Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems

Dr Stephen Beatty leads the Catchments to Coast node. His research interests relate to the conservation of inland aquatic ecosystems. A particular field of interest is the biology and ecology of freshwater crayfishes and his work has included determining the biology and ecology of the Smooth Marron to aid in the sustainable management of its recreational fishery. Other areas of Dr Beatty’s research relate to south-western Australian freshwater fish communities, particularly with regard to the impacts of feral species, river regulation, surface and groundwater extraction and salinisation.

Dr Gleiss’ research revolves around understanding how ecology and physiology drive the evolution of animals, including research into the movement ecology of marine megafauna. Dr Gleiss uses biologging tags to recreate the lives of animals while out of sight. This work has been able to increase our understanding of threatened fauna, such as whale sharks, flatback turtles and sawfish, both in Western Australia and globally.

Dr Jennifer Verduin heads the Oceanography node of the Centre. Dr Verduin is an oceanographer with many years of research experience on the role of high latitude oceans in decadal climate variability and thermo-haline circulation. Her current research focuses on the impact of physical processes on biological and ecosystem dynamics, including the effects of coastal hydrodynamics on benthic vegetation, particles and structures. Her work aims to develop innovative soft-engineering solutions for reducing coastal decline.

Dr Tweedley leads the Fisheries and Aquaculture node of the Centre. His research focuses on the ecology and health of estuaries and the management of fisheries and their restoration and enhancement. In community ecology, he aims to understanding linkages between fish and invertebrate communities and complex suites of environmental drivers, and develop indices of estuarine health.

Associate Professor Robson's research is in freshwater ecology, addressing the conservation challenges of freshwater management and climate change. Her research focuses on invertebrate ecology, using field and laboratory experiments to create knowledge that supports biodiversity conservation in rivers and lakes. Professor Robson is also Editor in Chief of the leading freshwater ecology journal, Freshwater Biology.

Associate Professor Morgan studies threatened fishes, alien fishes and their impacts to native fauna, and the ecology of fish and how they use their habitats. His auspicious career has led to the discovery of many new species and the documentation of the distribution of most inland Western Australian fishes.