MSc (marine science, Univ. of Otago); B.A. (Biology, Occidental College)
Contact details for Ms Jean Davis jean.davis@griffith.edu.au
Thesis
Trophic connectivity among tropical coastal habitats and implications for MPA design.
Description
Understanding ecological connectivity and the complexity of linkages among landscapes and seascapes is critical for sustaining ecosystem function in the developing world. A seascape refers to the spatial arrangement and proximity of marine habitats that are linked by movements of organisms or nutrients. Coastal tropical and subtropical seascapes are typically composed of mangrove, sea grass and coral reef habitats. Mangroves are recognized as valuable nursery habitats and productive feeding grounds for reef fishes. Within Queensland, Australia mangroves provide critical habitats to many fisheries species and the structural connectivity of this habitat is a vital factor in maintaining recreational and commercial fisheries in the area. This study aims to characterize the trophic consequences of habitat connectivity between mangroves and fringing reefs within Moreton Bay in an effort to improve the effectiveness of marine reserve design and function. This will be done by analysing foodweb connectivity between mangrove and reef habitats in Moreton Bay using an abundant mobile predator (Acanthopagrus australis).
Supervisor
- Dr. Kylie Pitt
- Professor Rod Connolly
- Professor Brian Fry
Research expertise
- Temperate reef ecology
- Fish biology
- Stable isotope ecology
Publications
- Davis JP and SR Wing (2012) Niche partitioning in the Fiordland wrasse guild. Marine Ecology Progress Series.( In Press)
- McLeod RJ, SR Wing and JP Davis (2010) Habitat conversion and species loss alters the composition of carbon sources to benthic communities. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 411:127-136