An EconoTimes perspective

Kathryn McMahon

Deputy Director, Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, and Associate Dean of Research, Edith Cowan University

Deputy Director, Centre for Marine Ecosystems Research, and Associate Dean of Research, Edith Cowan University I have three main streams of research in coastal biology and ecology largely focusing on seagrass ecosystems. I use a variety of tools and methods such as ‘manipulated’ and ‘observational’ field and laboratory studies using ‘eco-physiological’ and ‘molecular’ tools. 1. Human impacts in coastal ecosystems Largely focusing on impacts through light reduction, climate change, and dredging How do plants respond to different stressors (developing sub-lethal indicators)? What levels of stress can they cope with? What are the consequences of disturbance? 2. Seagrass-grazing interactions How much is consumed? How do plants cope with grazing? 3. Seagrass evolution and taxonomy What are the evolutionary relationships in seagrasses, particularly Posidonia and Halophila?