Emma Theobald

Thesis Name

Thesis Abstract

The Australian Seaweed Institute and the Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre at CQUniversity are partnering to develop a transformational technology for seaweed to protect the Great Barrier Reef. Through a network of seaweed biofilters between the coast and the reef, nitrogen and CO2 would be captured by the seaweed and harvested for use in products such as biofertiliser.

Why My Research is Important/Impacts

By developing techniques to allow reliable and efficient Asparagopsis taxiformis and/or Sargassum spp. cultivation and propagation, this research will support the development of this growing industry, facilitating the establishment of commercial algaculture facilities in the Queensland region. By identifying the potential of these species to uptake nutrients, this project will inform industry decision making around species selection for algaculture for the enhancement of water quality in the GBR lagoon. The research generated in this project may also support feasibility studies/ environmental impact assessments around developing algaculture in the GBR lagoon, ultimately informing future government policy with regards to permitting algaculture. 

Partners

Australian Seaweed Institute