Habitat-forming species (e.g., kelp forests, shellfish reefs) are declining globally. This has important implications for ecosystem services, such as biodiversity provision and climate change buffering. This research develops techniques for restoring important habitat-forming species.
Kelp restoration
This project investigates strategies for urchin management and kelp restoration using transplanting techniques. It evaluates the ecosystem services of natural and restored kelp beds.
Investigators: Dr Rebecca Morris and Prof. Stephen Swearer
Funding: Port Phillip Bay Fund, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Collaborators: Dr Beth Strain, Dr Paul Carnell, Parks Victoria
Students: Tristan Graham
eDNA monitoring
This project develops eDNA tools for monitoring urchin abundance and the distribution of oyster populations to support restoration.
Investigators: Drs Rebecca Morris and Allyson O’Brien, A/Prof. Andrew Weeks, Prof. Stephen Swearer
Partner organisation: The Nature Conservancy
Funding: Port Phillip Bay Fund, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
Students: Alex Coutts
Dr Rebecca Morris | CEA Lab 