Profiles
Cayne Layton
Cayne Layton
Research Fellow & Lecturer
Room Level 2 , IMAS Hobart Waterfront Building
+61 413188964 (phone)
Cayne Layton is a Research Fellow and Lecturer at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies. He studies the ecology and restoration of kelp forests and temperate reef systems.
Cayne combines field and lab experiments, and scientific diving to examine how kelp forest ecosystems function and persist, especially in the face of increasing anthropogenic stressors. He seeks to answer fundamental ecological questions while ensuring his research has practical applications for habitat conservation, restoration, and management.
Cayne is also an active science communicator and has a keen interest in scientific/research diving, and the engagement of science with education and policy.
Biography
Cayne completed his PhD at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, researching the population and community ecology of Ecklonia radiata kelp forests. This project centered around several long-term field experiments and involved over 400 hours of diving. Cayne’s passion for temperate reef ecology and scientific diving brought him to the University of Tasmania from the Australian National University, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in science with honours (majoring in Zoology and Ecology & Evolution) and worked as a research assistant.
Cayne’s research actively engages with a variety of partners, including NGOs, Aboriginal organisations, industry, and government. He is a member of the NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub, and the Hidden Deserts, Marine Forests, and OzFish citizen science initiatives
Career summary
Qualifications
PhD | Resilience and stability of Ecklonia radiata kelp forests: the importance of intraspecific facilitation and patch dynamics | University of Tasmania | Australia | 01/10/2018 |
BSc (1st Class Hons) | Swimming activities and costs in free-living coral reef wrasses | Australian National University | Australia | 01/07/2011 |
Memberships
Professional practice
Australian Marine Science Association
Ecological Society of Australia
Marine Biodiversity Hub, NESP
Australasian Society of Phycology and Aquatic Botany
Society for Ecological Restoration
Teaching
Unit Coordinator for Masters course - Literature Review
Teaching responsibility
- Unit Coordinator for Masters course - Literature Review
- Former Demonstrator for the courses Marine Ecology, Quantitative Methods in Biology, and Marine and Antarctic Ecosystems
View more on Dr Cayne Layton in WARP
Expertise
Conservation and Biodiversity (050202)
Ecological Impacts of Climate Change (050101)
Ecological Physiology (060203)
Ecosystem Adaptation to Climate Change (960305)
Ecosystem Function (050102)
Community Ecology (060202)
Environmental Rehabilitation (050207)
Marine and Estuarine Ecology (060205)
Marine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity (960808)
Phycology (060701)
Population Ecology (060207)
Population, Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics (060411)
Rehabilitation of Degraded Coastal and Estuarine Environments (961201)
Research Themes
Cayne’s research aligns with the University’s research themes of ‘Marine, Antarctic and Maritime’ and ‘Environment, Resources and Sustainability’. His research focusses on how temperate marine ecosystems (especially kelp forests) function, and how they respond to climate change and other anthropogenic stressors. His broader research interests include facilitation and niche theories, and habitat stability and resilience. Cayne also utilises physiology and genetics research to improve understanding of ecological outcomes and mechanisms. His work also focusses on restoration of kelp forest ecosystems, and kelp aquaculture and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture.
Collaboration
Cayne is currently involved in collaborations with researchers in Chile, New Zealand, Spain and the USA. Domestically, Cayne has collaborators at Deakin University, Melbourne University, Southern Cross University, University of Western Australia and UNSW.
Current projects
- Assessing the potential for restoration and permaculture of Tasmania’s giant kelp forests
- The role of restoration in conserving matters of national environmental significance
- Restoring kelp habitat in Australia
Fields of Research
- Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology) (310305)
- Environmental rehabilitation and restoration (410405)
- Community ecology (excl. invasive species ecology) (310302)
- Ecosystem function (410203)
- Conservation and biodiversity (410401)
- Ecological impacts of climate change and ecological adaptation (410102)
- Aquaculture (300501)
- Phycology (incl. marine grasses) (310801)
- Carbon sequestration science (410101)
- Biological oceanography (370801)
- Natural resource management (410406)
- Fish pests and diseases (300503)
- Ecological physiology (310303)
- Ocean engineering (401503)
- Social and cultural anthropology (440107)
- Ecological applications (410299)
- Global change biology (319902)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture (450104)
- Environmental management (410404)
- Bioremediation (410303)
- Ecosystem services (incl. pollination) (410204)
Research Objectives
- Coastal or estuarine biodiversity (180203)
- Rehabilitation or conservation of marine environments (180507)
- Assessment and management of coastal and estuarine ecosystems (180201)
- Rehabilitation or conservation of coastal or estuarine environments (180206)
- Marine biodiversity (180504)
- Assessment and management of terrestrial ecosystems (180601)
- Coastal and estuarine systems and management (180299)
- Ecosystem adaptation to climate change (190102)
- Marine systems and management (180599)
- Fisheries - aquaculture (100299)
- Oceanic processes (excl. in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean) (180506)
- Climate change mitigation strategies (190301)
- Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences (280102)
- Assessment and management of benthic marine ecosystems (180501)
- Environmentally sustainable plant production (260199)
- Terrestrial biodiversity (180606)
- Environmental education and awareness (190203)
- Effects of climate change on Australia (excl. social impacts) (190504)
- Other environmental management (189999)
- Climate adaptive plants (269901)
- Conserving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and culture (210407)
- Climate change adaptation measures (excl. ecosystem) (190101)
- Social impacts of climate change and variability (190103)
- Wild caught edible molluscs (100304)
- Environmental policy, legislation and standards (190299)
Publications
Total publications
24
Journal Article
(23 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Forbes H, Shelamoff V, Visch W, Layton C, 'Farms and forests: evaluating the biodiversity benefits of kelp aquaculture', Journal of Applied Phycology pp. 1-9. ISSN 0921-8971 (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s10811-022-02822-y [eCite] [Details] Citations: Web of Science - 4 Co-authors: Forbes H; Shelamoff V; Visch W | |
| 2022 | Gallagher JB, Shelamoff V, Layton C, 'Seaweed ecosystems may not mitigate CO2 emissions', ICES Journal of Marine Science, 79, (3) pp. 585-592. ISSN 1054-3139 (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1093/icesjms/fsac011 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 15Web of Science - 12 Co-authors: Gallagher JB; Shelamoff V | |
| 2022 | Layton C, Vermont H, Beggs H, Brassington GB, Burke AD, et al., 'Giant kelp rafts wash ashore 450 km from the nearest populations and against the dominant ocean current', Ecology, 103, (10) Article e3795. ISSN 0012-9658 (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3795 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 1Web of Science - 1 Co-authors: Holbrook N; Semolini Pilo G | |
| 2022 | Shelamoff V, Layton C, Tatsumi M, Cameron MJ, Wright JT, et al., 'Restored kelp facilitates lobster recruitment but not other mid-trophic macroinvertebrates', Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 32, (7) pp. 1115-1125. ISSN 1052-7613 (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1002/aqc.3825 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Shelamoff V; Tatsumi M; Cameron MJ; Wright JT; Johnson CR | |
| 2022 | Shelamoff V, Umanzor S, Layton C, Tatsumi M, Cameron MJ, et al., 'Ecosystem engineering kelp limits recruitment of mussels and microphytobenthic algae', Marine Biology, 169 Article 85. ISSN 0025-3162 (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s00227-022-04072-5 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Shelamoff V; Tatsumi M; Cameron MJ; Wright JT; Johnson CR | |
| 2022 | Spillas S, Cottrell RS, Kelly R, O'Brien KR, Adams J, et al., 'Expert perceptions of seaweed farming for sustainable development', The Journal of Cleaner Production, 368 Article 133052. ISSN 0959-6526 (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.133052 [eCite] [Details] Co-authors: Cottrell RS; Kelly R; MacLeod C | |
| 2022 | Tatsumi M, Mabin CJT, Layton C, Shelamoff V, Cameron MJ, et al., 'Density-dependence and seasonal variation in reproductive output and sporophyte production in the kelp, Ecklonia radiata', Journal of Phycology, 58, (1) pp. 92-104. ISSN 0022-3646 (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13214 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 2Web of Science - 4 Co-authors: Tatsumi M; Mabin CJT; Shelamoff V; Cameron MJ; Johnson CR; Wright JT | |
| 2022 | Ward D, Melbourne-Thomas J, Pecl GT, Evans K, Green M, et al., 'Safeguarding marine life: conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems', Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 32, (1) pp. 65-100. ISSN 0960-3166 (2022) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s11160-022-09700-3 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 4Web of Science - 4 Co-authors: Ward D; Melbourne-Thomas J; Pecl GT; Green M; McCormack PC; Novaglio C; Trebilco R; Bax N; Brasier MJ; Edgar G; Jansen J; Lea M-A; Makomere R; Semmens JM; Shaw J; Tinch D | |
| 2021 | Bax N, Novaglio C, Maxwell KH, Meyers K, McCann J, et al., 'Ocean resource use: building the coastal blue economy', Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 32 pp. 189-207. ISSN 0960-3166 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s11160-021-09636-0 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 19Web of Science - 17 Co-authors: Bax N; Novaglio C; Jennings S; Frusher S; Fulton EA; Anderson K; Emad GR; Alexander KA; Rousseau Y; Carter CG | |
| 2021 | Layton C, Cameron MJ, Shelamoff V, Tatsumi M, Wright JT, et al., 'A successful method of transplanting adult Ecklonia radiata kelp, and relevance to other habitat-forming macroalgae', Restoration Ecology, 29, (5) Article e13412. ISSN 1061-2971 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/rec.13412 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 6 Co-authors: Cameron MJ; Shelamoff V; Tatsumi M; Wright JT; Johnson CR | |
| 2021 | Tatsumi M, Layton C, Cameron MJ, Shelamoff V, Johnson CR, et al., 'Interactive effects of canopy-driven changes in light, scour and water flow on microscopic recruits in kelp', Marine Environmental Research, 171 Article 105450. ISSN 0141-1136 (2021) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105450 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 3Web of Science - 3 Co-authors: Tatsumi M; Cameron MJ; Shelamoff V; Johnson CR; Wright JT | |
| 2020 | Eger AM, Marzinelli E, Gribben P, Johnson CR, Layton C, et al., 'Playing to the positives: using synergies to enhance kelp forest restoration', Frontiers in Marine Science, 7 Article 544. ISSN 2296-7745 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2020.00544 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 25Web of Science - 25 Co-authors: Johnson CR | |
| 2020 | Layton C, Cameron MJ, Tatsumi M, Shelamoff V, Wright JT, et al., 'Habitat fragmentation causes collapse of kelp recruitment', Marine Ecology Progress Series, 648 pp. 111-123. ISSN 0171-8630 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3354/meps13422 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 6Web of Science - 5 Co-authors: Cameron MJ; Tatsumi M; Shelamoff V; Wright JT; Johnson CR | |
| 2020 | Layton C, Coleman MA, Marzinelli EM, Steinberg PD, Swearer SE, et al., 'Kelp forest restoration in Australia', Frontiers in Marine Science, 7, (FEB) Article 74. ISSN 2296-7745 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2020.00074 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 59Web of Science - 62 Co-authors: Johnson CR | |
| 2020 | Morris RL, Hale R, Strain EMA, Reeves SE, Verges A, et al., 'Key principles for managing recovery of kelp forests through restoration', Bioscience, 70, (8) pp. 688-698. ISSN 0006-3568 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biaa058 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 15Web of Science - 14 Co-authors: Strain EMA; Shelamoff V | |
| 2020 | Shelamoff V, Layton C, Tatsumi M, Cameron MJ, Wright JT, et al., 'High kelp density attracts fishes except for recruiting cryptobenthic species', Marine Environmental Research, 161 Article 105127. ISSN 0141-1136 (2020) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.105127 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 4Web of Science - 3 Co-authors: Shelamoff V; Tatsumi M; Cameron MJ; Wright JT; Edgar GJ; Johnson CR | |
| 2019 | Layton C, Cameron MJ, Shelamoff V, Fernandez PA, Britton D, et al., 'Chemical microenvironments within macroalgal assemblages: implications for the inhibition of kelp recruitment by turf algae', Limnology and Oceanography, 64, (4) pp. 1600-1613. ISSN 0024-3590 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1002/lno.11138 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 14Web of Science - 13 Co-authors: Cameron MJ; Shelamoff V; Fernandez PA; Britton D; Hurd CL; Wright JT; Johnson CR | |
| 2019 | Layton C, Shelamoff V, Cameron MJ, Tatsumi M, Wright JT, et al., 'Resilience and stability of kelp forests: the importance of patch dynamics and environment-engineer feedbacks', PLoS ONE, 14, (1) Article e0210220. ISSN 1932-6203 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210220 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 46Web of Science - 45 Co-authors: Shelamoff V; Cameron MJ; Tatsumi M; Wright JT; Johnson CR | |
| 2019 | Shelamoff V, Layton C, Tatsumi M, Cameron MJ, Edgar GJ, et al., 'Kelp patch size and density influence secondary productivity and diversity of epifauna', Oikos, 129, (3) pp. 331-345. ISSN 0030-1299 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/oik.06585 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 11Web of Science - 11 Co-authors: Shelamoff V; Tatsumi M; Cameron MJ; Edgar GJ; Wright JT; Johnson CR | |
| 2019 | Shelamoff V, Layton C, Tatsumi M, Cameron MJ, Wright JT, et al., 'Ecosystem engineering by a canopy-forming kelp facilitates the recruitment of native oysters', Restoration Ecology, 27, (6) pp. 1442-1451. ISSN 1061-2971 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1111/rec.13019 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 10Web of Science - 10 Co-authors: Shelamoff V; Tatsumi M; Cameron MJ; Wright JT; Johnson CR | |
| 2019 | Shelamoff V, Layton C, Tatsumi M, Cameron MJ, Wright JT, et al., 'Patch size and density of canopy-forming kelp modify influences of ecosystem engineering on understorey algal and sessile invertebrate assemblages', Marine Ecology - Progress Series, 632 pp. 59-79. ISSN 0171-8630 (2019) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.3354/meps13155 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 7Web of Science - 7 Co-authors: Shelamoff V; Tatsumi M; Cameron MJ; Wright JT; Johnson CR | |
| 2014 | Layton C, Fulton CJ, 'Status-dependent foraging behaviour in coral reef wrasses', Coral Reefs, 33, (2) pp. 345-349. ISSN 0722-4028 (2014) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1007/s00338-014-1138-1 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 8Web of Science - 8 | |
| 2013 | Binning SA, Roche DG, Layton C, 'Ectoparasites increase swimming costs in a coral reef fish', Biology Letters, 9, (1) Article 20120927. ISSN 1744-9561 (2013) [Refereed Article] DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2012.0927 [eCite] [Details] Citations: Scopus - 50Web of Science - 46 |
Other Public Output
(1 outputs)| Year | Citation | Altmetrics |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | McLeod IM, Bostrom-Einarsson L, Johnson CR, Kendrick G, Layton C, et al., 'The role of restoration for conserving matters of national environmental significance in marine and coastal environments', Report to the National Environmental Science Programme, Marine Biodiversity Hub, Hobart, Tasmania, 18 December 2018, Milestone 3 (2018) [Government or Industry Research] Co-authors: Johnson CR |
Grants & Funding
Funding Summary
Number of grants
11
Total funding
Projects
- Description
- Giant kelp forests have declined in Tasmania by over 95% in recent decades and in 2012 became the first marine communityto be listed as threatened under the Australian Federal Government EPBC Act. Research conducted by IMAS has established a foundation forrestoration of giant kelp in Tasmania. The primary objective of this project is to optimise methods required to achieve large-scale restoration of giantkelp forests. Specifically, the project will identify optimal thinning regimes of competitive seaweed and optimal seeding methods (gravel size andquantity, and twine material) required for the best giant kelp recruitment, analyse the cost-effectiveness of different methods, and quantify ecologicalcharacteristics of remnant giant kelp forests as a benchmark for restoration.
- Funding
- Donation via University of Tasmania Foundation ($250); Sea Forest Foundation ($335,318)
- Scheme
- Donation - Institutional
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Bennett S; Ling SD; Layton C; Wright JT; Hurd CL; Strain EMA
- Period
- 2022 - 2023
- Description
- This grant is a philanthropic contribution in support of ongoing research towards restoration of endangered giant kelp forests in South East Tasmania. It will enable the establishment and monitoring of two 100 m2 'seed' patches of giant kelp using family lines selected for tolerance of microscopic stages to warm water.
- Funding
- CMA CGM Agencies (Australia) Pty Ltd ($86,204)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Layton C; Johnson CR
- Period
- 2022 - 2023
- Description
- This grant is a philanthropic contribution in support of ongoing research towards restoration of endangered giant kelp forests in South East Tasmania. It will enable the establishment and monitoring of two 100 m2 'seed' patches of giant kelp using family lines selected for tolerance of microscopic stages to warm water.
- Funding
- CMA CGM Agencies (Australia) Pty Ltd ($3,091)
- Scheme
- Donation - Institutional
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Layton C; Johnson CR
- Year
- 2022
- Description
- Giant kelp forests have declined in Tasmania by over 95% in recent decades and in 2012 became the first marine community to be listed as threatened under the Australian Federal Government EPBC Act. Research conducted by IMAS has established a foundation for restoration of giant kelp in Tasmania. Currently, what a giant kelp community looks like and what makes it unique from other reef communities remains untested. In this project we will: Assess biodiversity at reference natural Giant kelp and rocky reef sites Monitor biodiversity at restored Giant kelp sites (sites restored 1-3 years prior) Produce a report which describes trends in biodiversity over time at kelp restoration patches and summarise variation in biodiversity between reference and restored sites.
- Funding
- Southern Regional Natural Resource Management Association Inc ($20,000)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Bennett S; Layton C
- Period
- 2022 - 2023
- Description
- Restoration of Critically Endangered red handfish habitats through multiple approaches including removal of urchins and replanting of vegetation, combined with seasonal dive surveys to assess changes (in habitat, urchins, and red handfish population).
- Funding
- Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment ($218,588)
- Scheme
- Grant - Environment Restoration Fund
- Administered By
- Southern Regional Natural Resource Management Association Inc
- Research Team
- Stuart-Smith JF; Layton C; Bessell TJ; Shelamoff V
- Period
- 2022 - 2023
- Description
- IMAS-UTAS & TNC have forged a partnership to research and better understand the decline and restoration of giant kelp(Macrocystis pyrifera) in Tasmania. Some of the work is a continuation and extension of previously funded projects at IMAS (e.g. giant kelp breedingand outplanting), whilst novel elements include predictive modelling and quantitative assessment of giant kelp distribution in Tasmania, along withcoordination between project workers and TNC partners on the production of a global kelp restoration guidebook.
- Funding
- The Nature Conservancy ($114,450)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Layton C; Johnson CR
- Period
- 2021 - 2022
- Description
- Climate change and associated-stressors are responsible for declining kelp forests in Australia and around the world. Restoration can be an effective tool for the conservation of these critically-important habitats, however these types of interventions are largely ineffective if the driver of habitat loss is not remedied or ameliorated. Unfortunately, climate change is not something that can be fixed in the short-medium term and so restoration efforts where climate change is the driver of kelp forest loss (such as in south east and south west Australia) instead have to ensure the restoration of adapted or 'future-proofed' kelp strains/individuals. Previous work at IMAS has identified warm-tolerant strains of Tasmanian giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) and are currently using them as the foundation for restoration trials. However, it is unknown what the actual physiological mechanisms are behind the increased thermal performance of these 'super kelp'. And so, using those same giant kelp strains, which are stored in a kelp seedbank at IMAS, this project will employ innovative physiological approaches to reveal the mechanisms behind the improved thermal tolerance. This work will produce knowledge that is directly applicable to kelp forest restoration and biology but also the nascent Australian/Tasmanian kelp aquaculture industry, whilst also being transferable to other kelp species in Australia and globally.
- Funding
- Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment ($49,880)
- Scheme
- Grant-National Environmental Science Prgm (NESP)
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Johnson CR; Layton C; Hurd CL; Wright JT
- Year
- 2021
- Description
- Dense giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forests were previously a conspicuous and iconic feature of the Tasmanian coast, but loss of ~95% of these giant kelp forests over the past several decades has seen them listed by the Australian Government as an endangered marine community. Active restoration of these degraded and disappearing habitats represents a potential approach for conservation of giant kelp forests. This project will leverage from the larger IMAS Giant Kelp restoration project, and specifically, will monitor and examine the reestablishment of biodiversity within the restored patches of giant kelp. The project will also provide training support to community groups and/or seafood industry stakeholders in kelp cultivation, and technical advice for development of school and community educational resources regarding giant kelp restoration.
- Funding
- Southern Regional Natural Resource Management Association Inc ($40,000)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Layton C
- Period
- 2020 - 2022
- Description
- The health and wellbeing of the Lutruwita Aboriginal community are connected to practice of making necklaces from maireener shells, and although the end product is beautiful and has been displayed in art galleries globally, to the Lutruwita Aboriginal women who uphold this practice the most important thing is the process they take to get there. Over the last decade Elders have noticed a change in abundance and shell thickness of the maireener shells - changes that are consistent with scientists' expectations under climate change. We propose oral histories be recorded to robustly document the important shifts observed in these culturally valuable species. There is little mention of these species in any other studies (Indigenous or western science) despite their immense value to the community. We propose the collection and analysis of oral histories to develop baseline data on this culturally critical species, to 1) help establish any contemporary climate change impacts, 2) indicate any required future scientific studies, and 3) provide the basis for developing future adaptation options.
- Funding
- Department of Premier and Cabinet ($15,225)
- Scheme
- Climate Research Grants Program
- Administered By
- Department of Premier and Cabinet
- Research Team
- Fischer M; Layton C; Peacock HT; Greeno DM; Pecl GT
- Year
- 2020
- Description
- Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forests were previously a conspicuous and iconic feature of the eastern Tasmanian coast, but loss of ~95% of dense surface canopies has seen giant kelp forests listed as an endangered marine community in Australia. The collapse of giant forests is associated with ocean warming and the increased influence of warm East Australian Current water in eastern Tasmania. Nonetheless scattered healthy individual giant kelps persist. This project is focussed on identifying warm tolerant genotypes, and means to restore dense surface canopy stands of giant kelp that are self-replenishing and self-expanding. This research will also aid development of giant kelp for commercial harvest and as a means to ameliorate nitrogen input from fish farms in an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture setting.
- Funding
- Climate Foundation ($235,537)
- Scheme
- Contract Research
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Johnson CR; Layton C; Wright JT
- Period
- 2018 - 2019
- Description
- The project aims to achieve a broader understanding of how aspects of kelp population dynamics (density and habitat patch size) may influence the recruitment of associated invertebrate and fish species. This information will help to fill a gap in existing knowledge of the links between kelp community health and the biodiversity and productivity of kelp reef habitats as a whole.
- Funding
- Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment ($22,000)
- Scheme
- Grant
- Administered By
- University of Tasmania
- Research Team
- Johnson CR; Wright JT; Layton C; Cameron MJ
- Period
- 2014 - 2016