Profiles
Vishnu Prahalad
UTAS Home Dr Vishnu Prahalad
Vishnu Prahalad
Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography
Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Room GEO428 , GPSS Building
Vishnu is a Geographer with varied research interests including saltmarsh and wetland ecology, science communication, community engagement, environmental planning and management, systems thinking, and political economy. His research and teaching focusses on supporting varied organisations and community groups through engagement, and capacity building, to achieve conservation, restoration, community resilience, and sustainability outcomes. You can see some of his work featured in ABC Gardening Australia and Ockham’s Razor podcast.
Biography
Vishnu has been at the University of Tasmania since 2007. He moved to Tasmania from a career in engineering and information technology based in India. He completed his Masters in Applied Science (Environmental Studies) and PhD studies at the University of Tasmania. Over the past decade, Vishnu has re-developed and delivered the largest post graduate and 2nd year under graduate unit in the KGA (Geography) stream. Apart from teaching part-time, Vishnu has been involved in a number of contract research projects, working with the Australian Government, Natural Resource Management groups, and local community groups. He also does a considerable amount of in-kind work for community groups and organisations that support social and environmental outcomes. Vishnu has set up a not-for-profit enterprise called Living Wetlands with the mission to support wetlands related science communication that connects his research work with community engagement activities. A notable milestone in his research is the publication of the book: A Guide to the Plants of Tasmanian Saltmarsh Wetlands, in 2015. And he runs an active citizen science platform accessible via Saltmarsh Matters App.
Career summary
Qualifications
| Degree | Thesis Title | University | Country | Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Saltmarsh Ecology and Management | University of Tasmania | Australia | 02/2019 |
| MAppSc | Environmental Studies | University of Tasmania | Australia | 09/2009 |
| BE | Electrical and Electronics | Bharathiar University | India | 03/2005 |
Languages (other than English)
Tamil, Telugu
Memberships
Professional practice
- Australian Coastal Society (Tasmanian Division)
- Australian Mangrove and Saltmarsh Network
- BirdLife Tasmania
- Ecological Society of Australia
- International Society for Ecological Economics
- Nilgiri Wildlife and Environment Association (India)
Administrative expertise
Contracting/Consultancy Services
Vishnu has provided contracting and consultancy services since 2008 in:
- Wetlands habitat mapping (GIS), classification and inventory development
- Saltmarsh restoration planning, monitoring and scientific reporting
- Conservation planning, management and advocacy of wetland ecosystems
- Environmental education/science communication, community engagement activities, maps (PDF 9.1MB), books, interpretation signs, field activities, media outputs etc.)
Teaching
Teaching responsibility
Unit Coordinator
KGA223 - Environmental Management (Hobart and Launceston) (2010 onwards)
KGA207 - Systems Thinking (distance) (2022 onwards)
KGA514 - Planning and Managing for Sustainable Systems (Hobart and distance) (2010-2021, unit not offered in 2022)
Lecturer
KGA171 - Global Geographies of Change (2019 onwards)
KGA213 - Natural Environment Field Techniques (2019 onwards)
Scholarships/Awards
- University of Tasmania Dean’s Letters of Commendation for ‘Outstanding’ unit-coordination and teaching in consecutive years (2015-2021)
- Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award - Honorary Mention (2021)
- Tasmanian Governor’s Environment Scholarship 2009
- Australian Postgraduate Award, University of Tasmania 2013
- University of Tasmania Teaching Merit Certificate 2011 and 2019
- University of Tasmania Executive Dean’s Award for Exceptional Performance by a Higher Degree by Research Graduate 2019.
View more on Dr Vishnu Prahalad in WARP
Expertise
- Wetlands ecology and restoration (particularly saltmarshes, fish, birds)
- Coastal and wetlands policy, planning and on-ground management
- Science communication and community engagement (including citizen science)
- Application of systems and resilience thinking in environmental management
- Political ecology, ecological economics and sustainable production consumption systems (with a special interest in food systems & permaculture)
- Place based local businesses that build social and natural capital
Research Themes
Vishnu's work is primarily aligned with the University of Tasmania's research theme of Environment, Resources and Sustainability. His research focusses on two fronts.
The first front addresses critical aspects of saltmarsh ecology and management, including: mapping, classification, atlassing, biogeography and change detection of vegetation communities; citizen-science monitoring of bird use of saltmarsh; documenting human impacts on saltmarsh through aerial photos and field techniques; restoration of saltmarshes; multi-stakeholder approach to planning and managing for coastal wetlands; neo-liberalism and wetland conservation; community engagement in saltmarsh monitoring and management; and science communication relating to saltmarshes.
The second front addresses, broadly (and nothing short of), the re-design of human settlements (both urban and rural) and production-consumption systems (e.g. food), to take back the economy, re-invent daily life, re-discover social norms of exchange and biophilia.
Collaboration
I work closely with all three regional Natural Resource Management groups in Tasmania on an ongoing basis (e.g. Saltmarsh Conservation and Saltmarsh Monitoring), and have active working networks with a range of other land management and sustainability groups.
My current research collaborations include:
- Protection and Repair of Australia's Saltmarshes, with James Cook University
- Ecology and Conservation of Shrubby Glasswort (Tecticornia arbuscula), with Queensland Herbarium and University of Queensland
- Coastal Saltmarsh Restoration and Monitoring in Pitt Water-Orielton Lagoon and Moulting Lagoon Ramsar Sites, with NRM South
- Coastal Saltmarsh Restoration and Monitoring in North-West Tasmania, with Cradle Coast NRM
Fields of Research
- Environmental management (410404)
- Natural resource management (410406)
- Conservation and biodiversity (410401)
- Pollution and contamination (410599)
- Ecological impacts of climate change and ecological adaptation (410102)
- Climate change impacts and adaptation (410199)
- Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology) (310305)
- Environmental education and extension (410403)
- Environmental rehabilitation and restoration (410405)
- Wildlife and habitat management (410407)
- Health care administration (420306)
- Environmental assessment and monitoring (410402)
- Land use and environmental planning (330404)
- Community ecology (excl. invasive species ecology) (310302)
- Business ethics (500102)
- Physical geography and environmental geoscience (370999)
- Terrestrial ecology (310308)
- Carbon sequestration science (410101)
- Geography education curriculum and pedagogy (390106)
- Fisheries management (300505)
- Environmental biogeochemistry (410501)
- Ecosystem function (410203)
Research Objectives
- Assessment and management of terrestrial ecosystems (180601)
- Other environmental management (189999)
- Environmental education and awareness (190203)
- Rehabilitation or conservation of coastal or estuarine environments (180206)
- Ecosystem adaptation to climate change (190102)
- Environmental policy, legislation and standards (190299)
- Unpaid work and volunteering (230504)
- Control of pests, diseases and exotic species in marine environments (180503)
- Assessment and management of coastal and estuarine ecosystems (180201)
- Climate change adaptation measures (excl. ecosystem) (190101)
- Higher education (160102)
- Climate change mitigation strategies (190301)
- Environmental ethics (130303)
- Effects of climate change on Australia (excl. social impacts) (190504)
- Assessment and management of Antarctic and Southern Ocean ecosystems (180403)
- Environmental protection frameworks (incl. economic incentives) (190205)
- Expanding knowledge in the environmental sciences (280111)
- Wild caught prawns (100306)
- Terrestrial biodiversity (180606)
- Coastal or estuarine biodiversity (180203)
- Assessment and management of benthic marine ecosystems (180501)
- Natural hazards (190499)
- Sustainability indicators (190209)
Publications
Vishnu published a field guide to Tasmanian saltmarsh plants in 2015. Copies of the book are available in Hobart bookshops. Please contact him if unavailable or for overseas and wholesale requests.
He has also published three regional atlases of Tasmanian coastal saltmarsh wetlands. These and other selected science communication outputs are available via: Living Wetlands
Total publications
61
Journal Article
(24 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Goodfellow I, Prahalad V, 'Barriers and enablers for private residential urban food gardening: The case of the City of Hobart, Australia', Cities: the international journal of urban policy and planning, 126, (3) Article 103689. ISSN 0264-2751 (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2022.103689 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 4Web of Science - 3 | |
| 2022 | Harrison-Day V, Prahalad V, McHenry MT, Aalders J, Kirkpatrick JB, 'Introduced Spartina anglica modifies fish habitat in southern temperate succulent saltmarshes', Restoration Ecology Article 13812. ISSN 1526-100X (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/rec.13812 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Harrison-Day V; McHenry MT; Aalders J; Kirkpatrick JB | |
| 2022 | Kaplan H, Prahalad V, Kendal D, 'Native for whom: a mixed-methods literature review and synthesis to conceptualise biotic nativeness for social research in the urban context', People and Nature, 4, (1) pp. 15-31. ISSN 2575-8314 (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10274 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Kaplan H; Kendal D | |
| 2022 | Wang XY, Prahalad V, Kirkpatrick JB, 'Public perceptions of wetlands and preferences for on-site visitor facilities and communication media: A case study from an Australian Ramsar wetland', Marine and Freshwater Research pp. 1-17. ISSN 1323-1650 (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/MF22033 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1Web of Science - 1 Co-authors: Kirkpatrick JB | |
| 2021 | Davidson J, Prahalad V, Harwood A, 'Design precepts for online experiential learning programs to address wicked sustainability problems', Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 45, (3) pp. 319-341. ISSN 0309-8265 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1080/03098265.2020.1849061 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 5Web of Science - 3 Co-authors: Davidson J; Harwood A | |
| 2021 | Gallagher JB, Prahalad V, Aalders J, 'Inorganic and black carbon hotspots constrain blue carbon mitigation services across tropical seagrass and temperate tidal marshes', Wetlands, 41 Article 65. ISSN 0277-5212 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s13157-021-01460-3 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 3Web of Science - 2 Co-authors: Gallagher JB; Aalders J | |
| 2021 | Harrison-Day V, Prahalad V, Kirkpatrick JB, McHenry M, 'A systematic review of methods used to study fish in saltmarsh flats', Marine and Freshwater Research, 72, (2) pp. 149-162. ISSN 1323-1650 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/MF20069 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 2 Co-authors: Harrison-Day V; Kirkpatrick JB; McHenry M | |
| 2020 | Prahalad V, Kirkpatrick JB, Aalders J, Carver S, Ellison J, et al., 'Conservation ecology of Tasmanian coastal saltmarshes, southeast Australia - a review', Pacific Conservation Biology, 26, (2) pp. 105-129. ISSN 1038-2097 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/PC19016 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 4Web of Science - 4 Co-authors: Kirkpatrick JB; Aalders J; Carver S; Ellison J; Harrison-Day V; McQuillan P; Morrison B; Richardson A; Woehler E | |
| 2019 | Aalders J, McQuillan P, Prahalad V, 'Vegetation communities and edaphic relationships along a typical coastal saltmarsh to woodland gradient in eastern Tasmania', Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania, 153 pp. 61-74. ISSN 0080-4703 (2019) [Refereed Article] Co-authors: Aalders J; McQuillan P | |
| 2019 | Creighton C, Prahalad VN, McLeod I, Sheaves M, Taylor MD, et al., 'Prospects for seascape repair: Three case studies from eastern Australia', Ecological Management and Restoration, 20, (3) pp. 182-191. ISSN 1442-7001 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/emr.12384 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 6 | |
| 2019 | Prahalad V, Harrison-Day V, McQuillan P, Creighton C, 'Expanding fish productivity in Tasmanian saltmarsh wetlands through tidal re-connection and habitat repair', Marine and Freshwater Research, 70, (1) pp. 140-151. ISSN 1323-1650 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/MF17154 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 9Web of Science - 9 Co-authors: Harrison-Day V; McQuillan P | |
| 2019 | Prahalad V, Kirkpatrick JB, 'Saltmarsh conservation through inventory, biogeographic analysis and predictions of change: case of Tasmania, south-eastern Australia', Aquatic Conservation, 29, (5) pp. 717-731. ISSN 1099-0755 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1002/aqc.3085 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 5 Co-authors: Kirkpatrick JB | |
| 2019 | Prahalad V, Whitehead J, Latinovic A, Kirkpatrick JB, 'The creation and conservation effectiveness of State-wide wetlands and waterways and coastal refugia planning overlays for Tasmania, Australia', Land Use Policy, 81 pp. 502-512. ISSN 0264-8377 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2018.11.009 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 9Web of Science - 9 Co-authors: Latinovic A; Kirkpatrick JB | |
| 2018 | Dykman M, Prahalad V, 'Tamar Saltmarsh Monitoring Program: citizen science monitoring of the tidal treasures of the Tamar River estuary, Tasmania, Australia', Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs, 10, (4) pp. 222-240. ISSN 1836-6503 (2018) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1080/18366503.2018.1502030 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2 Co-authors: Dykman M | |
| 2018 | Prahalad V, 'Living the good life: core values, system design and functional resilience', Solutions, 9, (1) pp. 1-11. ISSN 2154-0926 (2018) [Non Refereed Article] | |
| 2018 | Prahalad V, Harrison-Day V, Latinovic A, Kirkpatrick J, 'Inventory and monitoring of the vascular plants of Tasmanian saltmarsh wetlands', Tasmanian Naturalist, 140 pp. 52-81. ISSN 0819-6826 (2018) [Refereed Article] Co-authors: Harrison-Day V; Latinovic A; Kirkpatrick J | |
| 2017 | Boon PI, Prahalad V, 'Ecologists, economics and politics: problems and contradictions in applying neoliberal ideology to nature conservation in Australia', Pacific Conservation Biology, 23, (2) pp. 115-132. ISSN 1038-2097 (2017) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/PC16035 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 8 Co-authors: Boon PI | |
| 2017 | Prahalad V, 'Conservation Education and Outreach Techniques (2nd Edition) Susan K. Jacobson, Mallory D. McDuff and Martha C. Monroe. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK, 2015, xvi + 428 pp. ISBN: 9780198567714. Price USD$64.95 (paperback)', Ecological Management and Restoration, 18, (2) pp. E5-E6. ISSN 1442-7001 (2017) [Letter or Note in Journal] | |
| 2015 | Prahalad V, 'Book review: Tidal Marsh Restoration. A Synthesis of Science and Management', Ecological Management and Restoration, 16, (2) pp. e16-e17. ISSN 1442-7001 (2015) [Letter or Note in Journal] | |
| 2015 | Prahalad V, Sharples C, Kirkpatrick J, Mount R, 'Is wind-wave fetch exposure related to soft shoreline change in swell-sheltered situations with low terrestrial sediment input?', Journal of Coastal Conservation, 19, (1) pp. 23-33. ISSN 1400-0350 (2015) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s11852-014-0352-x [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 13Web of Science - 10 Co-authors: Sharples C; Kirkpatrick J; Mount R | |
| 2015 | Prahalad V, Woehler E, Latinovic A, McQuillan P, 'Inventory and monitoring of the birds of Tasmanian saltmarsh wetlands', Tasmanian Bird Report, 37 pp. 39-52. ISSN 0156-4935 (2015) [Non Refereed Article] Co-authors: Latinovic A; McQuillan P | |
| 2014 | Prahalad VN, 'Human impacts and saltmarsh loss in the Circular Head coast, north-west Tasmania, 1952-2006: implications for management', Pacific Conservation Biology, 20, (3) pp. 272-285. ISSN 1038-2097 (2014) [Refereed Article] | |
| 2011 | Prahalad V, Kirkpatrick JB, Mount RE, 'Tasmanian coastal saltmarsh community transitions associated with climate change and relative sea level rise 1975-2009', Australian Journal of Botany, 59, (8) pp. 741-748. ISSN 0067-1924 (2011) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1071/BT11206 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 21Web of Science - 19 Co-authors: Kirkpatrick JB; Mount RE | |
| 2010 | Prahalad VN, Kriwoken LK, 'Implementation of the Ramsar Convention on wetlands in Tasmania, Australia', Journal of International Wildlife Law and Policy, 13, (3) pp. 205-239. ISSN 1388-0292 (2010) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1080/13880292.2010.486697 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 10 Co-authors: Kriwoken LK |
Book
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Prahalad V, 'A Guide to the Plants of Tasmanian Saltmarsh Wetlands', PML Limited, Hobart, Tasmania, pp. 45. ISBN 978-1-86295-787-9 (2014) [Authored Other Book] |
Conference Publication
(6 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Shannon EA, Haward M, Pecl G, Woehler E, Cawthen LM, et al., 'UTAS CARES: Partnerships for education and the environment', 15th World Congress on Public Health, 3-7 April, 2017, Melbourne, Australia (2017) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Shannon EA; Woehler E; Cawthen LM | |
| 2016 | Shannon EA, Haward MG, Pecl GT, Woehler E, Cawthen L, et al., 'Improving environmental and public health: UTAS CARES Collaboration', EHA 41st National Conference Conference, 31 October - 3 November, 2016, Hobart, Tasmania (2016) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Shannon EA; Haward MG; Pecl GT; Woehler E; Leach D; Warr Pedersen K | |
| 2010 | Mount RE, Prahalad V, Tilden J, 'Coastal foreshore natural assets: their value and predicament', Coast to Coast 2010 Program Handbook and Abstracts, 20 - 24 September 2010, Adelaide, SA, pp. 72. (2010) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Mount RE; Tilden J | |
| 2010 | Prahalad V, Sharples C, 'Sea level rise effects: Where? When? How? Forsooth?', School of Geography & Environmental Studies Conference Abstracts 2010, 28 June 2010, Sandy Bay (2010) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Sharples C | |
| 2010 | Whitehead J, Coughanowr C, Agius J, Mount RE, Prahalad V, et al., 'Climate Change influences on the Derwent Estuary, Southern Tasmania', Coast to Coast 2010 Program Handbook and Abstracts, 20 - 24 September 2010, Adelaide, SA, pp. 72. (2010) [Conference Extract] Co-authors: Mount RE | |
| 2009 | Prahalad V, 'Long term temporal changes in south east Tasmanian saltmarshes', School of Geography and Environmental Studies Conference Program 2009, July 2009, Hobart, pp. 9-10. (2009) [Conference Extract] |
Contract Report, Consultant's Report
(18 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Prahalad V, Aalders JG, 'Marchwiel Marsh, Marion Bay: Management Report', Nightingale Pictures, Hobart, Tasmania, May 2020 (2020) [Contract Report] Co-authors: Aalders JG | |
| 2017 | Creighton C, Walshe T, McLeod I, Prahalad V, Sheaves M, et al., 'Repairing and conserving Australia's saltmarshes and seascapes', University of Tasmania, Australia, 17/12 (2017) [Contract Report] | |
| 2016 | Prahalad V, 'Coastal Saltmarsh Wetland Asset Mapping: Technical Report', Cradle Coast NRM, Burnie, Tasmania (2016) [Contract Report] | |
| 2016 | Prahalad V, 'Atlas Of Coastal Saltmarsh Wetlands In The Cradle Coast Region Of Tasmania', Cradle Coast NRM, Australia (2016) [Contract Report] | |
| 2016 | Prahalad V, 'Clifton Saltmarshes, Pipe Clay Lagoon: baseline condition assessment and management recommendations', Australia (2016) [Consultants Report] | |
| 2014 | Prahalad V, 'Mapping and inventory of NRM North coastal saltmarshes', Natural Resource Management Northern Tasmania, Australia (2014) [Contract Report] | |
| 2014 | Prahalad V, 'Community based monitoring of NRM North coastal saltmarshes', Natural Resource Management Northern Tasmania, Australia (2014) [Contract Report] | |
| 2014 | Prahalad V, Helman M, 'Atlas of coastal saltmarsh wetlands in Northern Tasmania', Natural Resource Management Northern Tasmania, Australia (2014) [Contract Report] Co-authors: Helman M | |
| 2013 | Prahalad V, Jones J, 'Mapping coastal saltmarshes in Southern Tasmania', Natural Resource Management South, Australia (2013) [Contract Report] | |
| 2013 | Prahalad V, Pearson J, 'Southern Tasmanian coastal saltmarsh futures: a preliminary strategic assessment', Natural Resource Management South (2013) [Contract Report] | |
| 2012 | Prahalad V, 'Vegetation Community Mapping and Baseline Condition Assessment of the Lauderdale Race Course Flats Saltmarsh, Derwent Estuary', Derwent Estuary Program (2012) [Contract Report] | |
| 2012 | Prahalad V, 'Richmond Park Saltmarsh Site Preliminary Baseline Condition Assessment and Interim Management Recommendations', NRM South (2012) [Contract Report] | |
| 2012 | Prahalad V, Mount RE, 'Preliminary Vegetation Mapping of the Dromedary Marshes, Derwent Estuary', Derwent Estuary Program (2012) [Contract Report] Co-authors: Mount RE | |
| 2010 | Mount RE, Prahalad V, '2nd National Intertidal Subtidal Benthic Habitat Classification Scheme Workshop Report', Australian Government Department of Climate Change (2010) [Contract Report] Co-authors: Mount RE | |
| 2010 | Mount RE, Prahalad V, Sharples C, Tilden J, Morrison BVR, et al., 'Circular Head Region Coastal Foreshore Habitats: Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment', Cradle Coast NRM & Cradle Coast Authority, Final (2010) [Consultants Report] Co-authors: Mount RE; Sharples C; Tilden J; Morrison BVR; Lacey MJ; Ellison JC; Helman MP; Newton JB | |
| 2010 | Tilden J, Mount RE, Prahalad V, 'Vulnerability of coastal habitat of the Circular Head region to seal level rise: Communication Plan', Cradle Coast Natural Resource Management, 1 (2010) [Consultants Report] Co-authors: Tilden J; Mount RE | |
| 2009 | Auricht C, Prahalad NV, Mount RE, 'Design Guidelines for HCVAE Sites: Discussion Paper Version 0.3', HCVAE, draft (2009) [Contract Report] Co-authors: Mount RE | |
| 2009 | Prahalad V, Lacey MJ, Mount RE, 'The Future of the Derwent Estuary Saltmarshes and Tidal Freshwater Wetlands in Response to Sea Level Rise', Derwent Estuary Program & Natural Resource Management South (2009) [Contract Report] Co-authors: Lacey MJ; Mount RE |
Thesis
(2 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Prahalad Vishnu, 'Temporal Changes in South-East Tasmanian Saltmarshes' (2010) [Masters Coursework] | |
| 2009 | Prahalad V, 'Temporal changes in south east Tasmanian saltmarshes' (2009) [Masters Research] |
Other Public Output
(10 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Visby I, Prahalad V, 'Planning for the future: Derwent Estuary Saltmarsh Baseline Monitoring and Management', The Derwent Estuary Program (DEP), Tasmania, pp. 1-67. (2020) [Report Other] | |
| 2017 | Cresswell I, Prahalad V, 'Hobart conference to focus on marshes and mangroves (Everything you wanted to know about swamps and were afraid to ask)', Breakfast with Ryk Goddard, ABC Local Radio 936, Hobart, Tasmania, 20 March 2017 (2017) [Media Interview] | |
| 2017 | Prahalad V, 'Talking Point: Coast lovers usually ignore the riches behind our beaches', The Mercury, Newscorp Australia, Hobart, Tasmania, 25 March 2017 (2017) [Newspaper Article] | |
| 2016 | Prahalad V, 'Talking Point: Leaving Tassie's floodplains to nature can be better than walls, levees', The Mercury, Newscorp Australia, Hobart, Tasmania, 25 November 2016 (2016) [Newspaper Article] | |
| 2016 | Prahalad V, 'Wetlands - Nature's flood absorber', Breakfast with Ryk Goddard, ABC Local Radio 936, Hobart, Tasmania, June 2016 (2016) [Media Interview] | |
| 2016 | Prahalad V, 'Saltmarsh Atlas maps the wetlands of the Cradle Coast', The Advocate, Farirfax Regional Media, Tasmania, 17 JUne 2016 (2016) [Media Interview] | |
| 2016 | Woehler E, Prahalad V, 'Bird app enabling Tasmanians to become citizen scientists', The World Today, ABC Radio National, Australia, 29 January 2016 (2016) [Media Interview] Co-authors: Woehler E | |
| 2012 | Prahalad V, 'World Wetlands Day prompts reflection', World Wetlands Day prompts reflection, ABC Rural, Tasmanian Country Hour, Tasmania (2012) [Media Interview] | |
| 2012 | Prahalad V, 'Fears over wetland development threat', Fears over wetland development threat, ABC News, February 2nd (2012) [Media Interview] | |
| 2009 | Mount RE, Auricht C, Prahalad NV, Scheltinga D, 'Australian National Aquatic Ecosystem Classification Scheme Version 0.8b', Australian National Aquatic Ecosystem Classification Scheme Version 0.8b, HCVAE, Hobart, 1, 1 (2009) [Report of Restricted Access] Co-authors: Mount RE |
Grants & Funding
Funding Summary
Number of grants
15
Total funding
$20,739,212
Projects
Emergent tidal wetland mapping for kanamaluka / Tamar estuary (2023)$20,275
- Description
- As part of the new kanamaluka / Tamar estuary Biological Monitoring Program, this project seeks to map: 1) the historical extent of tidal wetlands derived from 1940 aerial imagery, old surveyor maps, combined with present day storm tide modelling; 2) current extent of tidal wetlands derived from aerial and satellite imagery available from LISTmap; 3) dominant hydrological structures, land tenure, land use within current tidal wetland extent.
- Funding
- The Northern Tasmanian Natural Resource Management Assoc Inc. ($20,275)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Prahalad V
- Year
- 2023
Blue Carbon Ecosystem Restoration Grant (2023 - 2025)$68,006
- Description
- NRM South has received a Blue Carbon Ecosystem Restoration Grant from the Australian Government to support what will be Tasmanias largest saltmarsh restoration project. As part of this project, NRM South has engaged the services of UTAS in collecting and synthesising baseline data including vegetation, fauna (invertebrates, fish), hydrology, water quality and microclimate. This project builds on ongoing collaboration between UTAS and NRM South in coastal saltmarsh conservation and supports place-based research investigating restoration in practice.
- Funding
- Southern Regional Natural Resource Management Association Inc ($68,006)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Prahalad V
- Period
- 2023 - 2025
Tasmanian State of the Environment Report - Marine & Coasts (2023)$50,000
- Description
- This project seeks to compile a Tasmanian State of the Environment Report on Coasts & Marine habitats and associated key species groups. The report is compiled by independent experts, by combining information from extensive studies, and drawing on elicited experts views on the contemporary pressures on, and state of the Tasmanian coasts. The synthesis is presented under three broad headings: (a) threats and pressures, (b) coastal governance, and (c) a series of five case studies as exemplars of status and trends, to conform to national and other reports and syntheses, allowing for our work to be integrated in future efforts.
- Funding
- Tasmanian Planning Commission ($50,000)
- Scheme
- Tender
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Prahalad V; Kirkpatrick JB; Ellison JC; Sharples C; Hallegraeff GM; Palmer K
- Year
- 2023
Fisheries Habitat Restoration Program : Pitt Water Orielton Lagoon Ramsar Site (2021 - 2023)$37,000
- Description
- NRM South has received a grant from the Australian Government to restore and rehabilitate coastal saltmarsh at Pitt Water-Orielton Lagoon Ramsar Site, close to the Hobart Airport. UTAS (via Dr Vishnu Prahalad) was instrumental in helping NRM South apply for this grant by providing background information and assisting with the application process. As part of this project, NRM South has engaged the services of UTAS to aid in the planning and monitoring of this restoration project over its 3-year timeframe (2021-2023). This project builds on the rich collaboration between UTAS and NRM South in coastal saltmarsh conservation and supports place-based research investigating restoration in practice.
- Funding
- Southern Regional Natural Resource Management Association Inc ($37,000)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Prahalad V
- Period
- 2021 - 2023
NESP SCAW: Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub - NESP 2 (2021 - 2027)$20,000,000
- Description
- *NESP 2 is the second round of the National Environmental Science Program, a $149 M program funded by the federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, to:oConserve, protect and sustainably manage Australia's biodiversity, ecosystems, environment and heritage through research, information management, supporting natural resource management, establishing and managing Commonwealth protected areas, and reducing and regulating the use of pollutants and hazardous substances.*The Sustainable Communities and Waste hub is a new hub, that will be funded with $20M over 7 years to deliver research that supports:otargeted information and management tools to reduce the impact of plastic and other material on the environmentoapplied scenario modelling to support sustainable people-environment interactions in communities including urban heat island impacts and liveability analysisoeffective and efficient management options for hazardous waste, substances and pollutants throughout their lifecycle to minimise environmental and human health impactsomaintained and improved air quality*Two key aspects of the new hub structure particularly relevant to UTas are:oA focus on research on, and delivery to, urban and regional communitiesoIndigenous leadership is embedded throughout the program, and the hub must establish and maintain long-term, two-way partnerships with traditional owners and Indigenous communities.*The proposed consortia will be led by UNSW, and includes CSIRO and Monash, Swinburne and Curtin universities, in addition to UTas.*UTas is leading or co-leading 2 of the 4 themes (people-nature interactions and air quality)
- Funding
- Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment ($20,000,000)
- Scheme
- Grant-National Environmental Science Prgm (NESP)
- Administered By
- University of New South Wales
- Research Team
- Flies E; Sahajwalla V; Byrne JA; Anders RJ; Williamson G; Kendal DJ; Jones PJ; Johnston F; Marsh P; Vince JZ; Prahalad V
- Period
- 2021 - 2027
NESP SCAW: Sustainable Communities and Waste hub : IP1 (2021 - 2023)$334,000
- Description
- NESP 2 is the second round of the National Environmental Science Program, a $149 M, 7 year, program funded by the federal Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, to:o Conserve, protect and sustainably manage Australia's biodiversity, ecosystems, environment and heritage through research, information management, supporting natural resource management, establishing and managing Commonwealth protected areas, and reducing and regulating the use of pollutants and hazardous substances.* The Sustainable Communities and Waste hub is a new hub, that will be funded with $20M over 7 years to deliver research that supports:o targeted information and management tools to reduce the impact of plastic and other material on the environmento applied scenario modelling to support sustainable people-environment interactions in communities including urban heat island impacts and liveability analysiso effective and efficient management options for hazardous waste, substances and pollutants throughout their lifecycle to minimise environmental and human health impactso maintained and improved air quality* Two key aspects of the new hub structure particularly relevant to UTas are:o A focus on research on, and delivery to, urban and regional communitieso Indigenous leadership is embedded throughout the program, and the hub must establish and maintain long-term, two-way partnerships with traditional owners and Indigenous communities.* The proposed consortia will be led by UNSW, and includes CSIRO and Monash, Swinburne and Curtin universities, in addition to UTas.* UTas is leading or co-leading 2 of the 4 themes (IP1 people-nature interactions and IP4 air quality) and has one of the three strategic lead positions (knowledge broker)* There final allocation of funds is determined annually
- Funding
- Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment ($334,000)
- Scheme
- Grant-National Environmental Science Prgm (NESP)
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Flies E; Byrne JA; Anders RJ; Marsh P; Prahalad V; Sahajwalla V
- Period
- 2021 - 2023
Monitoring of Coastal Saltmarsh Recovery at Circular Head (2020 - 2023)$12,000
- Description
- Cradle Coast NRM has received a grant from the Australian Government to control and eradicate rice grass (Spartina anglica) from the Duck and Rubicon rivers of north-west Tasmania. As part of this project, Cradle Coast NRM has engaged the services of UTAS to aid in the planning and monitoring of this eradication project over its 4-year timeframe (2020-2023). This project fits builds on past datasets developed together by UTAS and Cradle Coast NRM and supports current PhD research investigating the effects of rice grass on fish usage.
- Funding
- Cradle Coast NRM ($12,000)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Prahalad V
- Period
- 2020 - 2023
Moulting Lagoon Saltmarsh Restoration (2020 - 2023)$25,800
- Description
- NRM South has received a grant from the Australian Government to restore and rehabilitate coastal saltmarsh at Moulting Lagoon Ramsar Site, east coast of Tasmania. As part of this project, NRM South has engaged the services of UTAS to aid in the planning and monitoring of this restoration project over its 4-year timeframe (2020-2023). This project builds on past work between UTAS and NRM South in coastal saltmarsh conservation and supports place-based research investigating restoration in practice.
- Funding
- Southern Regional Natural Resource Management Association Inc ($25,800)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Prahalad V
- Period
- 2020 - 2023
Marchwiel Marsh: Community Saltmarsh Monitoring and Management (2019)$4,095
- Description
- Marion Bay Coastcare group have been undertaking baseline monitoring of the biological values of the Marchweil Marsh with the assistance of University of Tasmania (through V. Prahalad). This project is aimed at investigating opportunities and consequences of restoring the natural function and ecosystem services of this large area of saltmarsh (about 100 ha). Through this funding, we seek to develop a management plan that documents key baseline information and explores opportunities to enhance the ecosystem health and function of this important natural system.
- Funding
- Marion Bay Coastcare Incorporated ($4,095)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Prahalad V; Kirkpatrick JB
- Year
- 2019
Fish use of Tasmanian coastal saltmarsh and the socio-economic implications of saltmarsh conservation (2019 - 2020)$12,675
- Description
- Saltmarsh wetlands are increasingly being recognised for their roles in providing nursery habitats and trophic transfer for fish and fisheries. There is an important need to extend our understanding of these functional relationships in novel spatial-temporal contexts such as in Tasmania, where studies could potentially positively affect community perceptions and enable policy changes favouring saltmarsh conservation.
- Funding
- Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment ($12,675)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Prahalad V; Harrison Day VM; Kirkpatrick JB
- Period
- 2019 - 2020
Fish use of Tasmanian coastal saltmarshes as a case for saltmarsh repair (2016)$10,000
- Description
- Fish use of Tasmanian saltmarshes has never been studied. Enhanced knowledge of fish use of saltmarsh can be a proxy for likely marine biodiversity productivity benefits resulting from saltmarsh repair. Knowledge of fish use will also help us understand the marine biodiversity food chain better. With this enhanced knowledge a case can be made for saltmarsh repair opportunities in Tasmania and elsewhere.
- Funding
- James Cook University ($10,000)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Prahalad V
- Year
- 2016
Coastal Saltmarsh Wetland Asset Mapping (in the Cradle Coast region) (2015 - 2016)$24,344
- Funding
- Cradle Coast NRM ($24,344)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Kirkpatrick JB; Prahalad V
- Period
- 2015 - 2016
Steps to saltmarsh conservation in Northern Tasmania (2014)$55,332
- Description
- The project aims to increase understanding of temperate saltmarsh communities in Northern Tasmania, for planning and management, and to enable community-based monitoring of Tasmanian saltmarshes through the provision of monitoring and information materials.
- Funding
- The Northern Tasmanian Natural Resource Management Assoc Inc. ($55,332)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Prahalad V
- Year
- 2014
Mapping and levee building and saltmarsh loss in far northwest Tasmania (2013)$2,685
- Funding
- Cradle Coast Authority ($2,685)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Prahalad V
- Year
- 2013
Robbins Passage - Boullanger Bay Habitat Vulnerability Assessment (2009)$83,000
- Funding
- Cradle Coast NRM ($83,000)
- Scheme
- Consultancy
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Mount RE; Sharples C; Ellison JC; Prahalad V
- Year
- 2009
Research Supervision
Vishnu is currently co-supervising two PhD students working on saltmarsh and fisheries ecology, and public perceptions of non-native species in urban environments. He has also supervised six Masters students and a Honours student. He is inviting potential students interested in researching any topic related to coastal saltmarsh ecology and restoration (see Prahalad et al., 2020 for a review of potential projects), sustainable food production-consumption systems, and the political ecology of conservation and sustainability (e.g. Boon and Prahalad, 2017). Some potential topics of current interest are:
- Saltmarsh/seascape restoration: This project will use historical aerial imagery to map areas of saltmarsh loss, drivers of loss and potential areas for restoration (e.g. Prahalad, 2014). In addition, this project can examine policy pathways for enabling restoration, such as with local planning schemes (e.g. Prahalad et al., 2019), outreach activities (e.g. interp signs, walks, citizen science), and Green New Deal/Job Guarantee type programs (e.g. Creighton, Prahalad et al., 2019).
- Saltmarsh and fisheries: Students can join our existing team/project that aims to generate the first State-wide inventory and baseline data of fish utilisation of Tasmanian saltmarsh, including the exotic Spartina sp. and native graminoid dominated variants. This database will include important information about the role saltmarsh plays in the life stages and population dynamics of commercially and recreationally valued species (e.g. Western Australian Salmon). The findings from this project will provide the quantitative basis, directions and imperative for instituting a State-wide program of saltmarsh repair, using fish as a proxy for broader ecosystem services, especially in areas where restrictions to tidal flow has diminished saltmarsh extent and function (e.g. Prahalad et al., 2018).
- Remote sensing of wetland biomass and structure: This project (co-supervised with Spatial Sciences staff) will use remote sensing methods to gather information on saltmarsh plant structure to estimate its above ground biomass. Structure related information will also be useful for providing baseline data to monitor restoration efforts.
- Saltmarsh avian ecology and conservation: This project (co-supervised with Birldife Tasmania) will examine how birds use coastal saltmarsh and conservation implications for avifauna (e.g. Prahalad et al., 2015). Also, a related project can focus on the ecological control of mosquito populations in coastal saltmarsh by welcome swallows.
- Sustainable food production-consumption systems: Assessing the barriers and opportunities for urban (and backyard) food systems and permaculture in Tasmania.
Current
5
Completed
2
Current
| Degree | Title | Commenced |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | Understanding the Socioecological Drivers of Public Perceptions of Species Non-Nativeness in the Context of Novel Urban Ecosystem Services and Disservices | 2019 |
| PhD | Ecological approaches to management and economics | 2021 |
| PhD | Private land conservation mechanisms and their role in environmental law: a study of governance and practice | 2022 |
| PhD | Conservation Ecology of Swamp Paperbark | 2023 |
| PhD | Avian Habitat Use Under Disturbance | 2024 |
Completed
| Degree | Title | Completed |
|---|---|---|
| PhD | Fish Use of Tasmanian Saltmarsh Wetlands Candidate: Violet Margaret Harrison Day | 2023 |
| PhD | A Biogeography of Tasmanian Coastal Saltmarshes Candidate: John Gerard Aalders | 2019 |