Chico Birrell

Marine Spatial Ecology Lab
School of Biological Sciences
University of Queensland
St. Lucia Brisbane, Qld 4072
Australia

tel: +61 (0)433 724 496
email: BirrellC@gmail.com
skype: chico.birrell

I seek to examine the ecology and dynamics of macroalgae on coral reefs to further understand the role of conservation measures in helping to boost coral reproduction and reef resilience.  New studies are needed to understand and quantify the dynamics of algae, which often play a pivotal role in driving reef health. Particular attention will be paid to implications for coral replenishment processes and roles of herbivores. Outcomes of this PhD research will help refine quantitative models of the effects of climate change on reef health.

Career

2010

  • Environmental impact monitoring, North Western Shelf, Australia. Primarily impacts to coral community health, coral reproduction and water quality in association with dredging activities. Sinclair Knight Merz

2009

  • Development of monitoring protocols for long term assessment of coral reproduction at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Australian institute of Marine Science
  • Benthic community photographic surveys, Kimberley near shore environments. Australian institute of Marine Science

2008

  • Benthic community ecology and coral reproduction studies of Scott Reef, Indian Ocean. Australian Institute of Marine Science

2003 -2007

  • Marine Biologist, Science liaison Officer and Ecotourism guide and dive instructor, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Undersea Explorer.
  • Consultant for benthic invertebrate community studies at Ashmore Reef, Indian Ocean. Commissioned by Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA).
  • Casual research assistant for investigation into coral life history traits, ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, Townsville, Australia.

Qualifications

2003 MSc James Cook University Townsville, Australia
2001 MAppSci James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
1998 BSc Hons Ecological Science and Environmental Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Journal publications

  • Birrell, C.L., McCook L.J., Willis, B.L. & Diaz-Pullido G. A. (2008) Effects of benthic algae on the replenishment of corals and the implications for the resilience of coral reefs; Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review, 2008, 46, 25-63
  • Birrell, C.L., McCook L.J., Willis, B.L. & Harrington L. (2008) Chemical effects of macroalgae on larval settlement of the broadcast spawning coral, Acropora millepora; Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 362: 129-137
  • Birrell, C., McCook, L. & Willis, B. (2005) Effects of algal turfs and sediment on coral settlement Marine Polution Bulletin 51: 408-414
  • Baird A. H., Birrell, C. L., Hughes, T. P., McDonald, A., Nojima, S, Page, C. A., Pratchett, M. S., Yamasaki H., (2009) Latitudinal variation in reproductive synchrony in Acropora assemblages: Japan vs. Australia, Galaxea: Journal of Coral Reef Studies 11: 101-108

Member

Australian coral Reef Society: http://www.australiancoralreefsociety.org/