Our research is centered on ‘oceanographic ecology’ – the interplay between oceanographic processes, biogeochemical fluxes, and the ecological structure and function of marine ecosystems. In addressing an overarching hypothesis that –
❝marine ecosystem structure and function reflects a dynamic balance between oceanic inputs and internal recycling❞
– we are particularity focused on quantifying processes that control nutrient delivery and cycling in the context of physical and biogeochemical ocean dynamics, and how these influence community structure and function. Such understanding is urgently required to manage economically and conservationally significant marine ecosystems in a changing world.
Current research projects fall under several diverse but complimentary research themes:
- Coastal biogeochemistry;
- Coral reef ecology;
- Trophic and isotope ecology; and
- Ecological engineering and ecosystem restoration.
The ultimate outcome of the integration of a number of advanced techniques, technologies and skills will be an enhanced capacity to predict how marine biodiversity ‘hotspots’ and enigmatic species may be fundamentally altered by interactions between regional oceanography and global climate change.
