Current Research Projects

Post-flood recovery and impacts of flood related stressors on benthic invertebrates.

In collaboration with NSW DPI

Funded by the Marine Estate Management Strategy

Potential of leaf oysters for shellfish reef restoration.

In collaboration with NSW DPI.

Funding from NSW DPI and Coffs Harbour City Council Environmental Levy

Impacts of flood related stressors and agricultural run-off on crabs

In collaboration with NSW DPI

Funded by FRDC

Climate change impacts on seafood nutritional quality

Shalders et al 2022 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105590

In collaboration with the NSW Department of Primary Industries

Funding from Marine Estate Management Strategy

Impacts of storm-water run-off on water quality and cultural resources.

In collaboration with the Garby Traditional Elders.

Funding from Coffs Harbour City Council Environmental Levy

Oyster leases, sedimentation and water quality

In collaboration with NSW DPI

Funded by the Marine Estate Management Strategy

Investigation of a mangrove die-off in Boambee Creek

In collaboration with the Gumbayggnirr Rangers

Funding to NWAC from the Coffs Harbour City Council Environmental Levy

Recently completed projects

Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

Understanding the Interaction of Ocean Acidification and Marine Tourism for Sustainable Management of Coral Reefs

Project Leader: Kirsten Benkendorff, Southern Cross University, Australia

Partners: Dr Roslizawati Ab Lah & Dr Razak Zakariya, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia

Dr Dang Thuy Binh & Dr Quach Thi Khanh Ngoc, Nha Trang University ,Vietnam

Prof. Gino Limmon, Pattimura University, Ambon, Indonesia

Dr Kay Dimmock, Prof. Stephen Smith, Prof. Peter Harrison, Dr Elizabeth Heagney Southern Cross University

Dr Si Tuan Vo, Institute of Oceanography, Vietnam Academy of Science & Technology, Nha Trang, Vietnam

Inem Ode, Darussalam University, Ambon, Indonesia

OUTPUTS

APN perspective

Ocean acidification and implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for the SCUBA diving industry in four regions in Asia-Pacific

Coffs Harbour Environmental Levy Project

Water quality in Woolgoolga estuary and valuation of nutrient removal services by the remnant leaf oyster reef.

Project Leader: Kirsten Benkendorff

Co-investigators: Christopher Klaas and Mitchell Kirby

Southern Cross University, Australia

Regenerative Agricultural alliance: DAFF Soil Extension Program

Effects of pesticides on soil microbial diversity and bioreactors to attenuate run-off on blueberry farms.

Project Leader: Kirsten Benkendorff

Co-investigator: Shane White

Project Partners: Coffs Habour City Council & North Coast Local Land Services