrass condition in Torres Strait. “This training week builds on a 15-year partnership that goes from strength to strength as it continues to grow with new monitoring locations added to the network,” she said. “Traditional Owners are the eyes and ears on the ground, and this ranger-led program provides the first warnings of any declines or changes in seagrass health." “This allows for quick management responses and targeted research projects to protect these important seagrass meadows.” The four-day workshop, delivered by JCU scientists and TSRA, includes in-field training, species identification, and an opportunity to discuss results from recent research and monitoring projects to plan for future opportunities. 24-year-old Iama (Yam) Island Traditional Owner and TSRA Marine Biologist Madeina David said the training would support reef monitoring and results. “Most people are unaware that the Torres Strait is the most northern part of the Great Barrier Reef, home to the world’s largest dugong population and significant numbers of green turtles,” Ms. David said. “Working in partnership to value both traditional and western science gives our marine life and ocean ecosystems the best chance to survive and thrive.” Meriam Traditional Owner and TSRA Senior Ranger Supervisor Aaron Bon said the training would build the capacity and knowledge of local Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal rangers and boost conservation efforts across the Torres Strait. “It will also assist Rangers and Traditional Owners to keep an eye on our reefs and seagrass meadows in the region and in doing so, we help protect some of the world’s most pristine and rich sea country,” Mr. Bon said. “Rangers will bring back skills, share learnings to support our important work on land and sea country in remote island communities and help us to make informed decisions around where we need to target our conservation efforts.” TSRA employs up to 60 land and sea rangers across 14 Torres Strait communities to support employment opportunities for local people to combine traditional knowledge with conservation training to protect and manage land, sea, and culture. Next Previous

The first meadow-scale seagrass restoration project in Tropical Australia is set to breathe new life into two vital seagrass areas of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. TropWATER Restoring lost seagrass meadows in the Great Barrier Reef 22 May 2024 TropWATER BACK Led by James Cook University’s TropWATER Centre, the project will restore crucial seagrass habitats within the Wet Tropics region that suffered substantial losses due to repeated flood events leading up to 2011. The meadows have not recovered since these floods. Project lead Associate Professor Michael Rasheed said the project would establish targeted seagrass restoration techniques and assess the impacts to seagrass Blue Carbon and the resurgence of fisheries functions in the restored seagrass. “This project builds on three years of local trials that have developed effective restoration techniques ready to be rolled out on a large scale,” he said. “We are really excited to partner with four Traditional Owner groups on whose sea country the work will take place as well as recreational fishing volunteers and world-leading science teams from three universities, conservation NGOs, and industry to deliver this project,” he shared. “Results of the project will provide critical information toward developing a seagrass restoration methodology for Blue Carbon application in future seagrass restoration programs throughout tropical Australia and importantly leave a legacy of empowered Traditional Owners and Community for long-term stewardship of the restored seagrass areas.” The project is funded under BHP’s Blue Carbon grant program, which aims to provide funding and support to emerging blue carbon projects. Next Previous

We monitor and assess the condition of inshore seagrass meadows across the Great Barrier Reef, providing long-term data essential for managing these habitats. Great Barrier Reef Location We monitor seagrass health across the inshore areas of the Great Barrier Reef to provide critical information for understanding the condition, pressures and drivers of seagrass condition for managers. Our monitoring and assessment of seagrass health spans over 20 years, and includes the assessment of seagrass abundance, reproductive effort, and resilience at 29 locations across the Great Barrier Reef, covering several habitat types. We evaluate environmental pressures and provide insights to inform effective management strategies. Key points Monitoring seagrass health in the Great Barrier Reef BACK Seagrass meadows in the Great Barrier Reef Seagrass meadows are vital for the Great Barrier Reef's health. They provide habitats and food for fish, turtles, and dugongs. Seagrasses also stabilise sediments, improve water quality, and boost the reef's resilience. Seagrass meadows face many threats from both natural and anthropogenic pressures. Extreme weather, physical disturbances, land-based runoff, and high temperatures can harm seagrass health. These factors affect the reef's resilience and biodiversity. These pressures can affect seagrass meadows across the Great Barrier Reef, which can vary in different regions. Monitoring and assessing their health is crucial for marine managers to respond. Monitoring and assessing seagrass meadows Our work is focused on monitoring and assessing the condition of inshore seagrass meadows across the Great Barrier Reef. We provide up-to-date and long-term information to help inform management on the health of seagrass habitats. For over a decade, we have assessed seagrass abundance, reproductive effort, and leaf tissue nutrients at 29 locations across the Great Barrier Reef as part of Seagrass Watch and the Marine Monitoring Program. We assess seagrass condition in four types of habitats including estuarine, coastal intertidal, coastal subtidal, and reef intertidal. Monitoring is conducted across six Natural Resource Management (NRM) regions: Cape York, Wet Tropics, Burdekin, Mackay Whitsunday, Fitzroy and Burnett Mary. Two main indicators, Abundance (percent cover) and Resilience (resistance and recovery potential), are evaluated. Other factors such as seagrass species, meadow size and patchiness, seed bank density, seawater temperature, light availability, sediment characteristics, and the presence of macroalgae and epiphytes are also recorded to provide additional context for assessing seagrass health. We record environmental pressures that can influence seagrass health such as within-canopy water temperature, benthic light, sediment composition, and macroalgae and epiphyte abundance. Our monitoring guides seagrass management Our research provides valuable insights into the extent, health and trends of the status of inshore seagrass meadows. This data guides effective conservation and management strategies. We report trends and conditions in the Great Barrier Reef every year to the Reef Authority, through the Marine Monitoring Program Annual Report. We evaluate how extreme events and multiple pressures over many years affect important Great Barrier Reef habitats. Long-term data allows us to assess the long-term recovery or decline of seagrass habitats that have been influenced by a range of pressures. The data informs the Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting Program , Reef Plan 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan , Reef 2050 Long-term Sustainability Plan , the five-yearly Outlook Report , and the regional water quality report cards . This comprehensive approach ensures that the data collected supports targeted management strategies to protect and enhance the health of the Great Barrier Reef's vital seagrass ecosystems. Hayley Brien Research Worker hayley.brien@jcu.edu.au Nicki Wilson Research Worker nicki.wilson@jcu.edu.au Research support Catherine Collier Principal Research Officer catherine.collier@jcu.edu.au Len McKenzie Principal Research Officer len.mckenzie@jcu.edu.au Research leads

JCU TropWATER’s Dr Paula Cartwright recently spent eight weeks working with scientists at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar on advancing remote sensing technologies to track key indicators of water health from space. TropWATER International fellowship supports researcher monitoring water health from space 15 July 2025 TropWATER BACK Dr Cartwright, who works with port industries to monitor short- and long-term changes in water quality, was awarded this opportunity with leading experts in remote sensing after receiving the Australia India Institute fellowship for women in STEM. While TropWATER scientists have worked extensively in the fields of remote sensing and water quality – including mapping and monitoring floods and tracking changes in mangrove health – this project uses new satellite technologies to monitor water health at higher resolutions than previously possible. “We set out to improve methods to track and manage water quality, specifically around coastal ports in the Great Barrier Reef region,” she said. “Using high resolution satellite imagery, validated by on-ground data, we were able to assess water health remotely, in a far more robust and detailed way. This method is cost-effective and is a big step in helping industries manage their environments sustainably.” Dr Cartwright said the fellowship was professionally and personally deeply rewarding. “Through this fellowship, I built meaningful relationships and laid the groundwork for lasting collaborations,” she said. “I gained insight into regional environmental challenges and approaches, while sharing knowledge from my own research.” “These exchanges not only enriched my own perspective but also opened the door to collaborative research opportunities.” This international collaboration will strengthen current remote sensing projects and has inspired ideas for potential future research, such as exploring remote techniques to understand light availability in turbid waters across the coastal Great Barrier Reef. Next Previous

We are using established and innovative sensor technologies to understand dugong movement, behaviour, diving patterns, and habitat use. Broome, Exmouth Gulf, Great Barrier Reef, Gulf of Carpentaria, Moreton Bay, Shark Bay, Mozambique, New Caledonia Location Data on dugong behaviour such as their feeding grounds and movement corridors is essential for the effective management of vulnerable dugong populations. We are using established and innovative sensors to study dugong movements and habitat use across space and time, as well as diving patterns and behaviours not visible above the ocean’s surface. Results from this program will inform local and regional management and give insights into potential disturbances to dugongs. Key points Tracking dugong movement and behaviour BACK Tracking dugong movements Australia is home to the world’s largest dugong population – yet even here, dugong numbers are declining in some regions. Improving our understanding of Australian dugong populations, including how and where they spend their time, is essential to conserving this globally vulnerable species. Tracking fine-scale movements of dugongs can reveal vital data on their feeding grounds, movements and habitat use, diving behaviours, and potential threats. These insights are critical to shaping effective management strategies. We are exploring new technologies to gain more accurate data and deeper insights into dugong behaviour and habitat use, ranging from fine-scale activities to regional-scale movements. This work is conducted in co-leadership with Traditional Owners across northern Australia. Technological solutions Our researchers are using innovative multi-sensor tags to gain insights into dugong behaviours not visible above the water. This includes understanding when they feed, travel, and rest, and how much energy is spent on these essential behaviours. We also use established GPS-satellite tags, which provide information on the movement and habitat use of dugongs from within a bay all the way to across hundreds of kilometres of coastline. The team also provides technical support as part of research collaborations with African Parks in Mozambique, Murdoch University in Broome, and the Australian National University in Shark Bay. This research will provide insights into dugong behaviour to inform local and regional management of dugongs – such as better identifying Biologically Important Areas around northern Australia. Understanding how these animals use their habitats will also provide insights into potential disturbances and dugong responses to disturbance. Project details This program is led by Dr Christophe Cleguer. Multi-sensor tracking is led by PhD candidate Renae Lambourne, Professor Helene Marsh, and Adrian Gleiss (Murdoch University), in collaboration with the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation. GPS-satellite tracking is currently conducted in co-leadership with Yawuru Traditional Owners in Broome and Ngaro Traditional Owners in the Whitsunday Islands Region. The program is supported by the National Environmental Science Program, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, and the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, with additional funding from the Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment and the Ecological Society of Australia. Renae Lambourne PhD student Helene Marsh Emeritius Professor helene.marsh@jcu.edu.au Research support Christophe Cleguer Principal Research Officer – Marine Megafauna Group Leader christophe.cleguer@jcu.edu.au Research leads

For over two decades, we've studied how runoff from land and river plumes enter the Great Barrier Reef. Great Barrier Reef Location River plumes transport sediment, nutrients, pesticides and other contaminants from the land into the inshore Great Barrier Reef, exposing inshore reefs, seagrass meadows and other important species and ecosystems to terrestrial runoff. We collect and analyse data from various sources to understand the concentrations and transport and fate of land-sourced pollutants in the Great Barrier Reef. Our research shows how sediment, nutrients, and pesticides move from the land to the sea, providing a comprehensive understanding of water quality science from paddock to reef. Key points Impact of water quality and river plumes in the Great Barrier Reef BACK Effects of increased floods on water quality in the Great Barrier Reef Over the past 50 years, water quality has been declining across many parts of the Great Barrier Reef, primarily in the inshore areas. Research shows that the volume of large floods has almost doubled compared to historical data from 150-350 years ago, and occur more often. This increase exposes a more extensive area of the Great Barrier Reef to river flood plumes , which carry sediment, nutrients, pesticides and other contaminants from the land into coastal and inshore waters. These flood plumes extend along the coast, influencing inshore reefs and seagrass meadows and other species and ecosystems. This can lead to a decline in water quality, increasing pressure on these vital habitats. While large floods that extend further offshore occur less often, they also have the potential to carry terrestrial runoff to mid and outer reefs. Our ongoing research aims to better understand the concentrations and movement of land-sourced pollutants into the Great Barrier Reef. This knowledge is critical for developing targeted conservation strategies to reduce the impact of these flood events on coastal and marine ecosystems. How we are measuring and analysing flood plumes and terrestrial runoff For over two decades, we've studied how runoff from land and river plumes move within the Great Barrier Reef. Our research has significantly contributed to current understanding of how sediment, nutrients, and pesticides move from the land to the sea, giving us a catchment wide understanding of paddock to reef water quality science. To understand the concentrations and transport of land-sourced pollutants in the Great Barrier Reef, we collect and analyse data from various sources, this includes: Sample flood plumes during the wet season from key rivers, including the Russell-Mulgrave, Tully, Haughton, Burdekin, Proserpine, O’Connell and Pioneer Rivers. Water samples are taken along transects extending offshore from river mouths, focusing on the measurement of salinity, suspended sediment, chlorophyll-a, nutrients (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silica), coloured dissolved organic matter, pesticides, and temperature. Compile and analyse catchment rainfall data, river discharge data, and annual end-of-catchment sediment and nutrient loads. Analyse the quality of river plumes in the Great Barrier Reef through a combination of on-site measurements and remote sensing outputs. Characterise and trace sediments across the flood plume extent as freshwater mixes with sea water. Measure dispersal of pesticides in the inshore Great Barrier Reef. Investigate the bioavailability of particulate nutrients in the flood plume. Informing managers and policymakers on water quality issues Our research provides managers and policymakers with critical information about catchment-to-reef water quality science by: Modelling the risk of pesticides in the Great Barrier Reef. Establishing ecologically relevant end-of-catchment pollutant load reduction targets. Characterising the most damaging sediment transported and transformed across flood plumes in the Great Barrier Reef. Identifying hotspots to prioritise remediation efforts on grazing land by tracing sediments in flood plumes. Conducting marine risk assessments to identify spatial priorities for management in the Great Barrier Reef catchment area. This research contributes to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Marine Monitoring Program , partnering with Australian Institute of Marine Science and Cape York Water Monitoring Partnership. Under this program we report trends and conditions in the Great Barrier Reef every year to the Reef Authority, through the Marine Monitoring Program Annual Reports. The data informs the Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring , Modelling and Reporting Program , Reef Plan 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan , Reef 2050 Long-term Sustainability Plan , the five-yearly Outlook Report , and the regional water quality report cards . It has also been used within the Scientific Consensus Statement. More broadly, we provide advice and extensive communication of water quality data to stakeholders, providing critical current knowledge of water quality science. Research support Caroline Petus Senior Research Officer caroline.petus@jcu.edu.au Jane Waterhouse Senior Research Officer jane.waterhouse@jcu.edu.au Stephen Lewis Principal Research Officer stephen.lewis@jcu.edu.au Research leads

Marine megafauna are iconic to Australian oceans. We are home to the world's largest dugong population. Marine megafauna Tracking dugong movement and behaviour We are using established and innovative sensor technologies to understand dugong movement, behaviour, diving patterns, and habitat use. Featured project READ MORE Marine megafauna are iconic to Australian oceans. We are home to the world's largest dugong population. We use a combination of conventional and innovative research using cutting-edge technology to monitor the trends in the abundance, distribution and habitat use of megafauna across Australia and globally. BACK We are measuring the effects of common turtle nest relocation methods on the health of hatchlings to develop updated conservation guidelines to give Queensland's turtles the best chances to survive and thrive. Healthy Hatchlings Research READ MORE COMING SOON We are using established and innovative sensor technologies to understand dugong movement, behaviour, diving patterns, and habitat use. Tracking dugong movement and behaviour Monitoring, Research READ MORE COMING SOON We are developing a new method to measure dugong health using drone imagery to assess body condition. Investigating dugong health Research READ MORE COMING SOON We're facilitating transparent knowledge exchange and enhancing rapport and relationships between science and Traditional Owner groups across the Great Barrier Reef. Dugong Connections Monitoring, Community READ MORE COMING SOON We are using DNA methods to identify what dugongs in the Townsville region are eating other than seagrass, and trialling a new eDNA approach. Assessing dugong poo using eDNA Research READ MORE COMING SOON We are are working with Traditional Owners and museum curators to understand dugong genetic diversity and connectivity across northern Australia. Using dugong genetics to understand connectivity Research READ MORE COMING SOON Aerial surveys reveal extensive data on dugong populations, movement, and habitat use in Queensland's Great Barrier Reef, Moreton Bay, Hervey Bay, the Gulf of Carpentaria, and Western Australia's Shark Bay, Ningaloo, and Exmouth Gulf. Large scale monitoring of dugong populations across northern Australia Monitoring READ MORE COMING SOON Projects READ Highlighting the experiences of women in science 11 February 2026 READ Student work experience: My week with the Marine Megafauna team 24 November 2025 READ Partnership advances marine science and port management 4 November 2025 READ TropWATER leads new assessment of global dugong populations 17 October 2025 News Caitlin Smith Research Officer Caitlin.smith2@jcu.edu.au Caitlin’s research focuses on marine ecosystem health and habitat monitoring across northern Australia. She completed her PhD at the University of the Sunshine Coast, where she investigated the impact of contaminants on marine turtles. Caitlin plays a key role in the large-scale marine habitat mapping across northern Australia, applying advanced mapping and spatial analysis to track seagrass condition and inform long-term management strategies. With expertise in marine megafauna ecology and collaborative approaches, she integrates scientific research with Traditional Owner engagement to advance science-based solutions that protect biodiversity and deliver inclusive, community-led conservation outcomes. As a member of the Marine Megafauna team, Caitlin specialises in marine turtle ecology, GIS, and ecological statistics. She leads the Healthy Hatchlings project, which aims to improve marine turtle hatchling survival through innovative conservation strategies and strong partnerships with Indigenous communities. Her work reflects a commitment to combining cutting-edge science with local knowledge to achieve meaningful and lasting conservation impact. Chloe Edwards PhD student Chloe first developed her passion for marine mammals while studying at Flinders University, where she completed her undergraduate and Honours degrees researching the social structure of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. She joined TropWATER in 2022 as a casual research assistant and has since contributed to a variety of projects. In this role, she works closely with Traditional Owners and Rangers, providing training in drone-based megafauna surveys and imagery processing on Country. She also helps coordinate large-scale aerial surveys, supports vessel operations, and analyses ecological data. Chloe recently began her PhD at James Cook University, focusing on Australian snubfin and humpback dolphins in Princess Charlotte Bay, a remote region of the northern Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Her research aims to improve understanding of the abundance, distribution, behaviour, social structure, and health of these inshore dolphins. She is passionate about applied marine research and enjoys working at the interface of conservation, ecology, and Indigenous knowledge. Christophe Cleguer Principal Research Officer – Marine Megafauna Group Leader christophe.cleguer@jcu.edu.au Chris Cleguer is a research scientist at TropWATER and leader of dugong research at James Cook University (JCU) in Australia. Chris also acts as international advisor to the United Nations’ Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Memorandum of Understanding on the conservation and management of dugongs and seagrass habitats throughout their range. Chris has broad research interests in marine mammal population assessments, spatial ecology and conservation. His current research focuses on dugong, with Chris’ research team developing novel approaches to assess dugong abundance, health, distribution, behaviour and habitat use. This work uses aerial imagery, drones, biologging, and AI. As a strong advocate of research partnerships with First Nations people, Chris has worked with Indigenous communities across northern Australia, the Pacific-Island region, and in south-east Asia. Chris also develops training programs to upskill Indigenous land and sea rangers, local NGOs, and citizens to conduct their own monitoring studies. He works closely with state and federal governments in Australia and abroad to share the latest knowledge about dugong populations and ecology to inform management. After completing his PhD in 2015, Chris worked in Western Australia to develop methods using drones to map dugongs at the local scale, before returning to JCU in 2022. Emily Webster Research Officer emily.webster1@jcu.edu.au Emily grew up in New South Wales where she studied biological science at UNSW. She worked for several years as a research assistant in field programs across Australia, Costa Rica and the Cayman Islands, primarily monitoring nesting marine turtles. She has recently completed her PhD thesis on the fine-scale movement of inshore green turtles in human modified habitats. Throughout her PhD she was also a data analyst for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Science for Management team, whose purpose is to translate science and data into information that can be used by marine park managers. Emily started at TropWATER in October 2024 to contribute to the centre’s growing marine megafauna research program. She is currently working across several projects including tracking dugongs and marine turtles to elucidate their fine-scale patterns of behaviour, habitat preferences and how they may respond to environmental change. She is also a member of the ‘dugong connections’ science team, who aim to connect with Traditional Owners across the Great Barrier Reef to foster knowledge-sharing about dugongs and marine turtles and explore avenues for Traditional Owners to learn about dugongs on their Sea Country. Erina Young Research Scientist erina.young@jcu.edu.au Erina is an experienced wildlife veterinarian with over 18 years experience in Australia and overseas with a passion for integrating wildlife health into conservation projects and developing collaborative partnerships. Over the past decade, she has specialised in marine wildlife, in particular sea turtles and has served as a clinical and research veterinary consultant to the Western Australian, Queensland and NSW governments. She earned a PhD from Murdoch University for research developing health and disease baselines for sea turtles in WA. During her PhD, she developed blood reference intervals for flatback turtles, investigated causes of stranding and mortality events, and identified novel diseases. Erina is especially passionate about working with First Nations communities. She has been involved in a range of marine wildlife conservation projects including turtle soft shell disease investigation in Hervey Bay in collaboration with DES, nesting turtle health assessments with ranger groups in the Gulf of Carpentaria, sea krait monitoring and research in the Andaman Islands, investigating mass mortality event involving fish, turtles and sea snakes in the Kimberley, delivering stranding response and necropsy training workshops in regional WA and QLD, and foraging turtle health assessments in the Kimberley and Pilbara. Eva Paulus PhD student Eva is German and hates the cold, which is why she is very happy to be in tropical Townsville to do her PhD on dugong population genetics. She did her Bachelor’s degree at a small University in Florida, Barry University, and moved back to Europe to complete her MSc at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. She has worked on many different organisms: deep-sea hydrothermal copepods, benthic isopods, mesopelagic fishes, eels, and now marine mammals. Hector Barrios-Garrido Adjunct Research Fellow hector.barriosgarrido@jcu.edu.au Hector focuses on understanding the complex relationships among socio-economic and cultural values of marine megafauna species in different societies. This is important for informing decision-making takers, especially in developing countries. His main interests lie within the broad field of Marine Biology and Conservation with special emphasis in the human dimensions looking to improve our understanding of the interactions among aquatic species, their habitats, and human societies. In particular, he is interested in identifying and evaluating the challenges and impacts of anthropogenic pressures on threatened species, and the potential mechanisms to reduce these impacts (through management conservation actions, or by understanding how species can adapt to changes). Hector is an Associate Professor at the University of Zulia (Venezuela), Founder-President of the Venezuelan NGO “Working Group on Marine Turtles of the Gulf of Venezuela – GTTM-GV”, member of the International Sea Turtle Society (ISTS), and the Marine Turtle Specialist Group-International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN MTSG). Hector holds a PhD from James Cook University in Environmental Science and Management, a Magister Scientiarum (Master of Science) in Aquatic Ecology (University of Zulia), and he is Licentiate in Biology (University of Zulia). His current position at JCU as TropWATER Adjunct Research Fellow is Ad-Honorem. Helene Marsh Emeritius Professor helene.marsh@jcu.edu.au Helene Marsh is a conservation biologist with > 40 years’ experience in research into species conservation, management and policy with particular reference to tropical coastal megafauna. Helene was awarded an Order of Australia for this work. She is a fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, and her research has been recognised by awards from the Pew Foundation, the Society for Conservation Biology, the American Society of Mammalogists, the Society for Marine Mammalogy and the Australian Marine Science Association. The policy outcomes of her research include significant contributions to the science base of the conservation of dugongs in Australia and internationally (IUCN, UNEP, Convention for Migratory Species) and through advising the governments of some 14 countries. Helene is the cross-hub lead for the Threatened and Migratory Species and Threatened Ecological Communities for the National Environmental Science Program (NESP). She chaired the Australian Threatened Species Scientific Committee from 2022–2023, was Vice President and the Secretary Biological Sciences of the Australian Academy of Science 2019-2023) and was a member of the Australian delegation to the World Heritage Committee 2018–2021. She is currently a member of the Independent Expert Panel for the Great Barrier Reef 2050 Plan and on the editorial boards of Conservation Biology, Endangered Species Research and Oecologia. Helene is proud of the accomplishments of the 62 PhD candidates that she has supervised to graduation, all of whom have taught her a lot. Luisa Schramm Research Worker luisa.schramm@jcu.edu.au Luisa Schramm is a Research Worker with expertise in community engagement, field logistics, remote sensing, and scientific reporting. She completed a BSc in 2022, gaining advanced GIS and remote sensing skills. At JCU TropWATER’s Marine Megafauna Program, she has worked on marine megafauna ecology, environmental stewardship, and community-based conservation. She has contributed extensively to the Dugong Connections project, facilitating knowledge exchange between Traditional Owners and western scientists across the Great Barrier Reef. Luisa’s experience with marine megafauna tagging and tracking, drone monitoring, and education, combined with her focus on Indigenous knowledge systems, equips her to conduct independent, multi-scale conservation research with rigour. Mélanie Hamel Research Officer melanie.hamel@jcu.edu.au Mélanie is a dynamic conservation scientist with a broad expertise. She currently supports research for a NESP initiative on Australia's threatened and migratory species and threatened ecological communities, and several projects within the Dugong Research Group. A key goal of her work is providing a strong evidence base for informing the management of coastal and terrestrial ecosystems in a range of socio-ecological contexts. She uses and develops approaches that integrate multi-disciplinary data with a combination of tools such as geographic information systems, reserve design algorithms, and programming. A lot of her work focuses on coastal and marine environments in the Pacific Islands, but she is also involved in various projects on threatened species (including marine megafauna) ecology, management/conservation and monitoring in other parts of the world. Renae Lambourne PhD student Renae’s PhD project is using new, innovative multi-sensor and high-resolution tags to investigate the behavioural ecology of dugongs. This project aims to understand how activity influences the diving behaviour of dugongs using multi-sensor tags that record movement, behaviour and physical characteristics of the animal’s environment. Before coming to James Cook University, Renae completed her undergraduate and Honours degrees at Murdoch University, studying the diving behaviour of flatback turtles using similar technology to her current project. Sarah Landeo Yauri PhD student Sarah’s PhD research uses drone-based photogrammetry to assess the body condition of dugongs as an indicator of nutritional health, also exploring potential seasonal and regional variations. Sarah is originally from Peru, where she obtained her biology degree at the National Agrarian University – La Molina. For her undergraduate thesis, she studied the habitat use of post-released Amazonian Manatees using VHF telemetry. She later completed her MSc in Marine Sciences and Limnology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, using drones as to detect, photo-ID and record the behaviour of Antillean Manatees in the Caribbean region. Her professional experience includes environmental consultancy for biota sampling and monitoring in freshwater ecosystems, as well as marine and freshwater megafauna monitoring in natural protected areas. Researchers MORE ACCESS Smith T, Collier C, Evans S, Barrett D, Barrett E, Forsman S, Settli E, Whitman K, Langlois L, Kerr R, Wilkins S, Kellett D, Groom R, Lawrence E, Carter A. Marine megafauna Fish communities and benthic monitoring of Marra Sea Country in the Gulf of Carpentaria. ACCESS Cleguer C et al. Marine megafauna 2023 Dugong aerial survey: Mission Beach to Cape York. ACCESS Edwards CM et al. Marine megafauna Feasibility of using satellite imagery to detect dugong groups in the waters of the Kingdom of Bahrain. ACCESS Cleguer C et al. Marine megafauna 2022 Dugong Aerial Survey: Mission Beach to Moreton Bay. ACCESS Cleguer C & Marsh H. Marine megafauna An inventory of dugong aerial surveys in Australia. ACCESS Waltham N et al. Marine megafauna Examining marine biodiversity associated with port infrastrucure. ACCESS Scott A et al. Marine megafauna Exclusion experiments show the role of green turtle and dugong grazing in structuring Torres Strait seagrass meadows. ACCESS Cleguer C. Marine megafauna Review of dugong detections in images collected during an imagery survey conducted in New Caledonia. Reports and publications MORE

Seagrasses are powerful carbon sinks, vital food sources for dugongs and green turtles and serve as essential nurseries for prawns and fish. Seagrass habitats Torres Strait seagrass mapping, monitoring and research The project embraces the combined benefits of Indigenous Knowledge, on-ground monitoring, and science and management expertise to provide training for Torres Strait rangers and to report data needed for ecosystem management. Featured project READ MORE Seagrasses are powerful carbon sinks, vital food sources for dugongs and green turtles and serve as essential nurseries for prawns and fish. We house Australia's largest seagrass research group and have more than 40 years of experience in seagrass research. We monitor, map, restore and research inshore seagrass meadows, collaborating with Traditional Owners, industries, and governments. BACK We are working with Marranbala and li-Anthawirriyarra Rangers and other partners to map the location and condition of seafloor habitats - and record the many species these ecosystems support - in Marra Sea Country. Mapping benthic habitats and fish communities in Marra Sea Country Community, Monitoring READ MORE COMING SOON We are using a range of methods to build a comprehensive map of seagrass across northern Australia in partnership with Indigenous Rangers and Traditional Owners. Building a map of northern Australian seagrass Monitoring, Community READ MORE COMING SOON We are partnering with Indigenous Rangers across northern Australia to co-design seagrass monitoring programs, conduct baseline surveys, and build capacity in key skills for ongoing Ranger-led monitoring. Establishing Ranger-led seagrass monitoring programs Community, Monitoring READ MORE COMING SOON We surveyed over 250 km of coastline with First Nations partners to assess the impact of flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper, one year after the flood event. Assessing the impacts of flooding after Tropical Cyclone Jasper Monitoring READ MORE COMING SOON We are working with Traditional Owners to deploy temperature loggers to measure thermal risk to inshore seagrass, and developing a model to predict areas of seagrass most at risk of thermal stress from high temperatures. Thermal risk for inshore seagrass on the Great Barrier Reef Monitoring, Community READ MORE COMING SOON We're working with Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Rangers in a long-term partnership to map and monitor benthic habitats and the megafauna, and provide the tools and training to support Rangers in managing their Sea Country. Building capacity of Gunggandji-Mandingalbay Yidinji Rangers Community, Monitoring READ MORE COMING SOON Our rapid visual surveys mapped 3,500 km² of benthic fauna and seagrass in five reef lagoons of the Coral Sea Marine Park, leading to further research on potential fish nurseries in deepwater marine vegetation areas. Reef lagoon benthic habitat mapping in the Coral Sea Marine Park Monitoring, Research READ MORE COMING SOON The project embraces the combined benefits of Indigenous Knowledge, on-ground monitoring, and science and management expertise to provide training for Torres Strait rangers and to report data needed for ecosystem management. Torres Strait seagrass mapping, monitoring and research Monitoring, Community READ MORE COMING SOON We monitor and assess the condition of inshore seagrass meadows across the Great Barrier Reef, providing long-term data essential for managing these habitats. Monitoring seagrass health in the Great Barrier Reef Monitoring READ MORE COMING SOON Following back-to-back floods, scientists undertook surveys to understand seagrass loss and its impact on dugong and turtles. Post-flood monitoring of seagrass in Hervey Bay and Great Sandy Strait Monitoring READ MORE COMING SOON Over four years, we will plant thousands of seagrass fragments and over half a million seeds, while tracking the return of fish species and measuring the blue carbon benefits. Restoring tropical seagrasses and their ecosystem services Restoration READ MORE COMING SOON Our long-term environmental monitoring of port industries is extensive, covering coral, water quality, seagrass, and biodiversity. Long-term monitoring for port industries: coral, water quality, seagrass, and biodiversity Monitoring READ MORE COMING SOON Projects READ Highlighting the experiences of women in science 11 February 2026 READ Partnership advances marine science and port management 4 November 2025 READ Explainer: Blue carbon 1 October 2025 READ Finding fish in murky waters: TropWATER study guides best monitoring methods in seagrass meadows 12 September 2025 News Abbi Scott Senior Research Officer abbi.scott1@jcu.edu.au Abbi Scott moved to Australia in 2016 to pursue a passion for seagrass ecology after working on seagrasses, rocky shore ecology and citizen science projects in the UK. Abbi completed her PhD with the TropWATER seagrass ecology team in 2021, with her research examining how herbivores structure seagrass meadows on the Great Barrier Reef and how this could affect the delivery of ecosystem services by seagrasses. The focus was on the herbivore community as a whole, from large herbivores such as dugongs and turtles to small mesograzers, to quantify their impact on meadow structure. Understanding the role of plant-herbivore interactions in structuring seagrass meadows and modifying seagrass ecosystem service delivery is key to managing and conserving both seagrass meadows and herbivore populations in the future. Abbi currently works on research in seagrass herbivory, monitoring and restoration and coordinates the Cairns Port Douglas Reef Hub. Abbi is also an enthusiastic science communicator who has made regular contributions to illuminate the wonders of marine life and science on ABC radio. She also shares her knowledge via seminars targeted at various audiences, and through her blog. Alejandro Navarro Research Officer alejandro.navarrootero@jcu.edu.au Alex is originally from Spain and moved to Australia in 2017 to do a PhD in Remote Sensing at Deakin University and finished this in 2021. His PhD focused on developing new remote sensing approaches (using emerging technologies such as drones and novel machine learning models) for assessing ecosystem services provided by coastal wetlands. Seeking warmer climates Alex moved to FNQ in 2021 to do a postdoc at James Cook University. His main research project was to create the first nationally consistent map of saltmarsh and salt flat ecosystems around Australia. Alex started working for TropWATER in 2024 doing seagrass habitat mapping, monitoring and analysis using a wide range of remote sensing techniques such as drones, aerial imagery and satellites. His interests are mainly programming, using novel technologies to map and monitor marine habitats and fauna (work), scuba diving and underwater photography. Alex Carter Principal Research Officer alexandra.carter@jcu.edu.au Alexandra Carter’s research focuses on the ecology, conservation and assessment of coastal environments; in particular, large-scale ecosystem processes in northern Australia involving seagrass, coral, fish communities, turtle and dugong. Prior to commencing at James Cook University, she was employed as a scientist at Queensland Fisheries. She completed her PhD on spatial variation in reproductive biology for common coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus), and the role of marine reserves as a potential fisheries management tool for this species on the Great Barrier Reef. Alex leads a variety of projects and collaborations with diverse stakeholders and funding agencies, including all levels of government, other universities, industry, Traditional Owners, rangers, citizen scientists, and community groups. Some of her current work includes conducting large-scale marine habitat mapping across northern Australia, habitat and species modelling, and quantifying habitat use by species with significant cultural, ecological, conservation and economic importance. Alex is also involved in developing and implementing environmental condition report cards; working with Rangers and Traditional Owners to expand seagrass and fish research and monitoring; and coral restoration. Brodie O'Breza Research Intern brodie.obreza@jcu.edu.au Brodie O’Breza is a Coastal and Marine Science and Environmental Management graduate from Curtin University, currently undertaking a four-month research internship with TropWATER at James Cook University. She is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman with family connections to Saibai Island, and her work is grounded in a strong connection to Sea Country. Brodie is passionate about supporting Indigenous representation in STEM and advancing research that is meaningful to community. At TropWATER, she has developed skills in coral and seagrass identification, microscopy, and salt marsh restoration, alongside field-based greenhouse gas measurements using a LI-COR analyser. She has also worked collaboratively with Indigenous Rangers on Country, supporting knowledge sharing and applied ecological research. Brodie has gained diverse experience across Australia and internationally, including a CSIRO Indigenous Time at Sea voyage in the Coral Sea, research on carbon sequestration through microbial biomineralisation, and community-based marine conservation work in Fiji with the Locally Managed Marine Area Network. She is currently scoping a Master's degree by research focused on the Torres Strait, with a strong interest in co-designed approaches that intertwine Indigenous knowledge systems and marine science. Caitlin Smith Research Officer Caitlin.smith2@jcu.edu.au Caitlin’s research focuses on marine ecosystem health and habitat monitoring across northern Australia. She completed her PhD at the University of the Sunshine Coast, where she investigated the impact of contaminants on marine turtles. Caitlin plays a key role in the large-scale marine habitat mapping across northern Australia, applying advanced mapping and spatial analysis to track seagrass condition and inform long-term management strategies. With expertise in marine megafauna ecology and collaborative approaches, she integrates scientific research with Traditional Owner engagement to advance science-based solutions that protect biodiversity and deliver inclusive, community-led conservation outcomes. As a member of the Marine Megafauna team, Caitlin specialises in marine turtle ecology, GIS, and ecological statistics. She leads the Healthy Hatchlings project, which aims to improve marine turtle hatchling survival through innovative conservation strategies and strong partnerships with Indigenous communities. Her work reflects a commitment to combining cutting-edge science with local knowledge to achieve meaningful and lasting conservation impact. Carissa Reason Research Officer carissa.reason@jcu.edu.au Carissa's role as a Research Officer with James Cook University TropWATER involves studying and researching various aspects of seagrass ecosystems. As a project manager of various statewide monitoring programs, her work revolves around understanding seagrass ecosystems, their ecological significance and their interactions with other organisms and the environment. Monitoring and assessment projects involve regularly monitoring seagrass meadows to assess condition, growth patterns, reproductive strategies and adaptations to different environmental conditions. Another important role is conducting research to gain a comprehensive understanding of seagrass biology, ecology and physiology and investigating the impacts of human activities on seagrass ecosystems and evaluating the effects of restoration and mitigation efforts. She graduated from James Cook University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Zoology and began her science career working with Queensland Government in the Fisheries assessment and monitoring program as a Fisheries Technician. She rapidly enhanced her skills during various roles and acquired the position of Fisheries Biologist before transferring to James Cook University in a similar role as a Research Officer in 2012. Catherine Collier Principal Research Officer catherine.collier@jcu.edu.au Catherine Collier is broadly interested in coastal marine ecology, with a particular emphasis on seagrass eco-physiology and ecology. Her current work is focused on flood impacts to seagrasses. This research focus was triggered following record floods in 2011, which saw widespread loss of seagrass throughout Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. Catherine aims to further knowledge about tropical seagrass ecology and to contribute to protecting seagrass meadows in regions where livelihoods are particularly dependant on vibrant coastal systems. A particular feature of Catherine’s work is using experimental techniques to address targeted questions about seagrass health and resilience. This approach focuses on both the risks and impacts to seagrass habitat from local scale stressors such as water quality, and on the prospective changes to seagrass ecosystems from rising temperature and ocean acidification. Catherine collaborates with diverse teams of scientists and managers, and is involved in contributing to long-term seagrass habitat monitoring in the GBR through the Paddock to Reef Marine Monitoring Program, which is used to track progress towards meeting the targets and objectives of the Reef 2050 Plan. Chris van de Wetering Research Worker chris.vandewetering@jcu.edu.au Chris has had a passion for the ocean from a young age, involved with marine rescue and conservation groups throughout the mid north coast before undertaking a Bachelor in Marine Science and Management. He has been heavily involved with research and management efforts for sea turtles and dugong through the Department of Environment and Science (QLD Government). Taking part in feeding ground capture and monitoring programs as well as mainland and isolated island nesting beach work throughout southeast Queensland since 2016. He is now a Research Worker for the TropWATER seagrass ecology group, based in Cairns, helping with the maintenance, collection, processing and reporting of our water quality monitoring sites and seagrass research and surveys. Darcy Philpott Research Worker darcy.philpott@jcu.edu.au Darcy is originally from the UK where she completed a MSc in Marine Environmental Management from the University of St. Andrews. She has worked as a marine biologist in various locations worldwide, including teaching fish survey techniques to aspiring marine conservationists in the Bahamas and the Seychelles. More recently, she worked as a Marine Scientist on Ascension Island, one of the world’s largest marine protected areas, where she contributed to a variety of marine projects. Darcy is currently undertaking a PhD on fish and prawn nurseries in recovering seagrass meadows in Cairns, utilising beam trawling and eDNA metabarcoding techniques. Embla Settli Research worker embla.settli@jcu.edu.au Embla is originally from Norway and completed her BSc in Zoology and Ecology at James Cook University. She developed a passion for marine biology and was certified as a Divemaster during this time. After graduating Embla managed a research project in coral restoration on the Central GBR and assisted in the out planting of thousands of coral fragments. After that she worked as a supervisor in the Crown of Thorns Starfish Control program, managing reef health monitoring and reef protection strategies across the Central GBR. Embla has extensive experience in scientific data collection, research project management and marine ecosystem mapping using Geospatial Information Systems. She is also an experienced mariner and diver. Embla gets to apply all of these skills at TropWATER, organising and assisting in complex fieldtrips to remote areas across the Australian coast. Overall, she loves spending all her time in or around the ocean and doing her part in protecting what makes the ocean so special. Evie Furness PhD student Evie Furness is a marine biologist and PhD candidate at James Cook University specialising in restoration techniques for tropical seagrass species. With over a decade of experience working in temperate and tropical coastal systems, she has successfully led both research and industry focused marine ecology projects. Evie is interested in collaborating with communities to reverse habitat loss, combining hands-on expertise with a commitment to sustainable solutions for marine ecosystems. Hayley Brien Research Worker hayley.brien@jcu.edu.au Hayley joined TropWATER in 2020. Her main role as a research worker is to provide field and technical support for the Reef Rescue Marine Monitoring Program (MMP) and Seagrass Watch programs. This involves conducting intertidal and subtidal seagrass monitoring along the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, lab work, and data analysis. A highlight in Hayley's role is engaging and collaborating with First Nation groups along the inshore Great Barrier Reef to better understand the thermal risk to seagrass. In 2013 Hayley completed a Bachelor of Marine Science and in 2016 she completed a Master of Science (majoring in Marine Biology and Ecology) both from James Cook University. Her masters involved publishing research that investigated how coral communities would compete under thermal and acidified stress. Hayley is always eager to learn and collaborate with other TropWATER teams and beyond to further fuel her passion in investigating and communicating how ecosystems on the Great Barrier Reef could be impacted under accelerated climate change. Jaelen Myers Research Officer jaelen.myers@jcu.edu.au Jaelen’s research interests include freshwater and marine ecology, community dynamics, animal behaviour, and remote sensing. Jaelen completed a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Biology, where she first developed a keen interest in fisheries science. Jaelen then continued on this research trajectory, studying reproductive physiology and articial reproduction techniques of hybrid catfish. For her PhD, Jaelen moved from the United States to Townsville to study trophic ecology and habitat use of rays in intertidal zones. This work was carried out with the Science Integrated Coastal Ecosystem Mangement (SICEM) lab at JCU and the Biopixel Oceans Foundation and was pivotal broaden our understanding of nursery habitat value and how shark and ray communities participate in ecosystem function. Jaelen is now assisting the Seagrass Ecology group with ongoing seagrass restoration initiatives across North Queensland. In addition to her research career, Jaelen also engages in science communication through her Instagram account and by participating in public outreach events. She is an avid drone enthusiast, working as a drone pilot for the Queensland Sharksmart drone trials program from 2024-2025. She is also passionate about educating the next generation of marine scientists and bridging gaps in understanding between academia and the public. Jane Mellors Casual Senior Research Officer jane.mellors@jcu.edu.au Jane is a born Queenslander. She completed her MSc (1990) and PhD (2003) both at James Cook University. Her PhD research investigated the sediment and nutrient dynamics in coastal intertidal seagrass habitat of North Eastern Tropical Australia. Jane’s broad research interests encompass all aspects of seagrass habitat: taxonomy, plant nutrient requirements, population genetics, plant-animals interactions, and educating and training citizen scientists to monitor this marine resource. Katie Chartrand Senior Research Fellow katie.chartrand@jcu.edu.au Dr Katie Chartrand has 20 years of expertise spanning tropical coral and seagrass ecosystems, photobiology, spatial analysis, and mapping. Katie's extensive research background has influenced the management and compliance of large-scale dredging programs. Katie’s research also extends to monitoring at-risk habitats, particularly inshore coral reefs and seagrass, while leading multiple applied research programs focused on replenishing high value marine ecosystems in a highly collaborative framework. Katie's passion has centred on building authentic partnerships with First Nations communities and tourism operators on the Great Barrier Reef. Her initiatives include the Great Reef Census, a citizen science-based monitoring program, Mars Reef Stars for rubble stabilization and repair, and coral larval delivery at targeted reef locations. These initiatives drive localised and scalable outcomes, anchored in partnerships spanning various sectors, including ports, indigenous rangers, tourism, and citizen science, complementing traditional government bodies such as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Australian Institute of Marine Science. Katie's overarching philosophy is to forge strong partnerships, using interdisciplinary networks to support scalable research strategies and conservation science. Through this approach, she is dedicated to advancing the science and management of reef and coastal assets. Katie’s research offers solutions that are making a tangible and positive impact on the preservation and resilience of our vital marine ecosystems. Kirsty Whitman Research Worker kirsty.whitman@jcu.edu.au Kirsty started diving in 2011 and loved it so much that she decided to become a dive instructor. She started working at AQWA (Aquarium of Western Australia) as an ocean guide and dive master. Kirsty then went overseas to Mexico working as a dive instructor. She started volunteering for Reef Life Survey doing temperate and tropical biodiversity surveys in 2015 and loved this side of the diving and science world. Kirsty started her Bachelor of Marine Science in 2016 at James Cook University and would work in Cairns in the summer breaks as a dive instructor. After finishing her degree, she worked as a marine biologist, dive instructor on Passions of Paradise, doing Eye on the Reef surveys and coral nurturing. Kirsty loves introducing people and educating them to the beautiful Great Barrier Reef. Laura Garcia Forte Valiente Research Officer laura.garciafortevaliente@jcu.edu.au Laura is a passionate marine biologist originally from Spain. She began her career working with cetaceans as a science communicator in the Azores Islands before pursuing her lifelong dream of studying marine biology on the Great Barrier Reef. During her Master’s degree at James Cook University, Laura joined TropWATER and conducted her thesis on seagrass ecology, specialising in recovery dynamics following disturbances. Focusing on seagrass succession, she developed independent research both experimentally and spatially, providing valuable insights into the resilience of tropical seagrass ecosystems. Since then, she has built extensive expertise in seagrass restoration, monitoring, and ecological modelling, combining field experience with advanced skills in programming, spatial analysis, and statistical modelling. In her role as Research Officer at TropWATER, Laura contributes to a wide range of projects across northeastern Australia, including long-term seagrass monitoring and restoration research. Her work spans from coordinating and conducting fieldwork in remote locations to analysing complex ecological datasets and producing technical reports for environmental management. Guided by her lifelong passion for the ocean, Laura’s mission is to safeguard seagrass habitats and inspire others to recognise the essential role they play in the health of our planet. Len McKenzie Principal Research Officer len.mckenzie@jcu.edu.au Len McKenzie has over 20 years’ experience as a research scientist on seagrass ecology, assessment and fisheries habitats. This includes experience within Australia and overseas in seagrass research, resource mapping/assessment and biodiversity. Len is interested in the relationship between seagrass and associated fauna, the impacts of declining water quality, and climate change. He has provided information about seagrass communities that has been vital in management of seagrass resources of the Great Barrier Reef, and at the state, national and international levels. Len has also advised about fisheries and coastal resource-use issues for managers, fishing organisations, conservation and community groups. He is the principal researcher and program leader of Seagrass-Watch, a non-profit seagrass research organisation that conducts research is 17 countries. Len is also the secretary of the World Seagrass Association. One of Len’s recent projects is investigating spatial and temporal trends in the health of GBR inshore seagrass meadows in relation to water quality, which includes identifying areas of seagrass that have been significantly impacted by flood plumes. Lloyd Shepherd Research Worker lloyd.shepherd@jcu.edu.au Lloyd Shepherd completed a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science in 2006 at James Cook University in Cairns. He went on to work for Fisheries Queensland’s Long Term Monitoring Program for six years, before moving to TropWATER in 2012 and joining the seagrass ecology group. Lloyd has extensive experience in research and monitoring coastal habitats throughout tropical Australia, with special expertise in field logistics, equipment, and complex field work in remote areas. Lloyd plays a pivotal role in various projects, including seagrass and coral restoration, benthic habitat mapping, collaboration with Indigenous ranger groups, water quality monitoring, marine fauna observation, and other diverse experimental setups. Lucas Langlois Research Officer lucas.langlois@jcu.edu.au Originally from Paris, France, Lucas completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2011 at University Pierre et Marie Curie, followed by a Master of Science in Marine Biology at James Cook University in 2013. Since finishing the Masters project on coral physiological acclimation, Lucas has been involved in several projects that have investigated seagrass productivity under various environmental gradients (light, temperature, CO2, nutrients). Lucas is currently working on both the seagrass and water quality components of the Reef Rescue Marine Monitoring Program (MMP). The main tasks involve a combination of field work, including monitoring of seagrass intertidal habitat and lab work, along with data analyses and data management for reporting. As an R (programming language) enthusiast, Lucas developed strong statistical skills especially in temporal and spatial modelling using Bayesian statistics (R INLA). He also uses machine and deep-learning models to assist with assessing seagrass photoquadrats and producing seagrass maps from imagery, including from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and satellites. Luke Hoffmann Research Worker luke.hoffmann@jcu.edu.au Luke joined the TropWATER Seagrass Ecology Group in 2017. Luke has experience in research and monitoring coastal habitats along the Queensland coast along with expertise in field logistics, equipment and data collection. He has worked on multiple projects to develop data processing and statistical analysis procedures implemented within the TropWATER Seagrass Ecology Group. Luke also has experience working in the tropical rainforests around Cairns where he installed and maintained sensor networks to gather hydraulic flux data and other data for climate change experiments. Key services include the calibration, maintenance and operation of field equipment including water quality meters, data-loggers, implementing field surveys involving the collection of water, sediment and flora and fauna samples. Megan Proctor Research Worker megan.proctor@jcu.edu.au Meg has spent the last 15 years working in marine research, science education and eco-tourism in the US and Australia, beginning with a Bachelor of Science in Biology in the US. Since moving to Australia in 2016, she has held diverse roles such as leading coral ecology field courses on the Great Barrier Reef, creating interactive visitor programs for Tasmania Parks and Wildlife, assisting an eDNA research expedition on Ningaloo Reef, and leading projects to remove and prevent marine debris in north Queensland. Meg completed a Master of Science in Marine Science at the University of Western Australia in 2023, where her research examined the growth rates of corals growing on high-latitude reefs. Meg joined TropWATER in 2023, bringing her skills in project management, scientific data collection and monitoring methods along with extensive experience working in coastal ecosystems. Her primary roles include assisting with large-scale marine habitat mapping and planning remote marine research trips. She enjoys the collaborative nature of her work, working with Traditional Owners and Rangers on Sea Country to expand seagrass research and monitoring across northern Australia. Michael Rasheed Principal Research Scientist michael.rasheed@jcu.edu.au Mike Rasheed has been researching tropical marine habitats, with a focus on seagrass ecology, since the early1990s. He has a Bachelor of Science in zoology and ecology, an Honours degree from Flinders University and was awarded a PhD from James Cook University for research investigating recovery and succession in tropical seagrass communities. Mike is passionate about finding science-based solutions to support marine habitat management efforts. As seagrass ecology lab leader, he has built a team to focus on researching the relationship between coastal development and risk, which has significantly impacted the way seagrass and fish habitats are managed and protected. The results of these endeavours have led to advances in the field of seagrass ecology and have also changed practices within coastal development, ports and shipping industries, and improved the ability of regulators and managers to protect marine habitats. Nicki Wilson Research Worker nicki.wilson@jcu.edu.au Nicki is part of the Seagrass Futures team, responsible for monitoring intertidal and subtidal seagrass habitats across the Great Barrier Reef as part of the Reef Authority’s Marine Monitoring Program (MMP), which informs progress against the objectives of the Reef 2050 Plan. Her role involves field work, maintaining field gear, analysing seagrass samples, partnership building with First Nations ranger groups on Country, GIS and data management. She completed her studies at La Trobe University in 2021, achieving a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours (Zoology) and a Master of Science (Marine Ecology). Her research focused on the macro-invertebrate biodiversity associated with a recently discovered and globally significant bryozoan reef in Western Port Bay. Some of Nicki’s multidisciplinary experience includes marine and terrestrial surveys and habitat assessments, naturalist guiding for a tourism operator, contributing to DELWP’s CoastKit, project managing Traditional Owner Land and Sea training (a QPWS incentive), local fisheries research in Costa Rica and ecological consulting. Paul Leeson Technical Officer paul.leeson@jcu.edu.au Paul is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in fieldwork and aquatic conservation. Since 2012, he has served as the lead field technician at TropWATER, contributing his expertise in scientific field equipment and boat operations. Additionally, Paul has been instrumental as a boating and diving officer at JCU, ensuring safe and efficient marine research activities. With a career spanning back to 1987, Paul's journey began with Fisheries Queensland, where he honed his skills as part of the boat crew. His extensive background has made him an expert in various aspects of fieldwork, from data collection to equipment maintenance. Paul's dedication to environmental conservation and his proficiency in field operations make him an invaluable asset to any team working to safeguard our aquatic ecosystems. Paul York Senior Research Officer Paul.York@jcu.edu.au Paul York is a marine and estuarine ecologist who has worked extensively in benthic communities and particularly seagrass ecosystems. Paul completed his PhD in marine biology at The University of Technology, Sydney, in 2011. His research interests include seagrass food webs, invasive species, seagrass genetics, resilience, reproductive and population biology. He has also worked on soft sediment faunal communities and rocky shore ecology in both Australia and South America. Most recently, Paul has been working with Mandubarra Land and Sea Rangers on their sea country at Kurrimine Beach/King Reef to co-design and implement a habitat mapping program as part of a Healing Country Partnership. He has also been involved with research for the Queensland Department of Environment and Science mapping seagrass meadows across Hervey Bay to provide a condition update following the 2022 floods. A current focus for Paul is identifying, refining and implementing restoration methods for tropical seagrass species. This includes a combination of research through an ARC linkage project partnering with port management bodies, and a large-scale planting project in the Great Barrier Reef and Cocos Keeling Islands. Rob Coles Principal Research Scientist rob.coles@jcu.edu.au Rob has a Bachelor of Science in zoology, an Honours degree (first class) in entomology, and a PhD in fisheries from the University of Queensland. He has worked as an entomologist, a fisheries scientist, a fisheries manager in the Torres Strait, an environment and regional manager for the Queensland government, and as a seagrass scientist and research administrator. Rob has a history of promoting seagrass and coastal management research in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world and was the founding secretary of the World Seagrass Association. Some of Rob’s recent work has seen him study the connectivity among seagrass meadows and how this may influence management approaches. He has also been part of a team that has recompiled and revalidated Australian seagrass data extending back to the early 1980s with the aim to provide a publically available and reliable data set. His recent research and environment management focus has been to engage with northern Australian Traditional Owner groups in collaboration with seagrass and dugong expert colleagues from James Cook University and Charles Darwin University. This approach responds to concerns about threats and reduced resilience in the coastal environment. It addresses knowledge gaps about dugongs and seagrasses that are critical to Traditional Owners’ cultural identity and traditional values. Samantha Tol Senior Research Officer samantha.tol@jcu.edu.au Samantha is an ecologist dedicated to unravelling the intricacies of marine ecosystems. Presently, her research encompasses seagrass and algal ecology. She has led investigations mapping benthic habitats within the Coral Sea Marine Park's deepwater lagoons, providing critical insights for habitat preservation and marine management. Simultaneously, her postdoctoral pursuits concentrate on pioneering environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to detect Yellow Crazy Ants and their eDNA degradation, offering promising pathways for biosecurity enhancement. Samantha’s journey began with the Seagrass Ecology Team at TropWATER since 2012, contributing to coastal seagrass monitoring for industrial sectors. In 2021, she successfully completed her PhD, studying the complex dispersal mechanisms of tropical seagrass, notably emphasizing the influential roles of dugongs and green sea turtles. This research has provided insight for conservation strategies, through emphasizing the crucial interplay between species interactions and ecosystem health. Overall, Samantha's research is marked by a dedicated commitment to bridging academic exploration and practical applicability. Her work provides a synergy between theoretical insight and real-world impact, contributing to the preservation of marine environments and advancing the boundaries of ecological understanding. Skye McKenna Senior Research Officer skye.mckenna@jcu.edu.au Skye McKenna completed a Bachelor of Science and an Honours degree in the field of marine biology and zoology at James Cook University. Her Honours research investigated invertebrates, namely, the Asian green mussel. This led to work with the Queensland Government and its marine pest program, and then onto working with the Queensland Fisheries Marine Ecology Group, with a focus on seagrass research and monitoring across the state. Skye has worked in the Cairns TropWATER team since 2012 across various research and monitoring projects. Her research is focused on tropical seagrass ecology and conservation, including implementing science and community-based solutions to assist with managing these important marine habitats. In her current role as a senior member and project leader/manager of the team, Skye is responsible for several state-wide seagrass habitat research, assessment, and monitoring programs. This work includes research and monitoring as part of a partnership between JCU and North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation to assess marine environmental health within ports. This project also supports related research and education opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students in seagrass and coral ecology, along with applied management in the ports industry. Sofi Forsman Master's student Originally from California, Sofi spent much of her childhood at the beach exploring tide pools and collecting shells. After spending her teen years volunteering at the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Marine Science Institute in Redwood City, she attended the University of Oregon, graduating with B.S. degrees in marine biology and environmental studies in 2022. It was during this time that she became dive certified and developed a passion for marine ecology and conservation. After finishing college, she spent time in Mexico, El Salvador, and Oregon before moving to Cairns to pursue her M.Phil with TropWATER in 2024. Sofi’s project focuses on mapping fish-benthic habitat associations and their implications for conservation planning in Marra Sea Country in the Gulf of Carpentaria. In addition to her studies, she works as a casual researcher assisting with image analysis, fish identification, GIS, and field work. In her free time, she enjoys being in the water, hiking, and knitting. Overall, Sofi is excited to be a part of the TropWATER team and hopes that her work can assist with long-term sustainable management of vital coastal ecosystems. Tessa Concannon Research Worker tessa.concannon@jcu.edu.au Tess joined the TropWATER team in 2024. She works across a range of projects including seagrass and coral monitoring, spatial analysis, coral recruitment studies, running training workshops for community members and Indigenous Rangers both on and off Country, and collaborating with industry partners. Tess completed her Bachelor of Animal Science in 2014, her Graduate Diploma in Conservation Biology in 2016, and is currently completing her Masters in Conservation Biology. Tess is a qualified coxswain and has extensive experience in scientific diving, management and work health and safety practices, and coral reef health monitoring. Previous work has seen Tess project manage a collaborative reef restoration and community engagement project with Traditional Owners, facilitate a broad range of research and education activities on JCU's Orpheus Island Research Station as a Station Officer, and manage and train teams in marine naturalist guiding in multiple locations on the Great Barrier Reef. Tim Smith Senior Research Officer tim.smith2@jcu.edu.au Tim Smith is a marine ecologist with a background in seagrass and fisheries ecology. His research largely focuses on seagrass resilience and restoration, fisheries contribution and connectivity. Tim completed his PhD at the University of Melbourne in 2010 on the effects of seagrass landscape on fish assemblages and maintained a broad interest in seagrass habitats. Tim has received funding from industry and government for projects that aim to understand fisheries and aquaculture practices to improve efficiency and reduce bycatch, investigate the impacts of herbivory on seagrass ecosystems, and is involved in mapping and monitoring seagrass habitats throughout North Queensland Ports. Tim has conducted research at institutes across the world, including Chile, Spain and France, and has worked in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. More recently, Tim has been monitoring fish community in nearshore habitats using underwater video to better understand fish connectivity in the Great Barrier Reef. This is in collaboration with researchers at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and the University of Sunshine Coast, and with Traditional Owners and rangers. Tim is also part of an ARC and industry-funded team working to develop a toolkit for tropical seagrass restoration, then up-scaling this for far north Queensland. Researchers MORE ACCESS Smith TM, Bramwell G, Treml EA, York PH, Macreadie PI, Ross DJ, Keough MJ, Sherman CDH. Seagrass habitats Isolation leads to greater clonality and reduced seed production in a temperate seagrass. ACCESS Hanuise D, Lin C, Tol S, Choukroun S, Rasheed MA, Dobbelaere T, York PH, Smith TM, Coles RG, Hanert E, Grech A. Seagrass habitats Experimentally derived buoyancy duration of seagrass fragments for biophysical dispersal modelling in the Great Barrier Reef. ACCESS Lin C, Rasheed MA, Coles RC, York PH, Lewis S, Grech A. Seagrass habitats Environmental influence on intraspecific trait variation in the tropical seagrass Halodule uninervis. ACCESS Condron TR, Smith TM, York PH, Murray NJ, Masque P, Rasheed MA. Seagrass habitats Recovery timeframe is a critical component in preserving carbon stocks in disturbed tropical seagrass meadows. ACCESS Scott A & Rasheed M. Seagrass habitats Port of Karumba long-term annual seagrass monitoring 2024. ACCESS Reason C, Rasheed M, Concannon T, Forte Valiente L, McKenna S. Seagrass habitats Seagrass habitat of Cairns Harbour and Trinity Inlet: Annual monitoring report 2024. ACCESS Said NE, Cleguer C, Lavery P, et al. Seagrass habitats Sparse seagrass meadows are critical dugong habitat: A novel rapid assessment of habitat-wildlife associations using paired drone and in-water surveys. ACCESS Rasheed MA, Bryant CV, Reason CL, York P, Cleguer C, Shrubhsall H, Hoffmann L. Seagrass habitats Towards water quality and monitoring guidelines for the health of seagrass and associated megafauna in the Burnett Mary Region. Reports and publications MORE

Growing native bushfoods could reverse environmental degradation and offer better food security. But how do we get bushfoods in the agricultural sector in a market saturated by modern crops? TropWATER Bringing back bushfoods: Australia’s landscape mapped to boost bush tucker 22 May 2024 TropWATER BACK New research from James Cook University’s TropWATER has mapped Australia’s entire landscape to uncover the best places to grow more than 170 bushfoods. The study found the Great Barrier Reef catchment area to be a hotspot for a wide range of bushfoods, including those most in-demand commercially, such as lemon myrtle, native plums, and bush tomatoes. Author Dr. Adam Canning said identifying what native crops can grow where was an important first step in scoping potential native food industries to support farmers. “Native foods in Australia have a rich history, and there is a growing demand to get bushfoods in the supermarket, yet the commercial production of native foods remains small,” he said. “This research maps Australia’s entire landscape to identify exactly what bushfoods can be grown where – and that’s a big step toward boosting Australia’s native food industry.” Dr. Canning said transitioning the agricultural landscape to include a diversity of native bushfoods would help reverse environmental degradation. “Modern non-native crops such as sugarcane and wheat need intensive cultivation, irrigation, herbicides, and pesticides, and are grown as monocultures,” he said. “This comes at a cost to the environment, and we’ve seen this happen along the Great Barrier Reef catchment.” “Diversifying modern agricultural systems to include native plants would help restore balance in coastal ecosystems through reducing runoff, improving soil health, and supporting biodiversity.” Coastal areas of Queensland’s wet tropics, south-east Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria were predicted to support the greatest diversity of native food and forage species. “These areas are the most agriculturally intensive areas with degraded environments, but they also have the greatest potential for regenerative agricultural practices,” he said. “Farmers could start small by trialling intercropping and slowly expand as knowledge and industries grow.” To further incentivise these practices, more financial benefit schemes need to be developed to reward farmers for providing ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration and reduced pollution. The research also indicates a significant opportunity for Indigenous-led business models within the emerging bush foods sector. However, steps would need to be taken to ensure Indigenous knowledge and intellectual property are protected. The research paper Rediscovering wild food to diversify production across Australia’s agricultural landscapes was published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. Next Previous

A James Cook University report has found evidence that sea level rise is visibly impacting mangroves across approximately 80% of the coastline from Cairns to Gladstone, with significant erosion visible along the sea edges, scouring of saltmarshes and landward movement of mangroves. TropWATER Mangrove damage along Great Barrier Reef and restoration hotspots 3 December 2024 TropWATER BACK The study also identifies 52 potential restoration hotspots covering 17,255 hectares. This is the first comprehensive helicopter survey conducted along the 1,000-kilometre coastline. The Great Barrier Reef Mangrove and Saltmarsh Condition Survey report used 80,000 high-resolution geo-referenced photographs from helicopter surveys, revealing the profound impacts of sea level rises, cyclone damage, and pollutants on mangrove habitats. The research was funded through Greening Australia’s Reef Aid program, as part of the Blue Carbon Initiative. JCU TropWATER researcher Professor Norm Duke said mangroves along the Great Barrier Reef coastline had not been surveyed to this extent before and results show vast damage. “Our observations provide clear, unequivocal, and quantifiable evidence of changes to this increasingly dynamic shoreline,” he said. “You can see how sea level rises are eating at the mangrove shoreline, where mangroves are simply collapsing into the sea edge. “The impact of severe tropical cyclones has battered the region over the past four decades, particularly Yasi in 2011 and Debbie in 2017. We can also see extensive shoreline tree loss from erosion, coupled with scouring erosion of salt pans, and retreat of terrestrial shorelines. “This is widespread evidence of rising sea levels.” Professor Duke said the aerial observations align with local records of sea level rise over the past half-century, which indicate an increase of at least 4mm per year. Mangroves are nature’s blue carbon powerhouses – capable of capturing and storing significant amounts of carbon, making them a vital tool in mitigating the climate crisis. They are also biodiversity hotspots that provide essential breeding grounds for native fish, while stabilising coastline ecosystems and reducing erosion. The team also identified 17,255 hectares of coastal land for restoration across 52 potential sites. The findings offer opportunities and insight into challenges for localised recovery and carbon sequestration, potentially funded by carbon markets. This is a critical step in preparing for coastline retreat and allowing mangroves to move landward as sea levels rise. TropWATER’s Dr Adam Canning stated while maintaining the health of existing mangroves along the Great Barrier Reef coastline was critical, identifying potential restoration sites was also an essential step in the climate crisis for sequestering carbon and manage coastal retreat. “Until now, beyond very limited desktop exercises, nobody knew if and where lost forests could be restored in the Great Barrier Reef, and what their capacity for carbon sequestration might be,” he said. “We used a combination of complementary methods to find the best spots for restoration, their potential for carbon storage and the specific restoration challenges one might face. “We coupled our field surveys with detail digital elevation models, essentially 3D images of the landscape, tidal ingress mapping, long-term satellite tracking of mangrove health, land tenure and regulatory triggers. “We also identified likely risks for each potential project and the main factors driving changes, like pollution, access tracks, feral pigs, sediment deposition, shoreline erosion, and storm damage. Greening Australia is already using the findings from this report to assess the potential for blue carbon ecosystem restoration for two projects in the Mulgrave and Mackay regions . Greening Australia’s Director of Reef Aid, Dr Lynise Wearne, said the research contributes important data to the field of blue carbon restoration and highlights the need and urgency for scaling investment into coastal restoration activities. “The report highlights challenges involved in restoring blue carbon ecosystems, but there is also research showing that these systems can respond quickly to interventions such as active revegetation and tidal inundation and achieve carbon storage. “These coastal ecosystems are vitally important for climate resilience and biodiversity, as well as being of deep cultural significance for First Nations communities. Greening Australia are committed to driving investment and working alongside First Nations communities to restore threatened coastal ecosystems." Next Previous

We conduct floristic surveys of mangrove ecosystems in Australia and worldwide to identify mangrove species and hybrids, map the distribution of mangrove communities, and monitor their health and condition, as well as developing identification guides that allow anyone to identify mangrove plants anywhere in the world. Australia, international Location Mangrove ecosystems are facing rapid losses worldwide, while there remain major knowledge gaps in the number of mangrove species globally, where different species are found, and where they may be most at risk. Our floristic surveys are collecting morphometric, genetic, and ecosystem health data for mangrove plants around Australia and the world, setting international standards for how mangroves are classified. Mangrove identification guides from this work allow anyone to identify mangrove plants anywhere in the world, increasing knowledge, raising public awareness, and supporting community-led conservation. Key points Floristic assessments and botanical guides for mangrove ecosystems BACK Mangroves under threat Every year, around 100 square kilometres of mangrove forests are lost worldwide. These losses reduce or remove the many benefits these unique ecosystems provide including protecting shorelines from severe weather and sea level rise, carbon sequestration and storage , habitat for fisheries, and nurseries for young fish and other marine life. Effective conservation of mangroves requires a detailed understanding of where species are found and threats they may be facing in different locations – but the global spread of mangroves makes this difficult. We are working to identify and record mangrove plant types (known as the study of floristics) and linking species data and their overall condition to inform mangrove classification and conservation efforts worldwide. From surveys to setting international standards Our researchers have surveyed mangrove ecosystems around Australia and worldwide to identify mangrove species, subspecies, and hybrids, map the distribution of mangrove communities, and monitor their health and condition. This includes long-term partnerships with key stakeholders for local- and regional-scale surveys to assess mangrove condition and the impacts of disturbance events (see Regional-scale aerial surveys of mangroves across northern Australia ). Our on-ground and aerial surveys form the foundation of our work setting the standard for mangrove ecosystem and botanical classifications worldwide. These classification projects include: Using morphometrics and genetics to understand mangrove taxonomy, evolution and change, vulnerability to extinction, and how subspecies are classified – including identification of new species and development of more than 80 research publications. Evaluating mangrove floristics for conservation assessments, such as the IUCN Red List of Ecosystem Assessment Reports for mangroves of the Eastern Coral Sea Triangle, the Australian Coral Sea, the Northwest of Australia and Sahul, the South-west Australian Shelf, and the East Central and Southeast Australian Shelf. Guides just a tap away Publications arising from this work provide valuable resources for researchers, students, citizen scientists, and anyone interested in mangroves. These resources include botanical guidebooks, scientific publications, an online database with the Atlas of Living Australia (CSIRO), and an internationally acclaimed identification app for all mangroves in the world. The World Mangrove iD-2 app features more than 80 mangrove plant types, including species, intermediates, hybrids, and subspecies, helping users to identify and record mangrove plants anywhere mangroves are found. To assist with species identification, the app also describes a small number of plants occasionally associated with mangrove plants in their unique intertidal niche. The app contains over 1500 images as well as detailed species information, key features, photo recognition, worldwide country checklists, IUCN Mangrove Ecosystem region lists, and complete botanical identification keys for every taxon. Users are encouraged to contribute their findings and photos to be considered in ongoing updates of the app, further improving this collective body of knowledge about mangrove species and where they are found. Together with MangroveWatch citizen science programs with Earthwatch Australia , these floristic guides support community-led monitoring and greater public awareness of mangrove ecosystems for boosting conservation efforts at local, regional, and global scales. With the assistance of dedicated citizen scientists, more than 10% of the world’s mangrove plants have been named and described with this project. Project details Floristic surveys are led by Professor Norm Duke with funding and support from multiple sources including the US Forest Service, IUCN Red List for Ecosystems, IUCN French Committee, Earthwatch Australia, Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland, and the Norman Wettenhall Foundation. Related resources Mangrove species list on the Atlas of Living Australia (2026) World Mangrove iD-2: Expert ID for the world’s mangrove plants (2025) app for Apple and Android New Caledonian mangroves: A treasure to protect (2023) Mangroves of the Kien Giang Biosphere Reserve, Vietnam (2012) Australia’s Mangroves: The authoritative guide to Australia’s mangrove plants (2006) Research support Norm Duke Senior Research Scientist norman.duke@jcu.edu.au Research leads

TropWATER are northern Australia's leading environmental DNA (eDNA) experts. We use genetic clues to revolutionise how we detect invasive and threatened species, and we are advancing eDNA science with our easy-to-use field kits and targeted assays for northern Australian species. Environmental DNA We use genetic clues to revolutionise how to detect invasive and threatened species. 0 Samples analysed 0 Target species assays 0 Sites surveyed What is evironmental DNA (eDNA)? All species shed traces of DNA into the environment through skin, faeces, blood, mucus, sperm, and other biological material. This is known as environmental DNA (eDNA). By analysing small fragments of this DNA in water or soil samples, we can detect species across large or hard-to-reach areas without the need to physically see or capture them. Results are delivered in a report with expert interpretation to help you understand what was detected and what it means. We ensure high-quality data: Our eDNA metabarcoding data is reviewed by ecologist experts on each particular taxon (fish, amphibians, invertebrates, etc) to minimise species misassignments Our targeted eDNA assays are developed following international guidelines, and our data is always Sanger-sequenced to minimise false positives We advise whether further field surveys are recommended. Where relevant, we highlight biosecurity concerns or whether the detection supports recovery or conservation planning. High-quality data Results: expert interpretation for management, biosecurity and conservation Samples collected in the field are sent to our lab, where DNA is extracted and analysed. All lab protocols are designed to maximise eDNA detection and ensure accurate, reliable results. Our team uses specialised equipment to extract eDNA directly from large volumes of water, so field teams don’t need to filter samples. We’ve also developed preservation methods that don’t require refrigeration, making it easier to collect and store samples in remote areas for later analysis. Analysis in the lab Our lab: advanced analysis and preservation methods Our eDNA kits Each eDNA kit is designed by our scientists to maximise detection, by either targeting a specific species (like yellow crazy ants) or a broader group (such as all fish or bacteria) using metabarcoding. We also adapt sampling methods to suit different environments, from fast-flowing rivers to estuaries and the open ocean. We provide training so that anyone, including community groups and Traditional Owners, can use these kits to collect water or soil samples. Their simplicity supports widespread, community-led monitoring across large and remote areas. eDNA kits: how they work and who collects samples We are northern Australia’s leading eDNA experts Using advanced techniques in our lab, our scientists have developed targeted eDNA methods to detect and monitor invasive and endangered species. We’ve contributed to biosecurity surveillance, environmental impact assessments, tracking fish communities in Australian waterways, locating threatened species, and advancing eDNA science itself, while working with Traditional Owners, community groups, governments, councils and regional bodies. Locating and protecting threatened species We have advanced eDNA technology to detect threatened species, such as frogs, turtles, and freshwater fish, without needing to see or capture them. This is highly effective at surveying large or remote areas, identify hard-to-find species, and minimise disturbance to sensitive habitats. It helps conservationists, land managers, and Traditional Owner groups make informed decisions and respond more effectively to species decline. Case studies Finding ‘missing’ frogs using eDNA TropWATER scientists developed a method to detect endangered frog populations by tracing their DNA in waterways – even when the frogs are more than 20 kilometres upstream. This approach is helping locate elusive species once thought to be lost, and is transforming how threatened amphibians are surveyed across northern Australia. We rediscovered the Irwin turtle TropWATER scientists used environmental DNA (eDNA) to confirm the presence of the Irwin’s turtle in the lower Burdekin River – the first formal record in more than 25 years. This rediscovery, made possible through water sampling across three river catchments, challenges earlier assumptions about the species’ survival in turbid waters and shows the power of eDNA to detect elusive species in remote and crocodile-prone areas. Strengthening community-led efforts We work closely with community groups, Traditional Owners, Indigenous Rangers, and local councils to make eDNA science more accessible and locally relevant. By supporting community-led monitoring and offering training in sampling techniques, we’re helping build capacity on the ground. These partnerships strengthen local knowledge, improve long-term data collection, and create shared ownership in the protection of northern Australia’s waterways and biodiversity. Case studies Tracking cane toads We developed a highly sensitive eDNA method that can detect the presence of a single cane toad from just a brief visit to a small waterbody, even when toads only stayed for five minutes. In partnership with the Torres Strait Regional Authority, this technique is now helping Indigenous Rangers monitor cane toads across the Torres Strait, providing a practical tool to detect early invasions and support local biosecurity efforts. Monitoring fish communities We’ve worked with local groups like OzFish, Creekwatch, and Traditional Owners to monitor fish communities in creeks and rivers using eDNA. By training community members to collect water samples, species can be detected without relying on traps or nets. This approach has helped communities in Townsville, the Burdekin, and the Herbert region better understand the fish living in their waterways and contribute to long-term monitoring and management. Biosecurity for invasive species Our eDNA technology allows early detection of invasive species, like yellow crazy ants and Varroa mites. It enables rapid biosecurity response and management to stop their spread and be used as a surveillance tool. We can deliver a fast, cost-effective methods to improve biosecurity by detecting low-density and hidden species over large areas. Case studies Invasive ants on Reef Islands Invasive ants like electric ants, fire ants, and yellow crazy ants pose a serious biosecurity risk to Great Barrier Reef islands, threatening native wildlife such as bird chicks and turtle hatchlings. TropWATER researchers, working with Traditional Owner groups, used eDNA to detect these species by analysing soil samples for their unique DNA. The project developed and field-tested targeted detection methods to support early intervention and protect island ecosystems. Screening for Varroa mites Varroa mites are one of the most serious biosecurity threats to Australia’s honeybee industry, weakening bee populations and putting pollination-dependent crops and ecosystems at risk. To support early intervention, TropWATER researchers have developed reliable eDNA protocols to detect Varroa mites in honeybee populations. This work has also contributed to portable diagnostic tools for rapid, on-site screening — improving response times and strengthening national efforts to contain outbreaks. Advancing eDNA science We have advanced eDNA methods for science to detect both individual species and broader groups of species using genetic markers, with both processes requiring detailed genetic knowledge and rigorous lab testing. To accurately detect rare or invasive species, our team designs species-specific primers. We have also advanced metabarcoding methods, which are a newer eDNA technique that detects many species at once by analysing shared genetic markers in samples. This provides a broader view of biodiversity and how ecological communities change over time. Case studies First to detect invertebrates TropWATER was among the first to successfully detect terrestrial invertebrates using eDNA, demonstrating that species like yellow crazy ants could be identified from water samples — even when infestations were located hundreds of metres from the source. This early breakthrough expanded the scope of eDNA beyond aquatic species and paved the way for new applications in terrestrial biosecurity and pest surveillance. Tracking cane toads Metabarcoding improves soil health TropWATER scientists are expanding the use of eDNA metabarcoding to study how microbes and invertebrates cycle nutrients in agricultural soils. This technique detects multiple microbial and invertebrate organisms at once, helping reveal how different farming practices influence nutrient retention, leaching, and runoff. The research is advancing eDNA science while supporting landholders to improve soil health, reduce fertiliser losses, and improve water quality. Explore our work Use our map below to explore different projects and target species. eDNA FAQ Looking for more information? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about eDNA sampling and analysis. Still have questions? Contact us about our eDNA lab and kits. What is the difference between target species detection and metabarcoding? Target species detection uses a highly specific test, called an assay, to look for the DNA of one species, such as the endangered armoured frog or the invasive yellow crazy ant. Every field sample collected is scanned for this specific assay. Metabarcoding scans for a broad group of species (like all fish or all bacteria) by targeting a gene section they all share. It gives you a snapshot of the biodiversity present in your sample. Both approaches rely on reference databases of known DNA sequences. When would you use metabarcoding? Metabarcoding is ideal when you want to understand what communities of species live in an environment. It’s used to assess biodiversity in rivers, oceans, or soil, track changes in ecosystems over time, or study microbes involved in soil and water health. It's also useful when you're not sure what species you're looking for. The most common species tend to appear most in the results because they collectively shed more eDNA, but rare species can still be detected. Can metabarcoding identify all species with DNA present in a sample? No – while metabarcoding identifies a broad group of species with a shared gene in a sample, identifying all species from all groups is very challenging for technical and practical reasons. Technical reasons include the sampling design (eDNA from some species may not be captured due to low abundance, low shedding rates, or suboptimal sampling) and PCR efficiency (DNA from some species will be more easily amplified than others). Metabarcoding assays are designed to focus on a targeted group of species (such as fish, corals, or microbes) so species outside that group will not be detected. Practical limitations involve reference databases; DNA sequences must be matched to known references, and not all species have reference DNA available. When would you use targeted detection? Targeted detection is used when you are searching for one specific species. Since it is the most sensitive eDNA method of detection, it is useful when trying to locate an endangered or invasive species because the presence or absence of an individual of that species could have implications for conservation or biosecurity. Targeted detection is also valuable for locating species whose characteristics, like camouflage or remaining hidden, make them difficult to observe directly. How is eDNA improving the way we find species? The way eDNA samples are collected and analysed has revolutionised how we can detect species across a range of environments. Sampling is quick and easy, allowing for screening of large areas, and it does not require expertise. Detection is also indirect, as it doesn’t require sighting the species directly, so it can be used to find rare/cryptic species or provide a broad snapshot of whole communities in an ecosystem. This can be a powerful tool for early detection of invasive species, before sightings occur. Are all eDNA labs the same? No, not all eDNA labs operate at the same level. Our lab: Delivers both commercial and research services, while developing new field and lab methods to advance eDNA science and ensure robust data. Targeted eDNA : We design assays to international best practice guidelines, test them against our large fish and reptile tissue collection, and validate all positive detections through Sanger sequencing. This guarantees that all positive detections have been scrutinised. Metabarcoding : Our data is reviewed by expert ecologists with knowledge of Australian biodiversity in each taxonomic group (e.g., fish, vertebrates, invertebrates) to reduce false positives from taxonomic misassignments. Training : We provide training in eDNA methods, covering theory, sampling techniques, and data interpretation. Do you test in marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments? Yes. Soil and water samples can be collected from terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, and marine environments. We can design a sampling plan tailored to your project and research questions. What species can be detected using eDNA methods? Species from across a wide range of taxonomic groups can be detected using eDNA analysis, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and plants as well as mammals, birds, fish, invertebrates, and more. Although some organisms naturally shed more DNA than others, even rare species can be detected using appropriate eDNA protocols. Does eDNA sample collection require specialised equipment? No – our sampling kits have been specifically designed to be used in tropical remote areas of northern Australia. Sampling simply consists of filling up a jar with water and pouring it into another jar containing the preservative buffer. This means that there is no need to specialised equipment, not even a fridge or ice, since the samples do not have to be kept cool. How long do samples last? Water samples can last for between six weeks to three months, depending on temperatures. We have trialled the efficiency of the preservative buffer and it can keep eDNA intact in temperatures as high as 60°C for at least six weeks and ambient temperatures for at least three months. What is the process? Project goals : The TropWATER eDNA team meets with you to discuss project objectives. Sample collection : Water, soil, or air samples are taken using a field kit provided by TropWATER. DNA extraction : The sample is processed in a lab to extract any DNA present. Analysis for metabarcoding or target species : The target gene sequences for a taxon/organism are identified, matched to databases, and interpreted based on the species you’re targeting or group you’re assessing. Results : A report is provided that includes a detailed account of the methods used, results on species detection, and recommendations. Contact us about our eDNA lab and kits If you’re considering using eDNA for research, monitoring, or management, we can help tailor the right tools and methods for your needs. Get in touch today. Please fill out the contact form and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible to discuss how we can support your project. Your details First name Last name Email* Organisation Next

Have a question, feedback, or need support? We're just a message away. Reach out to us using the form on this page, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can connect with us via email or give us a call via the details provided. Contact us Have a question, feedback, or need support? We're just a message away. Reach out to us using the form on this page, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can connect with us via email or give us a call via the details below. First name* Last name* Email* Phone Company name Message SUBMIT Subscribe Join the TropWATER community by subscribing to our newsletter today! Stay up to date with the latest in water research and conservation. First name* Last name* Company name Email* SUBMIT Townsville (Main office) Phone: 07 4781 4262 Fax: 07 4781 5589 TropWATER@jcu.edu.au TropWATER James Cook University ATSIP Building 145 James Cook Drive Douglas QLD 4811 Cairns TropWATER@jcu.edu.au TropWATER James Cook University Building E1 1/14–88 McGregor Road Smithfield QLD 4878 Water Quality Laboratory Phone: 07 4781 5214 Fax: 07 4781 5589 TropWATER.WQL@jcu.edu.au TropWATER James Cook University ATSIP Building 145 James Cook Drive Douglas QLD 4811 Media and communications 07 4781 4073 molly.mcshane1@jcu.edu.au TropWATER James Cook University ATSIP Building 145 James Cook Drive Douglas QLD 4811 Offices

The new JCU TropWATER coastal health tracker brings together thousands of aerial images from our surveys of northern Australia’s coastlines in one online tool for anyone to use. TropWATER Coastal imagery tool unlocks ecological insights 2 July 2025 TropWATER BACK From monitoring shoreline condition to evaluating storm impacts, this tool will enable researchers, communities, governments, and environmental managers to investigate a range of factors shaping their coastlines. Read on for examples of how we have already used this imagery to address ecological challenges across northern Australia. Coastal Health Tracker Identifying hotspots for restoration Where: Cairns to Gladstone Assessing tidal wetland condition and current threats is critical to identify where restoration efforts might be effectively applied. Coastal survey imagery can be used to evaluate damage to or loss of intertidal wetlands and the processes threatening their health for targeted intervention. Our team partnered with Greening Australia to evaluate potential areas for tidal wetland restoration from aerial imagery along the coastline from Cairns to Gladstone. They identified over 17,000 hectares with high potential for coastal restoration. Read more Assessing the impacts of storms and floods Where: Cooktown to south of Cairns Aerial surveys are crucial to assessing the impacts of severe storms and floods on shorelines and coastal ecosystems, with imagery collected prior to these events providing important information on baseline conditions. TropWATER researchers assessed the impacts of severe flooding associated with Tropical Cyclone Jasper on the coastline using imagery from aerial surveys one year after the event. This provided insights into potential sites for targeted restoration and early signs of natural recovery. Finding ghost nets and plastic pollution Where: Gulf of Carpentaria Ghost nets (discarded or lost fishing nets) are a significant marine pollution issue and pose a serious threat to marine animals that may become entangled in these nets. Ghost nets can be identified from shoreline imagery to determine hotspots for net accumulation and to assess how the spread of ghost nets may be changing over time. Researchers from CSIRO, the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, and Earthwatch collaborated with TropWATER scientists to identify ghost nets using this approach in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Read more Tracking mangrove recovery after diebacks Where: Gulf of Carpentaria Coastal imagery from repeat surveys over the same stretches of shoreline can provide valuable insights into natural recovery of mangroves and tidal wetlands after dieback events. Our team have assessed the impact of the 2015-2016 mangrove mass dieback in the Gulf of Carpentaria, identifying over 80 square kilometres of mangrove forests were lost. The team are now tracking how mangroves have recovered over the decade since the dieback event. Read more Explore our coastal imagery datasets here: Coastal Health Tracker Next Previous

Indigenous rangers and scientists team up to drive coral growth on the Great Barrier Reef during spawning season and beyond. A team of scientists, First Nations Rangers, tourism operators, and conservationists have collected millions of coral sperm and egg bundles at Moore Reef on Gunggandji Sea Country, 50 kilometers offshore from Cairns. TropWATER Indigenous rangers and scientists team up to drive coral growth 3 December 2024 TropWATER BACK After a week of incubating in custom-designed pools, the coral babies have been settled out at nearby Hastings Reef, on Yirrganydji Sea Country, in the hope of repairing patches of degraded reef. The larval delivery project is part of the newly launched reef conservation collective called ‘The Reef Cooperative’, a partnership between Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation, James Cook University (JCU), Reef Recruits, Mars Sustainable Solutions, GBR Biology, and funded by Cotton On Foundation. The coral larvae project is led by JCU TropWATER and Reef Recruits, who bring years of experience with raising and settling coral larvae and managing complex marine field operations. JCU’s Dr. Katie Chartrand says climate-related disturbances are increasing and the windows for reefs to recover are getting shorter and shorter. “By using the Great Barrier Reef’s most reproductive time of year – the annual synchronized spawning – we have the potential to significantly boost reef recovery at targeted reef sites,” she said. “Key to this project is that it’s being delivered with traditional custodians who hold a wealth of knowledge about their local reefs while the research team provides the scientific tools to train those involved. “This project has been an opportunity to work hand in hand with two local Traditional Owner groups. Sharing our knowledge on spawning and larval rearing is building local capacity to drive conservation outcomes for First Nations peoples across the Great Barrier Reef in the future.” The team will release 30 million larvae in the project over the next 3 years and build capacity within the community and The Reef Cooperative. “The transfer of coral larvae from Gunggandji Sea Country to Yirrganydji Sea Country for settling on Hastings Reef is an important opportunity to engage Traditional Owner groups and tell our story about the Great Barrier Reef. Through The Reef Cooperative, we can focus on the Aboriginal cultural heritage dimensions of the Great Barrier Reef, which have not historically been known or told across Australia and the world,” Gavin Singleton, Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation. These larvae will increase coral coverage over more than 200 square meters of strategically selected degraded reef. The baby corals will have lots of natural predators, but at least 15,000 of them should survive to maturity. ”It’s a privilege to work on this project in collaboration with Traditional Owners. It’s also exciting to be trialling new methods to increase the coverage of high-density larval delivery,” said Dr. Kerry Cameron, Reef Recruits. This project spans two different sea countries, which is only possible thanks to the support and collaboration of the Gunggandji and Yirrganydji people. Gunggandji Elders say Moore Reef has long been known to them as a source reef and they have a strong spiritual connection with it. “The fusion of Traditional Owner Ecological Knowledge with modern science for the whole world to see and be part of is what the mutually beneficial partnership of the Reef Cooperative is all about, and provides hope for the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef for generations to come,” said Eric Fisher, GBR Biology. Tim Diamond, GM of Cotton On Foundation says, “Through our partnership with Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, we are proud to be the founding funders of The Reef Cooperative and supporting the important cultural and conservation milestones for Hastings Reef on Yirrganydji Sea Country. The Reef Cooperative is a unique conservation model in action, driven by innovation and knowledge sharing between Traditional Owners, scientists, and conservationists that can help protect and conserve the Great Barrier Reef. We’re looking forward to mobilising our customers and supporters in reef conservation over the next three years of The Reef Cooperative journey.” Yirrganydji rangers have supported the fieldwork to prepare the delivery site at Hastings Reef, and rangers from both groups will help with the collection of coral spawn and raising of the larvae Next Previous

Restricting spearfishing in some 'yellow zones' in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park has doubled the abundance of coral trout, according to new research led by James Cook University scientists. TropWATER Spearfishing restrictions boost fish stocks 3 December 2024 TropWATER BACK The study published in Biological Conservation focused on reefs around the Capricorn Bunkers, offshore from Gladstone, looking at the abundance of targeted fish species in partially protected Marine Park Zones known as 'yellow zones'. Researchers compared yellow zones that allow spearfishing to ‘special management area’ yellow zones that prohibit spearfishing. JCU’s TropWATER scientist Dr April Hall said while spearfishing can be an ecologically sustainable activity with minimal bycatch, restricting the activity via designated spearing-free management zones can have conservation benefits at a regional scale. “What we found was in yellow zones that excluded spearfishing, the numbers of target species such as coral trout were significantly higher compared to fishing zones that allow spearfishing,” she said. “These restricted yellow zones also rivaled the abundance in nearby protected no-take green zones." “Regardless of the effects of spearfishing, both kinds of yellow zones still support a greater abundance of coral trout compared to nearby blue zones, where fishing is less restricted.” Dr Hall said while this study showed the conservation benefits of prohibiting spearfishing, it’s not necessarily the case across the entire Great Barrier Reef. “We’ve compared other yellow zones in different parts of the Great Barrier Reef and the outcome varies, most likely due to differences in the popularity of spearfishing.” JCU’s Professor Mike Kingsford said no-take marine reserves were one of the most effective conservation measures to restore the abundance of fish. “Fully protected green zones in the area support the most significant number of large coral trout,” he said. “This is a really important protection measure because large coral trout change sex from female to male, and this helps to maintain healthy breeding populations.” Co-author, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s Director Darren Cameron said the research demonstrated that yellow zones were an important marine park management tool providing a balance between conservation and sustainable fishing activities. “Healthy fish populations in both yellow zones and protected no-take green zones produce baby fish, many of which grow up and are subsequently caught throughout fished areas. These zones improve fishing, with more fish also importantly contributing to the health and resilience of the entire Great Barrier Reef,” he said. Next Previous

As part of the newly-launched Water Quality Science & Agriculture Hub, Dr Stephen Lewis delves into the history of the Great Barrier Reef, tracing its development over the past 7,000 years and exploring the complexities of establishing a baseline for assessing its health. Stephen Lewis A history of the Great Barrier Reef 8 April 2025 Stephen Lewis BACK In this article, Dr Lewis examines how scientists use geological and coral records to measure the reef's health over centuries and millennia, shedding light on how the frequency of disturbances like river runoff and coral bleaching has increased in recent times. There are several reasons that motivate me to do my research. Mostly it is to quantify what has changed in our local region over the longer term and to share this knowledge with others. For the Great Barrier Reef, that means exploring one of my favourite topics: long-term environmental and climate records. These records help us build a baseline of the Reef’s natural variability. But how do we establish a starting point to measure its health? The answer is more complex than it seems... Let’s think about climate change Scientists have grappled with measuring changes to environmental health for years. Let’s think about this in terms of climate change research. We know the climate is changing rapidly, and to understand future impacts, scientists look to the distant past. We also know that rapid climate shifts have happened before, some leading to mass extinctions – and some of those ancient events are used to downplay today’s climate crisis. But is it valid to compare climate changes from over 10 million years ago to what’s happening now? Modern humans have only been around for 300,000 years – a blink in Earth’s 4.6-billion-year history. Our ancestors lived through major sea-level changes, including five ice ages and six interglacial periods. But the rate of today’s change is faster than anything they experienced. So where should we draw the baseline? A human lifetime of 80 years? The 300,000 years of modern human history? The 66 million years since mammals took over? The 580 million years of complex life? Or the full 4.6 billion years of Earth’s story? I honestly don’t know the best answer for climate change, but it does give us great context for measuring the baseline health of the Great Barrier Reef. Seven thousand years young: how old is the reef? So let’s get back to the Great Barrier Reef – how far back should we go to assess the Reef’s current health and future prospects against a long-term baseline? When should we start comparing its recovery and disturbance patterns – like shifts in seawater temperatures, sea-level changes, cyclone intensity and frequency, terrestrial runoff and exposure to sediment and nutrient loads, and crown-of-thorns starfish outbreaks? To answer that, we first need to consider the Reef’s history. The Great Barrier Reef has been in existence for the past 800,000 years. The ‘modern Reef’, as we know today, has only been in place for the past 7,000 years. That’s only about 1 percent of that time. Sea level during the last ice age, around 19,000 years ago, was 125 metres lower than today. This means Australia’s coastline was about 50 to 100 km further offshore. The inshore Great Barrier Reef we know today didn’t exist. It was part of a large floodplain. Back then, the Great Barrier Reef was a thin veneer – a much smaller, narrow strip of reefs growing along the outer edge of the continental shelf. With the melting of the ice sheets, sea-level rose from -125 m to reach present levels around 7,500 years ago. This coincides with when most of the coral reefs of the middle and inner shelf began growing about 7,000 years ago. Coral reef accretion – their growth vertically and laterally – peaked 5,000–6,000 years ago before slowing around 4,000 years ago as most reefs reached sea level and sea levels fell by around 1 m. To put it simply, coral reefs grew quickly to use the best space available and then accretion rates have slowed or even ceased at some sites. This natural shift suggests a 4,000-year baseline for assessing reef health, as it reflects the conditions under which today’s Reef ecosystems evolved –making it a more relevant point of comparison than deeper geological history. Great Barrier Reef monitoring dates back 40 years – how can we go beyond that timeline? There are two large scale monitoring programs that use systematic and reproducible methods to gauge the health of the Reef that allow trends in condition to be evaluated. The Long Term Monitoring Program run by the Australian Institute of Marine Science mostly focuses on the mid and outer reefs of the Great Barrier Reef commenced around 1986. The Marine Monitoring Program run by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority that focuses on seagrass meadow and coral reef health of the inshore Great Barrier Reef started in 2005. Both of these monitoring programs show disturbances are occurring more frequently, leaving less capacity for recovery. But do we only have “the data” to properly benchmark reef condition trends over the past 20 to 40 years? While these datasets are highly valuable, we need to draw on geological records to build a longer baseline to understand a more complete picture of how the Reef has changed over time and what lies ahead. Coral cores, growth rings, and rubble – how we uncover evidence Now I can come back to my favourite topic – foundational records of climate and environmental change. By studying geological and natural records like coral growth rings, coral rubble, and reef cores, we can find evidence that show when and how often disturbances happened over much longer periods – and in some cases we can date this back 7,000 years. This extends our baseline back much further than a few decades. So, let’s consider these disturbances and the methods we can use to investigate how they have changed beyond our monitoring data, to go back hundreds and even thousands of years. Seawater temperatures and coral bleaching Coral bleaching is a stress response where a coral expels its zooxanthellae. It can be triggered by unusually warm or cold seawater temperatures, low salinity or other environmental stressors. Not all bleached corals die. While severely bleached corals can die and some reefs do not fully recover to their former state – many have the ability to recover if conditions improve. Historical records provide evidence that bleaching at individual or a small cluster of reefs has likely always occurred. But mass coral bleaching events – where bleaching of a large proportion of corals occur across multiple coral reefs – appears to be a relatively recent phenomenon. It was first recorded globally in the strong El Niño of 1983/84, and for the first time in the Great Barrier Reef during the strong 1997/98 El Niño. Since then, the Great Barrier Reef has endured six mass coral bleaching events (2002, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022, 2024) – each linked to abnormally warm seawater temperatures that persist over several weeks. So how do we know that mass bleaching linked to elevated seawater temperatures is a recent phenomenon, especially when monitoring only dates back to the 1980s? How can we measure past seawater temperatures before reliable instrument measurements were available? This is where we look at coral skeletons. Here scientists can use the chemistry of coral skeletons to quantify the seawater temperatures over much longer periods. Massive corals lay down annual growth rings similar to trees and we can use trace elements such as strontium and uranium in these skeletons to reveal past seawater temperatures. By counting coral growth rings or using dating methods like radiocarbon or uranium-series, and analysing the skeleton’s chemistry, we can reconstruct past seawater temperatures from long before instruments existed. A recent study used this method on a number of coral core records dating back 400 years and showed that seawater temperatures today are much higher than what they have been over that period. Longer records suggest that seawater temperatures are the highest they have been for at least 20,000 years. More research is required to produce coral reef temperature records that extend further back over the past 7,000 years, although it appears the seawater temperatures are changing faster than what reefs of the past have experienced. Records of tropical cyclone frequency and intensity The Great Barrier Reef holds natural records of past cyclones – like coral rubble piled behind beaches or tossed onto reef flats. Even cave formations (speleothems) on the Atherton Tablelands have captured cyclone history through their chemical makeup. Tropical cyclones can break up coral reefs with large waves. Storm surges then push the broken pieces onshore, forming coral rubble ridges like sand dunes, but made instead of coral fragments. Scientists measure their height and date the fragments to learn about past storms. This tells us when the cyclone occurred and how intense the cyclone was – the more intense the higher the ridge. The records point to the presence of ‘super cyclones’ in the period between 4,000 and 6,000 years ago. Indeed, the past 1,000 years is thought to be a ‘lull period’ for large tropical cyclones. Crown of thorns starfish outbreaks The Great Barrier Reef has now endured four recent waves of destructive crown of thorns starfish outbreaks since the 1960s. The outbreaks of crown of thorns greatly reduce coral cover over a reef and the frequency of these recent outbreaks occurs every 12 to 15 years. While the specific cause of these outbreaks is still subject to debate and under investigation, it is thought outbreaks have become more frequent in recent times. Some scientists believe the increase is due to more food (plankton) from increased nutrients, and others that it is due to less natural predators (such as the triton snails). Both hypotheses may be correct. When crown of thorns starfish die they leave behind small spicules (like a skeleton) that become buried in the reef structure. Sediment cores from coral reefs reveal layers that are indicative of historical outbreaks. This evidence shows crown of thorns starfish outbreaks have occurred in the Great Barrier Reef over the past 6,000 years, although the evidence for the frequency of these historical events is lacking. River discharge and terrestrial runoff The growth rings of the massive corals provide other useful measures of climate and environmental variability, including river discharge and terrestrial runoff. When a coral slice is illuminated under a UV light, thin yellow lines of varying intensity glow from the skeleton. The intensity of these individual lines are directly correlated with the volume of river discharge from the adjacent river catchment. Hence, we can use these coral records as a river gauge to quantify river discharge over hundreds of years. This has been done for the Burdekin River where we can extend the river discharge history back to 1648 CE. Data show that the biggest flow events (top 10%) for the Burdekin River have increased over time. From 1650–1850, they were about 10–12 million ML. This rose to 17 million ML from 1850–1950, and 22 million ML from 1950–2012. The increase in the volume of these large flow events means that river plumes carrying terrestrial pollutants are likely to extend further into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. Further, the frequency of these large discharge events has increased. From 1650–1850, they occurred about once every 14–20 years. That changed to once every 7 years (1850–1950), and once every 6 years (1950–2012). So, floods have become both larger and more frequent. Discharge over the extreme 2010–11 season was likely the biggest freshwater discharge to the Great Barrier Reef in over 500 years. The chemistry of the coral skeleton also reveals changes in sediment loads discharged to the Great Barrier Reef as a result of land use changes in the adjacent river catchments. The corals are ‘seeing and recording’ the influence of increased terrestrial runoff. Findings emerging from the Marine Monitoring Program show that terrestrial runoff including freshwater, sediments and nutrients are impacting the condition of coral reefs and seagrass meadows within the inshore Great Barrier Reef. Furthermore, the findings also show that good water quality is paramount for marine ecosystems to recover quickly from disturbance events. Data from the Long Term Monitoring Program of the mid and outer shelf coral reefs currently show faster recovery of coral cover relative to their inshore counterparts partly because of better water quality conditions. Summary Geological records provide incredible insights into the Great Barrier Reef, clearly showing the Reef is experiencing disturbances at much greater frequency than it has done for at least the past 500 to 1,000 years. It’s unclear if this is unprecedented over the past 4,000 to 7,000 years – that’s what motivates much of my research. With rising sea temperatures, larger floods, stronger cyclones, and threats like ocean acidification, disturbance frequency is likely to increase. The current observations from monitoring programs suggest that the condition of marine ecosystems have been ramping down over the past decade or so. It’s not all bad news though. Evidence is emerging there are some ‘fortunate reefs’. While coral reefs are declining, some reefs sit in cooler, more sheltered waters. Management efforts like crown of thorns starfish control, restoration, and water quality programs aim to ease pressure and give the Reef a better chance to recover. Time will tell whether these interventions are enough but at least we have some hope in trying. Image credits: Eric Matson, AIMS; Ido Fridberg, JCU; Dr Emma Ryan and Emily Lazarus. Next Previous

Mangroves are crucial for coastal ecosystems, providing nursery habitats, protecting shorelines, and acting as significant carbon sinks. Mangroves Scoping coastal wetlands and suitable trees for blue carbon restoration This project identifies potential wetland restoration sites between Cairns and Gladstone. Featured project READ MORE Mangroves are crucial for coastal ecosystems, providing nursery habitats, protecting shorelines, and acting as significant carbon sinks. Our projects focus on monitoring, assessing, and restoring mangrove ecosystems to address environmental changes and impacts. We provide expert advice, conduct detailed floristic surveys, and develop effective mitigation strategies to support conservation and sustainable management efforts. BACK We conduct floristic surveys of mangrove ecosystems in Australia and worldwide to identify mangrove species and hybrids, map the distribution of mangrove communities, and monitor their health and condition, as well as developing identification guides that allow anyone to identify mangrove plants anywhere in the world. Floristic assessments and botanical guides for mangrove ecosystems Research READ MORE COMING SOON We surveyed over 250 km of coastline with First Nations partners to assess the impact of flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper, one year after the flood event. Assessing the impacts of flooding after Tropical Cyclone Jasper Monitoring READ MORE COMING SOON We conduct large-scale shoreline surveys and monitoring of mangrove ecosystems to assess the impacts of sea level rise, extreme climate events, and human activities. These surveys provide crucial information to inform effective protection and restoration efforts for these habitats. Regional-scale aerial surveys of mangroves across northern Australia Monitoring READ MORE COMING SOON This project identifies potential wetland restoration sites between Cairns and Gladstone. Scoping coastal wetlands and suitable trees for blue carbon restoration Monitoring READ MORE COMING SOON Projects READ Explainer: Blue carbon 1 October 2025 READ Coastal imagery tool unlocks ecological insights 2 July 2025 READ Explainer: Nursery habitats 12 May 2025 READ Long-term recovery of mangroves after a major oil spill 10 March 2025 News Adam Canning Senior Research Officer adam.canning@jcu.edu.au Adam’s interests lie in investigating nature-based solutions to have a productive agricultural landscape within ecologically healthy catchments that support high water security. He has experience in using network modelling to better under the flow of nutrients (carbon and nitrogen) through catchments and aquatic ecosystems, species distribution modelling, catchment land use planning, sports fish and game bird management, and the interface between freshwater science and policy/planning. At present, he is working on how wetlands and regenerative actions can be incorporated into our landscapes to increase food production, improve water quality, or buffer against climate change. Gabriela Thompson-Saud Research Officer gabriela.thompsonsaud@jcu.edu.au Gabriela is a marine spatial ecologist currently working on mangrove conservation. She is involved in projects that combine remote sensing and fieldwork to assess mangrove health, recovery after disturbances and carbon storage, as well as a restoration program aimed at improving mangrove conservation strategies. Gabriela’s PhD in Environmental Science with James Cook University focused on the transport, dispersal, and connectivity of mangrove and kelp forests in the Great Barrier Reef and Southeast Pacific, with the goal of informing ecosystem management and conservation. During her Master’s in Environmental Management at the University of Queensland, Gabriela’s thesis assessed the drivers of successful water quality management. Gabriela also has experience in social-ecological research, collaborating with fishers and other stakeholders to promote more sustainable fishing practices. Gabriela experienced in developing biophysical models, performing spatial analysis in GIS and R, statistical and network analysis, remote sensing, fieldwork, laboratory experiments, literature reviews and conducting local community and stakeholder surveys. Gabriela is passionate about applying spatial ecology and quantitative approaches to support evidence-based environmental decision-making, enhance coastal management and develop practical strategies for ecosystem restoration and conservation. Norm Duke Senior Research Scientist norman.duke@jcu.edu.au Norman C Duke (MSc, PhD) is a mangrove ecologist with 50 years’ experience. During this time, he has become a specialist in global mangrove floristics, biogeography, climate change adaptation, vegetation mapping, pollution and coastal habitat condition assessments. Before James Cook University, Norm gathered experience at the University of Queensland, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, where he developed his further specialist knowledge of the fate and impact of large oil spills on mangrove forests. He has since expanded this knowledge to include the damage, recovery and consequences on mangrove ecosystems of a variety of impacting agents including herbicides, severe tropical cyclones, and extreme changes in sea level and climate. With a particular interest in northern Australia because of the diverse set of topographic, environmental and climatic conditions, Norm currently leads an active research group on marine tidal wetlands at TropWATER. He regularly conducts exploratory research investigations and provides managers with effective monitoring and mitigation of disturbed and damaged tidal wetland ecosystems. Norm has published more than 280 articles and technical reports, including his authoritative book Australia’s Mangroves (2006), and has developed a smart device app for the identification of all mangrove species in the world. Norm heads the JCU Mangrove Hub and not-for-profit community-science partnership called MangroveWatch. Sigit Deni Sasmito Senior Research Officer sigitdeni.sasmito@jcu.edu.au Sigit Sasmito is a wetlands ecologist who has more than 12 years of experience in researching to assess the roles and impacts of tropical wetlands for climate change mitigation and adaptation, especially through peatland and blue carbon ecosystems. His research interests focus on carbon monitoring, greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, ecosystem restoration assessment and natural carbon capture and removal. He uses multiple approaches such as systematic review and meta-analysis, spatial mapping and field assessment. His works are closely relevant to policies and decision-makers, specifically by providing science-based evidence on how to include wetlands conservation and restoration into national emissions reduction targets. He holds a PhD in Environmental Science from Charles Darwin University, Australia and a BSc in Applied Meteorology from IPB University, Indonesia. He has previous extensive research collaboration experiences at the National University of Singapore and CIFOR-ICRAF in Indonesia. Sigit is an active member of Science Technical Working Group for UN Global Ocean Decade Programme for Blue Carbon (GO-BC). Tertius de Kluyver Adjunct Senior Research Fellow tertius.dekluyver@jcu.edu.au Tertius has applied his marine science, biochemistry, and occupational hygiene knowledge and skills across a range of environmental issues over a forty-year career. Early career highlights include helping to establish Tasmania’s first oyster hatchery at Bicheno, managing asbestos and other environmental issues within Queensland’s state schools, undertaking research across a range of environmental disciplines at the CSIRO Marine Laboratories (Cleveland, Qld), Lions Cancer Institute (UQ), and at QUT, and developing and teaching a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses on environmental management and marine science in Australia and the USA. Tertius entered the Commonwealth Public Service on return from the USA, initially working on air quality policy development. Here he developed the emission models and cost benefit analysis that led to the establishment of Australia’s first emission standards for non-road two-stroke petrol engines. Tertius then moved to the Climate Change Division and over the following decade worked as a member of the team that produces Australia’s annual greenhouse gas accounts reported to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). He specialised in waste and land-based emissions and was singularly responsible for establishing the wetland greenhouse gas accounts for coastal wetlands (mangroves, tidal marsh and seagrass), farm dams and reservoirs. He later collaborated with Australian academics to improve the farm-dam and reservoir accounts resulting in two co-authorships on peer-reviewed papers, with a third currently in preparation. In retirement Tertius continues to be actively involved in promoting the work of the UNFCCC as a registered member of the Roster of Experts (RoE), the group that undertakes formal audits of all annual GHG accounts and associated reports submitted to the UNFCCC. Tertius is also lead author on four draft IUCN Red List of Ecosystem Assessments for Australia’s mangrove communities and is finalising this work in collaboration with JCU and other Australian scientists. Researchers MORE ACCESS Sasmito SD, Ximenes AC, Kridalaksana A, Brown BM, Wigati M, et al. Mangroves i-Mangrove Blue Carbon Dashboard. ACCESS Mulloy R, Aiken CM, Dwane G, Ellis M, Jackson EL. Mangroves Scalable mangrove rehabilitation: Roots of success for Rhizophora stylosa establishment. ACCESS Duke NC, & Canning AD. Mangroves Biomass and canopy condition indicators of short-term effects and long-term recovery of mangrove forests affected by a large oil spill. ACCESS Arnaud M, Lovelock CE, Maceiras M, Thuong-Huyen D, Robin S, Abiven S, Mishra AK, Farooq SH, Bhadra T, Felbacq A, Marchand C, Bottinelli N, Le T-P, Amir AA, Rumpel C. Mangroves The nature of soil blue carbon varies across mangrove geomorphic settings. ACCESS Murdiyarso D, Sharma S, Sasmito S. Mangroves Editorial: Indonesian mangrove ecology and the changing climate. ACCESS Sasmito SD, Taillardat P, Adinugroho WC, et al. Mangroves Half of land use carbon emissions in Southeast Asia can be mitigated through peat swamp forest and mangrove conservation and restoration. ACCESS Thompson-Saud G, Robertson AI, Choukroun S, Ospina-Alvarez A, Logan M, van der Mheen M, Grech A. Mangroves Factors influencing the early growth and dispersal potential of mangrove propagules. ACCESS zu Ermgassen PSE, Worthington TA, Gair JR, et al. Mangroves Mangroves support an estimated annual abundance of over 700 billion juvenile fish and invertebrates. Reports and publications MORE

Traditional Owners and Indigenous Rangers are key partners in many ongoing TropWATER projects. Our collaborations include mapping seagrass and coral reefs on Sea Country, conducting Traditional Owner-led dugong surveys, monitoring mangrove shorelines, performing eDNA monitoring of invasive species, and participating in wetland protection initiatives. TropWATER Celebrating Indigenous-led seagrass initiatives 3 December 2024 TropWATER BACK Many of our seagrass projects are community-led, built on a foundation of cultural and environmental stewardship and two-way knowledge sharing. Establishing a seagrass nursery at Mourilyan Harbour A new partnership with Mandubarra Rangers, Goondoi Rangers, and Ports North will see the establishment of the first Indigenous-led seagrass nursery at Mourilyan Harbour. Dr Paul York joined Mandubarra and Goondoi Rangers in Innisfail earlier this month for the announcement of the project as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations. The nursery will be run by the local Rangers and will support local restoration projects by providing planting stock for harvesting seagrass seeds and cuttings. Our researchers will provide scientific support to the nursery, including culturing seagrass plants and experimental trials of different planting techniques. The nursery will support new and ongoing seagrass restoration projects such as our current restoration work with Traditional Owners in Cairns and Mourilyan. Establishment of the nursery is funded by a grant from the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. Restoring seagrass in Cairns and Mourilyan Our seagrass restoration project in Cairns and Mourilyan is a partnership with Gimuy Walubara Yidinji, Mandubarra, Goondoi, and Yirrganydji Traditional Owner groups. The project, now entering its second year, is doing critical work restoring seagrasses that were lost in the region between 2007 and 2011. Together, we will plant tens of thousands of seagrass fragments and seeds over four years. Traditional Owners and Rangers are integral in collecting seagrass fragments, processing and planting fragments, and monitoring the growth of replenished meadows after planting. This project not only aims to restore seagrass but also the valuable ecosystem services that seagrass meadows provide, such as fisheries and carbon sequestration. The project is also a collaboration with local community groups and OzFish Unlimited, with funding from BHP’s Blue Carbon Grants program. Monitoring seagrass habitats in Torres Strait We have been working with the Torres Strait Regional Authority, Rangers, and Traditional Owners to map and monitor seagrass habitats in Torres Strait since 2008. Extensive and diverse seagrass meadows are present across the Torres Strait, and understanding their health is crucial for understanding overall marine health in the region. For this long-term project, Rangers lead surveys to assess seagrass abundance, distribution and species distribution, with guidance from our scientists. These surveys are conducted on foot, by boat, and using underwater cameras, and they provide valuable data on seagrass condition. By continuing these vital partnerships with Traditional Owners and Rangers, we ensure impactful, community-led research that fosters cultural stewardship, empowers Indigenous communities, and promotes the health of our marine ecosystems. Photo right: Dr Paul York with Mandubarra and Goondoi Rangers during NAIDOC Week. Next Previous

We are collaborating with extension staff throughout the Great Barrier Reef catchment to enhance their understanding of water quality science and how to effectively communicate it. Great Barrier Reef Location Working with extension staff to help bridge the gap between science and farmers, to ultimately improve growers’ adoption of improved farming practices. Providing critical resources, technical guidance, and training to empower growers in managing nutrient and pesticide runoff. Establishing the Water Quality (WQ) Information Hub, a comprehensive website for validated scientific data and water quality resources accessible to all stakeholders, promoting collective action and sustainable practices. Key points Improving water quality science communication BACK Misinformation and miscommunication on water quality Landholders hold a critical role in managing nutrient and pesticide runoff from their paddock into waterways connected to the Great Barrier Reef. Most farmers are environmentally aware and have a long and valued connection to nature, recognising good land management decisions benefits both their farm and the environment. Despite this, the complexities of water quality science and media sensationalism has led to over three decades of misinformation and miscommunication directed at growers. This misinformation has widened the gap between science and farmers, resulting in a delay in the adoption of environmentally progressive farming practices. Extension staff, who work closely with growers on the ground, are pivotal in bridging this gap and conveying strategies on how to reduce runoff effectively. Through water quality monitoring programs led by extension staff, growers have the potential to be empowered to adopt advanced management practices that directly mitigate paddock runoff. Bridging the gap between science and growers Our scientists are collaborating with extension staff throughout the Great Barrier Reef catchment to enhance their understanding of water quality science and how to effectively communicate it – paving a clear, strong, and united pathway forward. This collaborative effort aims to expedite the adoption of sustainable farming practices, benefiting both landholders and the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem. In response to the increasing complexities of water quality science, agriculture, and the Great Barrier Reef, our team is dedicated to supporting extension staff with actionable solutions and resources. This includes: Conducting workshops and training programs to clarify water quality science issues and promote strategic messaging. Providing critical resources, technical guidance, and one-on-one training to extension officers for water quality monitoring. Developing tailored content such as factsheets, FAQs, and narratives to emphasise the link between water quality science and farming systems. Offering ongoing support to extension staff throughout the project duration. Future directions in water quality science communications Building on the success of these initiatives, our team is now establishing the Water Quality (WQ) Information Hub, a comprehensive website acting as a knowledge hub for validated scientific data accessible to all stakeholders. The WQ Hub will ensure accuracy, independence, and credibility across a range of water quality issues, featuring: Introductory resources, technical documents, and regional narratives on water quality science and farming. Critical analysis of misleading reports with contextual insights. Promotion of training opportunities, science communication tools, FAQs, and a blog to foster collective action and sustainable practices promotion. This project is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, under the Regional Water Quality Program. Michelle Tink Manager, Laboratories TropWATER michelle.tink@jcu.edu.au Research support Michelle Tink Manager, Laboratories TropWATER michelle.tink@jcu.edu.au Aaron Davis Principal Research Officer aaron.davis@jcu.edu.au Zoe Bainbridge Senior Research Fellow Zoe.brainbridge@jcu.edu.au Stephen Lewis Principal Research Officer stephen.lewis@jcu.edu.au Research leads