About

Originally from Mozambique, Kátya is an aquatic ecologist with experience working in rivers and estuaries of Australia, East Africa and the Pacific Islands. Her research is mostly related to the identification and quantification of impacts of different human activities (e.g. urbanization, deforestation, flow regulation, agriculture, introduction of exotic species) on the aquatic ecology. She also works on animal movement, particularly in questions related to migration patterns and habitat use of bony fish and sharks; to the identification of critical habitats for fisheries species so that the best habitats to protect, preserve or restore can be identified; and to the development of fisheries best practices.

Research Disciplines
Publications

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
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ResearchOnline@JCU stores 53+ research outputs authored by Dr Katya Abrantes from 2003 onwards.

Current Funding

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

SeaWorld Research and Rescue Foundation Inc - Marine vertebrate grant

In search of whale shark and manta ray aggregations on the Great Barrier Reef

Indicative Funding
$25,800 over 2 years
Summary
Identifying important habitats and describing movement patterns is critical for management. Little is known about whale sharks and reef manta ray ecology in the NE coast of Australia. In 2019, we identified potential aggregation sites around Wreck Bay. This project will conduct an expedition to Wreck Bay. We will use satellite tracking, photo-ID and genetic analysis to identify hotspots, determine connectivity with other regions, and assess the threats (fishing, shipping lanes) they face throughout their home range. This will allow us to determine the significance of the region for these species' ecology and conservation.
Investigators
Katya Abrantes, Adam Barnett and Chris Rohner (College of Science & Engineering and Marine Megafauna Foundation)
Keywords
Whale sharks; Satellite tracking; Migration; Manta rays

Cairns Airport Pty Ltd - Contract Research

Food Web Assessment of the Cairns Airport Waterways.

Indicative Funding
$88,350 over 1 year
Summary
This project aims to assess the food web organisation of the waterways adjacent to the Cairns Airport, to identify the species most likely to be impacted by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are toxic persistent pollutants that accumulate up the food chains and can be transferred to people that consume fish caught in contaminated waterways. The study will construct a model of food web functioning based on stable isotope analysis (producers, invertebrates and fish). By describing the food web, it will be possible to identify where the risk of PFAS exposure to people (through fish consumption) is present.
Investigators
Katya Abrantes, Adam Barnett and Marcus Sheaves (College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords
Food webs; Estuaries; Stable isotope analysis

SeaWorld Research and Rescue Foundation Inc - Research Grant

Determining population structure and connectivity of elephant fish stocks in southern Australia

Indicative Funding
$24,000 over 4 years
Summary
Elephant fish reproductive aggregations are targets of commercial and recreational fisheries. Although stock structure is unkown, Australian populations are currently treated as a single stock by management. A recent study revealed limited movement between different fishing zones (Tasmania and Bass Strait), suggesting limited connectivity between regionals. However, some individuals moved between zones, making it difficult to draw conclusions about broader stock structure and genetic connectivity. In addition, elephant fish may comprise >1 species, as there seems to be different morphologies between Australian and New Zealand fish. This project studies the genetic connectivity of elephant fish across thei8r range to identify the number of populations and possible cryptic speciation, and the mechanisms driving these patterns.
Investigators
Adam Barnett, Christine Dudgeon and Katya Abrantes (College of Science & Engineering and The University of Queensland)
Keywords
Stock Assessment; Genetics; Connectivity; Chimaeras; Fisheries; cryptic speciation

WV Scott Charitable Trust - Research Grant

Demographics and connectivity in elephant fish: obtaining key information to preserve a poorly understood species

Indicative Funding
$157,500 over 2 years
Summary
Elephantfish reproductive aggregations are targets of commercial and recreational fisheries. Although stock structure is unknown, Australian populations are currently treated as a single stock by management. A recent study revealed limited movement between different fishing zones (Tasmania and Bass Strait), suggesting limited connectivity between regions. However, some individuals moved between zones, making it difficult to draw conclusions about broader stock structure and genetic connectivity. In addition, elephantfish may comprise >1 species, as there seems to be different morphologies between Australian and New Zealand fish. This project studies the genetic connectivity of elephantfish across their range to identify the number of populations and possible cryptic speciation, and the mechanisms driving these patterns.
Investigators
Adam Barnett, Christine Dudgeon and Katya Abrantes (College of Science & Engineering and The University of Queensland)
Keywords
Stock Assessment; Connectivity; Fisheries; Genetics; Chimaeras; Cryptic Species
Supervision

Advisory Accreditation: I can be on your Advisory Panel as a Primary or Secondary Advisor.

These Higher Degree Research projects are either current or by students who have completed their studies within the past 5 years at JCU. Linked titles show theses available within ResearchOnline@JCU.

Current
  • Marine megafauna movement ecology in a changing environment (PhD , Secondary Advisor)
Completed
Collaboration

The map shows research collaborations by institution from the past 7 years.
Note: Map points are indicative of the countries or states that institutions are associated with.

  • 5+ collaborations
  • 4 collaborations
  • 3 collaborations
  • 2 collaborations
  • 1 collaboration
  • Indicates the Tropics (Torrid Zone)

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