The University of Queensland

Marine conservation planning for persistent coral reef communities: Incorporating connectivity and resilience (2008–2010)

Abstract:

Coral reef ecosystems are declining globally at an alarming rate. Systematically designed marine reserves are one key to halting the decline, however existing theory and tools ignore connectivity and resilience in marine populations. Resilience is the ability of reef biodiversity to return to a healthy state after a catastrophe. We will advance the theory and methods for marine conservation planning by incorporating the concepts of resilience and dispersal connectivity using novel modelling and simulation approaches. This research will assure that future marine reserve networks maximise the persistence of coral reef communities and biodiversity on a global and national scale.'',

Grant type:

ARC Linkage Projects

Researchers:

• 

  Professor Hugh Possingham

  V-C Senior Research Fellow
  

  School of the Environment

  Faculty of Science

Funded by:

Australian Research Council