Research
The CEA lab research focuses on habitat restoration and living shorelines. We investigate novel solutions that combine biodegradable and non-biodegradable engineered structures with the creation and restoration of natural habitats to improve restoration success through producing more suitable hydrodynamic or geomorphic conditions. Our research takes place across a variety of habitats, such as oyster reefs, coastal and estuarine mangroves, and in both tropical and temperate climates.
Check out our current research projects below!
Shellfish Reef
Living Shorelines
Shellfish reefs have suffered extensive losses globally, and are considered functionally extinct in Victoria, Australia. Investigating factors that affect shellfish survival and methods for their restoration can inform the effort to upscale shellfish reef recovery.
Mangrove
Living Shorelines
Mangrove forests are effective natural coastal defences but have difficulties surviving and growing at eroded and high energy coastlines. Hard structures deployed may be able to alleviate some of the challenges, increasing their chances of survival.
Living Shorelines
Technical Guidance
Mapping tools and technology can be used to assess current habitat distribution and predict potential coastlines for future living shorelines projects. Including sea-level rise projections can inform coastline adaptations to climate change.
Hard Ecological
Engineering
Artificial hard structures are prevalent along coastlines. Modification of existing structures can create more optimal habitats for coastal biodiversity and they can be assessed by modelling the hydrodynamic processes around them.