{"id":145767,"date":"2026-07-01T08:59:20","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T00:59:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/research\/?post_type=hdr-r-projects&p=145767"},"modified":"2026-07-01T08:59:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T00:59:20","slug":"impacts-of-climate-driven-changes-in-western-australian-seaweed-forests-on-marine-biodiversity","status":"publish","type":"hdr-r-projects","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/research\/hdr-r-projects\/impacts-of-climate-driven-changes-in-western-australian-seaweed-forests-on-marine-biodiversity\/","title":{"rendered":"Impacts of climate-driven changes in Western Australian seaweed forests on marine biodiversity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Temperate seaweed forests are among the most productive and biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet, providing habitat, food and nursery grounds for a wide diversity of ocean life. However, climate change is altering the distribution and abundance of habitat-forming seaweeds around the globe. In Western Australia, marine heatwaves and long-term ocean warming have contributed to declines in some coastal foundation species, particular kelps and other large habitat-forming brown seaweeds. In contrast, other habitat-forming species such as Sargassum spp., which have affinities for warmer waters appear to be increasing in some regions. These changes have the potential to reshape entire marine ecosystems, yet their consequences for biodiversity remain poorly understood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This PhD project will investigate how seaweed forest habitats have been changing through time in Western Australia and how these changes influence associated fish and invertebrate communities. Using a combination of long-term video datasets and targeted field surveys, the PhD student will quantify patterns of habitat change across the Western Australian coast and assess the ecological implications of shifts in dominant marine habitats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aim  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The overall aim of the project is to determine how climate-driven changes in seaweed forest habitats influence the structure and biodiversity of temperate reef ecosystems in Western Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Objectives <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1) The first objective is to quantify the distribution and temporal dynamics of seaweed forests across WA. Existing remotely operated vehicle (ROV), diver-operated video (DOV) and baited remote underwater video (BRUV) datasets will be used to map the distribution of shallow and mesophotic seaweed habitats. Historical video records will allow the student to identify changes in habitat extent and community composition through time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) The second objective is to determine whether and how habitats formed by different seaweeds influence associated fish communities. Video transects spanning multiple locations along the WA coastline will be used to compare fish assemblages associated with shallow and deep kelp forests. Analyses will examine how habitat complexity, canopy structure and depth influence fish diversity and community composition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) The third objective is to assess biodiversity consequences of shifts in the dominant habitat-forming seaweeds. Field surveys in the Perth region will compare invertebrate assemblages associated with golden kelp (Ecklonia radiata), which is declining in many regions, and habitats formed by Sargassum, a genus that has been increasing in abundance due to its warm-water affinity. The project will evaluate whether changes in habitat-forming species lead to corresponding changes in biodiversity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Significance <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Climate change is transforming marine ecosystems globally, yet our understanding of how habitat change influences marine biodiversity remains limited. This project addresses a critical knowledge gap by linking changes in the distribution and abundance of habitat-forming taxa directly to the ecological consequences of those changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The project will improve our understanding of the resilience and vulnerability of Western Australian temperate marine ecosystems, including understudies mesophotic habitats that may play important roles as climate refugia for both seaweeds and their associated diversity. Outcomes will inform conservation planning and contribute to broader efforts to understand ecosystem responses to ocean warming. The research aligns strongly with national priorities in marine conservation, climate adaptation and sustainable ocean management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ideal Candidate <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We seek a highly motivated applicant with a background in marine biology, ecology, environmental science or a related discipline. The successful applicant should have strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and enthusiasm for developing quantitative and field-based research skills. Experience with image analysis, video annotation, scientific programming (e.g., R), field surveys, scuba diving, marine research methods and\/or GIS would be advantageous but not essential. Additionally, the applicants should meet the eligibility criteria for entry into a PhD program at Curtin University.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This project is open to International and Domestic applicants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scholarship  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are identified as the preferred candidate for this project, you may be considered for an RTP scholarship<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enquires and How to Apply <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For enquires about this opportunity contact Dr Sam Starko<\/strong> at\u00a0Sam.Starko@curtin.edu.au<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To formally apply submit an\u00a0Expression of Interest<\/a>\u00a0to Dr Sam Starko<\/strong> during the Central Scholarship round (July 1st – July 31st 2026)\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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