How eco-engineering mitigate impacts on biodiversity through changes in species’ reproductive output?

Synopsis

Research has shown that seawalls may affect populations of key organisms, such as limpets, through changes in densities, size and reproductive output. Eco-engineering interventions have the potential to mitigate some of these impacts. The Living Seawalls, in Sydney Harbour, aims to enhance the ecological value of coastal infrastructure by adding habitat panels that increase the habitat area for settlement and growth of seaweeds, shellfish and other marine life and provide shelter from e.g. high temperatures and predators. This project will examine how eco-engineering interventions, such as the Living Seawalls, affect the reproductive output and viability of populations of species such as limpets and kelps. This study will include field work and manipulative experiments in several sites in Sydney Harbour.

Aim

To investigate how eco-engineering interventions, such as Living Seawalls, can mitigate impacts on population of key species.

Student benefits

This project will allow the student to develop applicable skills in critical thinking and scientific writing. The student will learn skills in field sampling and laboratory techniques and statistical analyses. Through this project, students will have the opportunity to collaborate with different stakeholders, including industry and government. Therefore, the student will be able to gain experience that is relevant to careers within and outside academia.

Supervisor(s): Mariana Mayer-Pinto
E: m.mayerpinto@unsw.edu.au