My research broadly focuses on the ecology and photobiology of tropical marine biota in coastal habitats at risk from development. I am interested in how photosynthetic processes dictate the success of marine plants and how this impacts the habitat at a broader scale. Using fine-scale fluorometric technology together with field-based rapid-assessment techniques provides a better understanding of impacts from environmental threats.

In recent years, I have forged strong collaborations with researchers at the University of Technology Sydney to delve further into the optics and photosystems of marine plants. Our joint ventures have led to exciting new research with cutting edge tools and sensors in the area of fluorometrics and genetics.

With a continuing passion to ensure an integrated scientific approach to managing marine habitats, I am currently leading a project on the drivers of deepwater seagrass dynamics and the implications of dredging on their optical strategies. I am particularly interested in the spectral attenuation of light at depth and how the plant modifies its photosynthetic machinery to adopt this environmental niche.

Other research interests include the productivity of tropical seagrass ecosystems, the resilience of seagrasses to disturbance and the role of seed banks and other reproductive mechanisms in recovery. I also am broadening my research interests and directions back into coral photophysiology and how such tools can enhance large-scale restoration efforts.  

Research Disciplines

• Environmental Science and Management (0502)
• Plant Biology (0607)
• Ecology (0602)

Socio-Economic Objectives

• Ecosystem Assessment and Management (9605)
• Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity (9608)

These are the most recent publications associated with this author. To see a detailed profile of all publications stored at JCU, visit ResearchOnline@JCU. Hover over Altmetrics badges to see social impact.

Journal Articles

• Schrameyer V, York P, Chartrand K, Ralph P, Kuhl M, Brodersen K and Rasheed M (2018) Contrasting impacts of light reduction on sediment biogeochemistry in deep- and shallow-water tropical seagrass assemblages (Green Island, Great Barrier Reef). Marine Environmental Research, 136. pp. 38-47
• Wu P, McMahon K, Rasheed M, Kendrick G, York P, Chartrand K, Caley M and Mengersen K (2018) Managing seagrass resilience under cumulative dredging affecting light: predicting risk using dynamic Bayesian networks. Journal of Applied Ecology, 55 (3). pp. 1339-1350
• Wu P, Mengersen K, McMahon K, Kendrick G, Chartrand K, York P, Rasheed M and Caley M (2017) Timing anthropogenic stressors to mitigate their impact on marine ecosystem resilience. Nature Communications, 8.
• Chartrand K, Bryant C, Carter A, Ralph P and Rasheed M (2016) Light thresholds to prevent dredging impacts on the Great Barrier Reef seagrass, Zostera muelleri ssp. capricorni. Frontiers in Marine Science, 3.
• York P, Carter A, Chartrand K, Sankey T, Wells L and Rasheed M (2015) Dynamics of a deep-water seagrass population on the Great Barrier Reef: annual occurrence and response to a major dredging program. Scientific Reports, 5. pp. 1-9
• Macreadie P, Schliep M, Rasheed M, Chartrand K and Ralph P (2014) Molecular indicators of chronic seagrass stress: A new era in the management of seagrass ecosystems? Ecological Indicators, 38. pp. 279-281
• Petrou K, Jimenez-Denness I, Chartrand K, McCormack C, Rasheed M and Ralph P (2013) Seasonal heterogeneity in the photophysiological response to air exposure in two tropical intertidal seagrass species. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 482. pp. 93-106
• Grech A, Chartrand-Miller K, Erftemeijer P, Fonseca M, McKenzie L, Rasheed M, Taylor H and Coles R (2012) A comparison of threats, vulnerabilities and management approaches in global seagrass bioregions. Environmental Research Letters, 7 (2). pp. 1-8
• Unsworth R, Rasheed M, Chartrand K and Roelofs A (2012) Solar radiation and tidal exposure as environmental drivers of Enhalus acoroides dominated seagrass meadows. PLoS One, 7 (3). pp. 1-8
• Chartrand K, Durako M and Blum J (2009) Effect of hyposalinity on the photophysiology of Siderastrea radians. Marine Biology, 156. pp. 1691-1702

Other research outputs

• Collier C, Chartrand K, Honchin C, Fletcher A and Rasheed M (2016) Light thresholds for seagrasses of the GBRWHA: a synthesis and guiding document. [monograph]
• McCormack C, Chartrand K, Thomas R, Tol S, Szabo M and Rasheed M (2015) Deepwater seagrass dynamics: light requirements, seasonal change and mechanisms of recruitment for deepwater seagrasses: interim report. [monograph]

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ResearchOnline@JCU stores 31+ research outputs authored by Mrs Katie Chartrand from 2008 onwards.

Current and recent Research Funding to JCU is shown by funding source and project.

The map shows research collaborations by institution from the past 7 years.
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