Abstract: Coral reefs are complex ecosystems that are exposed to multiple interacting threats; however, these threats are commonly managed individually without consideration for how they interact. If not considered, these threat interactions can lead to unsuccessful or even damaging management actions. The research in my thesis aims to reduce, investigate and work with the uncertainty involved with modelling such a complex system, by asking management-related question about multiple threats on two coral reef ecosystems (GBR and Philippines). More specifically, I will quantify the relative importance of multiple threats and their interactions, to prioritise management and direct future research.

Biography: Vanessa is a PhD candidate from James Cook University whose dissertation focuses on quantitative techniques to improve conservation management decisions. She completed her Bachelor of Science with a first class Honours at James Cook University and was awarded a 2016 Aims@JCU Quantitative Marine Science PhD scholarship.  Currently she is working on a quantitative approach to model and manage cumulative impacts on coral reefs.