Restoring seascapes to enhance ecosystem function and recovery in a changing climate

About the research project

Climate change is increasingly constraining the success and persistence of marine habitat restoration, particularly for threatened species that depend on highly specialised and fragmented habitats, like the critically endangered red handfish in Tasmania. Restoration must therefore move beyond simply rebuilding habitat towards approaches that anticipate future environmental conditions and actively enhance ecological resilience. This project will investigate how climate refugia, species characteristics and ecological interactions can be harnessed to improve the outcomes of restoration for threatened marine species and the ecosystems on which they depend.

The research will integrate experimental ecology, restoration science and spatial modelling to address three complementary challenges: understanding when and under what environmental conditions marine macrophytes can reproduce and establish; determining whether restoring complementary habitat-forming species can enhance establishment, biodiversity and ecosystem functioning; and identifying locations where restoration is most likely to remain viable as climate conditions change. Together, these approaches will provide a framework for targeting restoration where it has the greatest potential to succeed and persist.

The project will focus on seagrasses, fucoid algae and associated habitat-forming species, with particular application to the red handfish whose recovery depends on the restoration of structurally complex coastal habitats. By linking ecological mechanisms with restoration interventions and spatial prioritisation, the project will develop practical approaches for delivering climate-resilient restoration at scales relevant to threatened species recovery and ecosystem conservation.

Proposed chapters:

1. Evaluate the thermal optima for different species and strains using laboratory experiments
2. Determine the environmental drivers of reproduction, recruitment, and early establishment in marine macrophytes to inform restoration, by identifying the environmental conditions that promote successful reproduction and recruitment of seagrasses and fucoid algae.
3. Multi-habitat restoration and ecological facilitation. Experimentally test whether restoring complementary habitat-forming species as habitat mosaics enhances restoration success and whether positive species interactions can improve establishment and persistence.
4. Identifying climate refugia and thermal resilience for restoration prioritisation. Integrate thermal optima data with environmental and spatial modelling to identify climate refugia and prioritise restoration sites that are likely to remain suitable under future climate scenarios.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Tyson Bessell

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• Scientific diver qualifications, or ability to be on the UTAS dive register (including relevant qualifications, such as first aid, and ability to successfully pass a commercial dive medical)
• Strong commitment to safe working practices and effective teamwork across field, laboratory, and other research environments

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Current Australian drivers licence
• Coxswain qualification and demonstrated ability to work at sea
• Strong quantitative skills
• Strong organisational skills and capacity to management project requirements, including risk assessments for field and lab-based work, animal ethics and research permits

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Tyson Bessell to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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