The nutrient ecophysiology of seaweeds of the Great Southern Reef: towards optimising bioremediation potential of farmed and natural systems.
Human population growth has intensified dependence on marine resources and the services they provide, particularly for coastal communities. This highlights the need for sustainable production systems alongside strategies to mitigate impacts of climate change and other human-driven stressors. Marine macroalgae, or seaweeds, are foundation species in coastal ecosystems that support biodiversity, cycle carbon and nutrients and provide potential as food sources and nutrient biofilters for a sustainable economy. Yet, their future role depends on how they perform under increasingly unfavourable environmental conditions. My PhD research investigates seaweed ecophysiology and biogeochemistry under multiple stressors, integrating field and laboratory studies to quantify functional changes in response to temperature, light, nutrient availability, and other drivers. By developing a mechanistic understanding of macroalgal stress physiology, my work seeks to advance predictions of ecosystem service delivery and inform sustainable use of seaweeds in future coastal systems.
Supervisors:
Thomas Wernberg, Samuel Starko, Catriona Hurd & Karen Filbee-Dexter
Qualifications
Academic
2021: Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science with First Class Honours, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania
Thesis title: Sargassum siliquosum: Nitrogen ecophysiology and feasibility for use as a biofilter for nitrogenous waste in onshore integrated aquaculture.
2020: Bachelor of Marine and Antarctic Science (Marine Biology & Marine and Antarctic Ecology), Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania
Other
- PATTA Scientific Diver
- PADI Advanced and Rescue Diver
- Off-road 4×4 and Licence to Perform High Risk Work (Forklift)
Publications – peer reviewed
Edwards GE, Filbee-Dexter K, Schwoerbel J, Starko S, Hurd CL, Wernberg T (In press, 2025) Temperature and nutrient source drive population-specific patterns of dissolved inorganic nitrogen uptake in a common kelp. MEPS
Edwards GE, Visch W, Hurd CL, Smith G, Fitzgibbon Q (2024) Nitrogen excretion by the lobsters Panulirus ornatus and Thenus australiensis and uptake by the brown algae Sargassum siliquosum: Implications for integrated recirculated aquaculture systems. Aquaculture 581:740486
Publications – other
Edwards GE, Sewell I (2022) Assessing the suitability of Asparagopsis cultivation in Owen Anchorage, Western Australia. University of Western Australia and The Knodes Network. Report prepared for Fremantle Seaweed Pty Ltd.
White C, Edwards GE, Hartog M, Barrett N (2022) Background information, potential risks & knowledge gaps associated with the aquaculture of Undaria pinnatifida in Tasmania. Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies. Advice Note prepared for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania.
Awards/Achievements
2024: Overseas Travel Award, The University of Western Australia
2023: Grant Winner, Robson and Roberston Awards
2022: Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship, Domestic, The University of Western Australia
2022: UWA Establishment/Relocation Award, The University of Western Australia
2021: Executive Dean’s Honour Role for the college of Sciences and Engineering, University of Tasmania
2020: Third Year Undergraduate Ecology and Biodiversity Prize, University of Tasmania
2019: Grant Winner, New Columbo Mobility Grant, University of Tasmania
Links
Wernberg & Filbee-Dexter Labs 