BA, BSc (Hons)
Contact details for Ms Emily Saeck e.saeck@griffith.edu.au
Thesis
The response of phytoplankton communities in Moreton Bay to increased anthropogenic pressure & climate change.Description
Moreton Bay sustains a relatively healthy ecosystem despite being adjacent to one the fastest growing regions in Australia. The future will see increased pressure on Moreton Bay as development affects nutrient loads and natural flow conditions. In combination with this climate change scenarios are predicting longer periods of drought & an increase in the intensity and frequency of flood events. Phytoplankton are a major source of primary production for the Moreton Bay ecosystem, they play a valuable role in nutrient cycling and are, subsequently, useful indicators of ecological change. The objective of this research is to assess the resilience of phytoplankton communities in Moreton Bay to increased anthropogenic pressure and climate change, not often considered in conjunction with one another. The approach will include an assessment of the response of phytoplankton biomass, productivity & community composition to nutrient enrichment and the development of predictive relationships
Supervisors
- Ass Prof Michele Burford
- Prof Stuart Bunn
- Dr Kate O'Brien (UQ)
Research Expertise
- Aquatic ecology
Current teaching areas
- Science communication
Publications
- Abal, E. G., Chiffings, A., Schlacher, T., Saeck. E. and McMullen, B. (2007) Algal Blooms in Noosa: Perceptions and Implications. In, Proceedings from the Inaugural Queensland Coastal Conference 2007: Shifting Sands. Bundaberg: Burnett Mary Regional Group.
- Saeck, E., Chiffings, A., and Abal, E. (2007) Coastal Algal Blooms Action Plan. In, South East Queensland Healthy Waterways Strategy 2007-2012. Brisbane: SEQ Healthy Waterways Partnership.
- Brizga, S., Abal, E., Arthington, A., Bunn, S., Connolly, R., Evans, P., Hunter, H. and Saeck, E. (2005). Catchment Condition Overview of the Moreton Water Resource Plan Area. In, Moreton Draft Water Resource Plan Information Report (pp. 67-76). The State of Queensland, Department of Natural Resources and Mines.