Turf Wars: fighting the new battle facing blue forests

本项目旨在利用生态模型和现场实验来揭示草坪扩张的驱动因素和临界阈值。栖息地的丧失是对海洋商品和服务的主要威胁。在全球范围内，海带森林正在崩溃，取而代之的是持续存在的不受欢迎的藻类“草皮”。对这种栖息地变化的了解尚处于初级阶段，减轻影响的解决方案几乎不存在。通过压力实验和基因组分析，该项目旨在发现在压力下促进森林持久性的弹性海带。通过扩大我们对关键栖息地转变的理解，并探索新的解决方案，该项目旨在提高我们应对澳大利亚南大堡礁持续退化的能力。

This project aims to use ecological models and field experiments to uncover drivers and critical thresholds for turf expansion. Habitat loss is a leading threat to goods and services from the oceans. Globally, kelp forests are collapsing and being replaced by persistent unwanted algal ‘turfs’. Understanding of this habitat shift is rudimentary, and solutions to mitigate the impacts virtually non-existent. Through stress experiments and genomic analyses, this project aims to discover resilient kelps that promote forest persistence under stress. By expanding our understanding of critical habitat transitions, and exploring new solutions, this project aims to enhance our capacity to respond to the ongoing degradation of Australia’s Great Southern Reef.