Dr Salvador Zarco-Perello1, Dr. Hector Lozano-Montes1
1Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
Temperate marine ecosystems such as kelp forests and seagrass meadows sustain high levels of biodiversity that translate into the provision of important goods and services to human societies. However, these ecosystems are increasingly being impacted by disturbances derived from human activities which cause decreases in the benefits they provide. Understanding the functioning of these ecosystems and the threats they face is of paramount importance for conservation planning and sustainable development. In this work, we studied the spatial variation of the trophic groups of the of temperate reef fish of western Australia, comparing differences in species diversity, functional groups, and highlighting knowledge gaps. The work identifies research priorities through cross-disciplinary collaborations and improve our understanding of ecosystem function and inform management strategies.
Biography:
Salvador is a marine ecologist interested in researching the form and function of interconnected marine ecosystems across climate gradients. He has conducted and collaborated in several studies on community and functional ecology in coral reefs, seagrass meadows and kelp forests. Currently, he is undertaking a postdoctoral fellowship aimed to assess the spatial variation of the trophic networks of temperate ecosystems in western Australia.
