JCU > Research Portfolio > Prof Mike Kingsford

About

Michael is a Distinguished Professor of Marine Biology in the College of Science and Engineering. The College is a recognized world leader in tropical marine science, aquaculture, ecology, environmental sciences, fisheries, planning, plant sciences and zoology; he is the recent past Dean of the College. Furthermore, he has been President of the Australian Coral Reef Society, Director of One Tree Island Research Station, member of the Great Barrier Reef Research Foundation and the Museum of Tropical Queensland advisory committees.

He has published extensively on the ecology of reef fishes, jellyfishes, biological oceanography and climate change. His projects have encompassed a range of latitudes and he has edited two books on tropical and temperate ecology. He is a Chief Investigator with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovative Coral Reef Studies. A major focus of his research has been on connectivity of reef fish populations, environmental records in corals and fishes and deadly irukandji jellyfishes. In addition to research and leadership, he teaches undergraduate students and supervises many postgraduate students.

The activities of his research group can be seen on the Reef and Ocean Ecology website; http://reefoceanlab.org.au.

Michael has published one hundred and seventy publications including two major books entitled ‘Studying Temperate Marine Environment: A Handbook for Ecologists’ 335 pp.; Great Barrier Reef: Biology, Environment and Management 400 pp. Thirty one chapters in books, 130 refereed publications and nine refereed proceedings. Publications include ten major refereed reviews (since 1988). For coverage of most journal articles see his ResearcherID and his Google Scholar page.

Teaching

AG1007: Introduction to Plants and Animals for Veterinary Science (Level 1; TSV)
BS1001: Introduction to Biological Processes (Level 1; TSV)
BS1007: Introduction to Biodiversity (Level 1; TSV)
MB1110: Introductory Marine Science (Level 1; TSV)
MB3050: Biological Oceanography (Level 3; TSV)
MB5001: Tropical Marine Ecology and Coastal Impacts (Level 5; SIN & TSV)
MB5055: Biological Oceanography (Level 5; TSV)
SC5810: Marine Ecology and Upwelling (Level 5; TSV)

Interests

Research

Pelagic ecology and oceanography; Population and community ecology of reef and pelagic fish in temperate and tropical systems (most of my present work is in the tropics); Elemental chemistry of fishes and jellyfishes what it can tell us about their movements and the environmental conditions they experience; Quantitative marine ecology; Climate change.

Teaching

Pedagogy of teaching in biology; Blended/Flexible learning; Distance-based learning.

Research Disciplines

Socio-Economic Objectives

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

Sih T, Daniell J, Bridge T, Beaman R, Cappo M and Kingsford M (2019) Deep-reef fish communities of the Great Barrier Reef shelf-break: trophic structure and habitat associations. Diversity, 11.
Kingsford M, Becken S, Bordehore C, Fuentes V, Pitt K and Yangihara A (2018) Empowering stakeholders to manage stinging jellyfish: a perspective. Coastal Management, 46 (1). pp. 1-18
Schiel D, Ayling T, Kingsford M, Battershill C, Choat J, Andrew N, Clements K, Ayling A, Leum L, Poynter M and Jones G (2018) Change in the rocky reef fish fauna of the iconic Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve in north-eastern New Zealand over 4 decades. Marine and Freshwater Research, 69 (10). pp. 1496-1507
Schlaefer J, Wolanski E, Lambrechts J and Kingsford M (2018) Wind conditions on the Great Barrier Reef influenced the recruitment of snapper (Lutjanus carponotatus). Frontiers in Marine Science, 5.
Schlaefer J, Wolanski E and Kingsford M (2018) Swimming behaviour can maintain localised jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri: Cubozoa) populations. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 591. pp. 287-302
Kingsford M, O'Callaghan M, Liggens L and Gerlach G (2017) The short-lived neon damsel Pomacentrus coelestis: implications for population dynamics. Journal of Fish Biology, 90 (5). pp. 2041-2059
Mooney C and Kingsford M (2017) Statolith morphometrics as a tool to distinguish among populations of three cubozoan species. Hydrobiologia, 787 (1). pp. 111-121
Mooney C and Kingsford M (2017) Discriminating populations of medusae (Chironex fleckeri, Cubozoa) using statolith microchemistry. Marine and Freshwater Research, 68. pp. 1144-1152
Rowen D, Templeman M and Kingsford M (2017) Herbicide effects on the growth and photosynthetic efficiency of Cassiopea maremetens. Chemosphere, 182. pp. 143-148
Bottesch M, Gerlach G, Halbach M, Andreas B, Kingsford M and Mouritsen H (2016) A magnetic compass that might help coral reef fish larvae return to their natal reef. Current Biology, 26 (24). pp. R1266-R1267
Epstein H, Templeman M and Kingsford M (2016) Fine-scale detection of pollutants by a benthic marine jellyfish. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 107 (1). pp. 340-346
Gerlach G, Atema J, Raupach M, Deister F, Müeller A and Kingsford M (2016) Cryptic species of cardinalfish with evidence for old and new divergence. Coral Reefs, 35 (2). pp. 437-450

More: ResearchOnline@JCU stores 98+ research outputs authored by Prof Mike Kingsford from 2000 onwards.

Current Funding

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

QLD Department of Science, Information, Technology and Innovation - Advance Queensland Research Fellowship

The value of conservation parks on the Great Barrier Reef

Indicative Funding: $180,000 over 5 years, in partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority ($15,000 over 3 yrs)
Summary: This project examines the importance of partially protected areas on the Great Barrier Reef. Conservation park zones offer partial protection to coral reef ecosystems by limiting fishing impacts through use of restrictions on fishing gear. Conservation parks have the potential to provide a conservation middle ground by allowing limited extraction by fishers whilst still providing a conservation benefit. Despite this potential, little is known about the value of the zones. This project will be the first to examine how conservation park zones contribute to conservation and management of coral reef fish communities on the Great Barrier Reef.
Investigators: April Hall and Mike Kingsford (College of Science & Engineering)
Keywords: Conservation; Marine Parks; Fishing Impacts; Fisheries Management; Zoning; Great Barrier Reef

Australian Research Council - Centres of Excellence

ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrated Coral Reef Studies

Indicative Funding: $28,000,000 over 7 years
Summary: The overarching aim of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrated Coral Reef Studies is to provide the scientific knowledge necessary for sustaining ecosystem goods and services of the world's coral reefs, which support the livelihoods and food security of millions of people in the tropics. The Centre will enhance Australia's global leadership in coral reef science through three ambitious research programs addressing the future of coral reefs and their ability to adapt to change. A key outcome of the research will be providing tangible benefits to all Australians by bui8lding bridges between the natural and social sciences, strengthening capacity, and informing and supporting transformative changes in coral reef governance and management.
Investigators: Terry Hughes, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, Malcolm McCulloch, Peter Mumby, Sean Connolly, John Pandolfi, Bob Pressey, Andrew Baird, David Bellwood, Joshua Cinner, Sophie Dove, Maja Adamska, Mia Hoogenboom, Geoff Jones, Mike Kingsford, Ryan Lowe, Mark McCormick, David Miller, Philip Munday, Morgan Pratchett, Garry Russ and Tiffany Morrison in collaboration with Janice Lough, David Wachenfeld, Stephen Palumbi, Serge Planes and Philippa Cohen (ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, The University of Queensland, The University of Western Australia, College of Science & Engineering, Australian National University, College of Public Health, Medical & Vet Sciences, Australian Institute of Marine Science, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Stanford University, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and WorldFish)
Keywords: coral reef ecosystems; Climate Change Adaptation; ecological resilience; biodiversity goods and services; social-ecological dynamics

Department of the Environment and Energy - National Environmental Science Program (NESP) - Tropical Water Quality Hub (TWQ Hub)

Early warning systems to minimise the risk of box jellyfish stings by empowering stakeholders

Indicative Funding: $25,000 over 3 years (administered by CSIRO)
Summary: This project will minimise the risk of box jellyfish sting by empowering stakeholders with an early warning system. We will firs develop an openly-accessible database based o information from existing sting datasets, hospital records and surf lifesaving and research data. We will use this database to develop real-time forecasting models in major stinger hotspots on the GBR, based on environmental conditions and water quality. These forecasts will be tested with out project partners, SLSQ and AMPTO. This project will empower tourism operators, Traditional Owners, and the public to mitigate stinger impacts.
Investigators: Anthony Richardson and Mike Kingsford in collaboration with S Condie and K Pitt (Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation, College of Science & Engineering and Griffith University)
Keywords: Jellyfish; Engagement; Cubozoa; Ecology; Irukandji; Risk

Department of the Environment and Energy - National Environmental Science Program (NESP) - Tropical Water Quality Hub (TWQ Hub)

Establishing a research framework for future NESP investment into better understanding of the presence of Box-Jellyfishes (Irukandji) and risks in the Great Barrier Reef

Indicative Funding: $30,000 over 2 years (administered by Reef and Rainforest Research Centre)
Summary: This project intends to conduct a workshop with key researchers and stakeholders to establish the future research framework for NEP investment into better understanding of box-jellyfishes presence and risk in the Great Barrier Reef. This will include defining the scope of work required to: identify how species of Irukandji and stingers respond to changing water quality conditions, predictions of box-jellyfishes presence based on environmental conditions, determine ecological impacts, innovative management options. We will engage with stakeholders to discuss scientific information already available, research gaps to be filled and develop a framework to guide future NESP research to meet end-user needs.
Investigators: Mike Kingsford in collaboration with Kylie Pitt, Lyndon Llewellyn and Mark O'Callaghan (College of Science & Engineering, Griffith University and Australian Institute of Marine Science)
Keywords: framework; Workshops; Box jellyfish; Research; Irukandji

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

The population ecology of common tropical baitfishes in the lndo-Pacific (PhD , Primary Advisor/AM/Adv)
Improving our understanding of the population dynamics of cubozoans jellyfishes with biophysical modelling. (PhD , Primary Advisor/AM/Adv)

Completed

Predator-Prey Interactions and the Importance of Sensory Cues in our Changing World. (2014, PhD , Primary Advisor)
Top-down control, trophic interactions, and the importance of predatory fishes on coral reefs (2015, PhD , Primary Advisor)
Determinants of resource specialisation and its ecological consequences for the corallivorous filefish, Oxymonacanthus longirostris (2014, PhD , Secondary Advisor)
Statoliths of cubozoan jellyfishes: their utility to discriminate taxa and elucidate population ecology (2014, PhD , Primary Advisor)
Development and Implementation of a Vulnerability Assessment Tool to Inform Decision-making in Socio-ecological Systems (2018, PhD , Primary Advisor)
Diving into the deep-end: Investigating tropical deep-reef fish assemblages (2019, PhD , Primary Advisor/AM/Adv)
Habitat determinants of Chaetodon butterflyfish and fishery-targeted coral reef fish assemblages in the central Philippines (2016, PhD , Secondary Advisor)

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.