Understanding blue carbon sequestration from Australian kelp forests (PhD)
My research investigates kelp blue carbon, and specifically the flux and fate of kelp detritus along the Australian southwest coast. Kelp detritus (detached seaweed), when transported to the deep-sea acts as a carbon sink, potentially significantly offsetting anthropogenic CO2 emissions. The term blue carbon refers to carbon capture by marine and coastal habitats including kelp forests, seagrass meadows, salt marshes, and mangroves. First order estimates suggest kelp forests contribute as much as 30% of all blue carbon in Australia. Ultimately, my research endeavours to improve the estimate of kelp carbon sequestration: the important next step needed to develop a kelp blue carbon offset program nationally and worldwide.
Supervisors: Karen Filbee-Dexter, Thomas Wernberg, Albert Pessarrodona.
Qualifications
- MSc: xxx
- xx: xx
Peer reviewed publications
- xxx
Achievements and awards
- 2022: Grant winner, Robson & Robertson award.
- 2022: Grant winner, Oceanworks-Woodside proto-type grant.
- 2021: UWA International Fee Scholarship, and University Postgraduate Award
Links
Wernberg Lab 