Researchers
Students
Alumni
ManagementSaskia Jurriaans
PhD
James Cook University
saskia.jurriaans@my.jcu.edu.au
ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
James Cook University Townsville
Queensland 4811 Australia
Phone: 61 7 4781 4000
Email: info@coralcoe.org.au
PhD Candidate
Coral Ecophysiology Lab
James Cook University, College of Marine and Environmental Sciences &
ARC Center of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
James Cook University
Townsville, QLD 4811
Australia
Building 145-317
Phone: +61 (0) 475 431 950
E-mail: saskia.jurriaans@my.jcu.edu.au
Saskia grew up in The Netherlands, far away from any coral reef. However, that did not stop her from being in the water whenever she could. Her curiosity for the natural world led her to a bachelor in Biology at Utrecht University, followed by a master in Marine Resources Management at Wageningen University. Meanwhile she dove in the Dutch waters, the Mediterranean and a lot of tropical oceans, after which she was hooked on coral reefs. Being confronted with the fast degradation of coral reefs due to climate change and other human caused stressors, Saskia decided that she wanted to pursue a PhD in coral reef research. She first went to the Centre Scientifique in Monaco to gain more skills and knowledge about coral physiology and then moved to Townsville. Saskia joined the Hoogenboom Coral Ecophysiology lab as a PhD candidate in 2014. Her research focusses on the variation in the thermal performance of corals across spatial and temporal scales and between corals that have different distribution ranges. Also, it always comes in handy that she speaks four languages: Dutch, English, French and Dolphin.
Project title:
The effect of spatial and temporal fluctuations in temperature on the thermal performance of scleractinian corals
Project Description:
Temperature affects the performance of crucial life-sustaining processes, such as growth. The optimal temperature for performance and the temperature range at which this performance is positive varies between species and geographic location. Increasing temperatures associated with climate change might negatively influence a species’ performance if it cannot adjust to the warmer environment. This may lead to local extinction and alter population dynamics. Corals in particular are vulnerable to increasing temperatures. To improve our understanding of coral population dynamics in a changing climate, this project will assess how within- and among-species variation in thermal performance affects key demographic rates of corals.
Supervisors:
Principle Supervisor: Dr. Mia Hoogenboom
Co-supervisor: Prof. Sean Connolly
Publication List:
Wijgerde, T., S. Jurriaans, M. Hoofd, J.A.J. Verreth, R. Osinga (2012). Oxygen and Heterotrophy Affect Calcification of the Scleractinian Coral Galaxea fascicularis. PLoS ONE, Vol. 7, Issue 12, e52702.
Awards and Grants:
James Cook International Postgraduate Award (PhD scholarship) 2014
Australian Coral Reef Society Travel Award to attend ACRS Conference 2014
New research on the Great Barrier Reef associates severe coral loss with substantial increases in the size of large, long-living herbivorous fish. However, the ecosystem is also left vulnerable to cra
Though coral reefs are in sharp decline across the world, scientists say some reefs can still thrive with plentiful fish stocks, high fish biodiversity, and well-preserved ecosystem functions. An i
Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef is experiencing its third coral bleaching event in just five years. The 2020 bleaching is severe, and more widespread than earlier events. “We surveyed 1,0
Stunning ‘gardens’ of deep-sea corals have been discovered in the Bremer Canyon Marine Park by Australian and international scientists during an oceanographic expedition aboard Schmidt Ocean Insti
Abstract: The dynamics of metapopulations are governed by many factors, including the spatial structure of populations across the landscape, life-history characteristics, demographic processes, and t
Abstract: I will start with a brief overview of the importance of movement as an element of ecological adaptation to environmental change. I will then consider two examples, both involving birds, of
Abstract: Achieving sustainable development requires scientists, decision-makers and practitioners to understand and work with synergies and trade-offs among the social, economic and environmental co
Abstract: In this talk you will discover that my research encompasses a diverse range of projects associated with ecology and fisheries across a variety of species. As such, I will discuss the findin
Abstract: Wildlife crime is a significant global problem that undermines efforts to protect the environment, applies immense pressure to often fragile social and cultural structures and deprives econ
Abstract: The talk will provide an early account of the severity and extent of coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef in 2020, and how it compares with earlier mass bleaching in 1998, 2002, 2016 a
Abstract: The continuing and rapid global decline of coral reefs calls for new approaches to sustain reefs and the millions of people who depend on them. In this talk, I present ongoing work by my re
Abstract: International conflict over fishery resources is a growing security concern. Increasing incidences of conflict, diminishing fishery resources and climate impacts on marine systems have aler
Partner Research Institutions
ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
James Cook University Townsville
Queensland 4811 Australia
Phone: 61 7 4781 4000
Email: info@coralcoe.org.au