Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

Managing ecosystems to remove and store more carbon lies at the core of Australia’s nature-based climate change mitigation strategy. This project will investigate whether two overlooked pathways for natural carbon sequestration—blue carbon storage in the deep ocean and in unvegetated marine sediments—could be leveraged to help mitigate climate change. The project can develop along one or more lines: 1) quantifying the flux of carbon from coastal vegetated ecosystems (mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, kelp forests) to the open ocean 2) mapping the carbon stored in Australia’s offshore sediments and their vulnerability to disturbance 3) examining the impacts of climate change on coastal carbon flows. 

The project can incorporate field, aquarium and laboratory-based components as desired. Experience with data wrangling and spatial modelling are not essential but highly desirable. 

Candidates should have a background in marine science. To be competitive you will need a BSc equivalent to 1st Class Honours or MSc, including research experience. Published research is desirable.

albert.pessarrodona@uwa.edu.au