Miss
Olivia JohnsonProfile page
Higher Degree by Research Candidate
Ecology and Biodiversity
Orcid identifier0000-0002-2928-7784
- Higher Degree by Research CandidateEcology and Biodiversity
- University of Tasmania, Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies, 20 Castray Esplanade, Hobart, Battery Point, 7004, Australia
PROJECTS
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Showing page 1, grants 1 to 25 of 27
GRANT
Optimal nutrient requirements for Asparagopsis cultivation
Fisheries Research & Development Corporation30 Apr 2024 - 31 Mar 2025
People funded by this grant: Hurd C, Wright J, Visch W
Project Total: $199,635; There are two species of Asparagopsis native to Australia, temperate A. armata and tropical A. taxiformis. Both species are known to produce chemicals (bromoforms) that when fed to cattle and sheep, reduce methane emmisions. The ‘tetrasporophyte’ phase of the life cycle is grown in culture on land, and considerable effort is focussed on understanding the optimal conditions for growing Asparagopsis to maximise biomass produced per unit culture system.
At present, most publications describing Asparagopsis culture utilise F2 media (or a similar solution such as Von Stosch, Provasoli ES, Walnes). As a result, most farmers utilise F2 media, as this is easily available as a pre-mixed, bulk solution. However, these media were designed to culture microalgae and likely do not contain optimal nutrient combinations or concentrations. F2 alone has 14 different constituents, all in varying concentrations, which could be tested and optimised specifically for the growth of Asparagopsis. Removing unused components would also benefit costs for scale cultivation. The nutrient uptake and usage information gathered in the project would also have implications for bioremediation and biofilter projects. Funded by: Fisheries Research & Development Corporation - Tender ($199,635); University of Tasmania.
GRANT
Developing at-sea methods for the cultivation of bull kelp (Durvillaea spp.)
Blue Economy CRC Co5 Apr 2024 - 30 Mar 2026
People funded by this grant: Wright J, Hurd C, Brancher A, Arioli T, Osborne A
Project Total: $625,064; This project will focus on developing methods to out-plant hatchery-reared Durvillaea (Bull Kelp) to grow-lines at-sea, fine tune hatchery methods and test the growth and performance of Durvillaea on grow lines at different sites. We will test a range of factors that influence attachment success: the substrate; methods of attachment; timing (season) of outplanting and preconditioning hatchery-reared juveniles. The outcomes of the project will contribute to the goal of growing commercially viable Durvillaea. Funded by: Blue Economy CRC Co - General Projects ($593,456); University of Tasmania.
GRANT
NESP MaC 3.6 - Improving data on the distribution and ecological value of temperate subtidal seagrass in tayaritja (Furneaux Group of Islands), Tasmania
Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2024
People funded by this grant: Lucieer V, Strain B, Wright J, Hulls J, Flukes E
Project Total: $560,303; Seagrass meadows are a dominant marine ecosystem of tayaritja (Furneaux group of Islands) in the north-eastern waters off Tasmania, with historical coarse mapping indicating extensive beds of Posidonia, Amphibolis, Hetreozostera and Zostera seagrass. The beds of Posidonia and Amphibolis are potentially some of the largest and deepest extents found in temperate waters of Australia. Lack of data on the distribution and ecological value of these seagrass habitats represents a significant knowledge gap in understanding Australian wetland natural assets that provide a range of ecological, social, cultural and economic values. This project aims to map the extent and ecological composition, population structure and blue carbon value of the seagrass beds around tayaritja in partnership with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre. This project will help managers and the Aboriginal communities to understand the significance of these seagrass meadows and understand how they may be monitored. Funded by: Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment - Grant-National Environmental Science Prgm (NESP) ($560,303); University of Tasmania.
GRANT
Baseline data to inform a new aquaculture industry: mapping the distribution, abundance and chemical variation in Asparagopsis armata around Tasmania
Marine Bioproducts CRC5 Nov 2022 - 30 Nov 2024
People funded by this grant: Wright J, Hurd C, White C, Nichols D, de Nys R
Project Total: $200,000; Methane production by livestock is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions (~ 14%). The red alga Asparagopsis armata produces secondary metabolites (bromoform) that, when fed in small amounts to cattle and sheep, reduce enteric methane emissions by up to 98%. Thus, Asparagopsis has been identified as a species with significant commercial potential. Asparagopsis armata is native to Tasmania and although it occurs at numerous sites, we currently lack an understanding of variation in its abundance, seasonal reproduction and bromoform concentrations, its genetic structure and/or the presence of genetically unique strains. These knowledge gaps combined with a possible increase in harvesting create a risk for industry security as well as for the management of this natural resource.
The overall aim of this project is to address these knowledge gaps. Specifically, this project will 1) undertake targeted surveys for 12 months to determine spatial and temporal patterns of abundance, reproduction and bromoform concentrations in Asparagopsis around Tasmania, 2) use molecular tools to determine patterns of genetic structure in Asparagopsis.
This work will provide rigorous data to enable industry to identify and target certain seedstock for cultivation and identify whether genetic strains exist in Tasmania and have different bioactive potential. Targeting seedstock with high bromoform concentrations will allow industry to maximise bromoform production on farms. Funded by: Marine Bioproducts CRC - Grant-Kickstarter Application ($100,000); Sea Forest ($100,000); University of Tasmania ($100,000).
GRANT
Developing production systems for offshore kelp mariculture
Blue Economy CRC Co1 Nov 2022 - 1 Nov 2024
People funded by this grant: Wright J, Johnson C, Layton C, White C, Swadling K
Project Total: $1,559,025; The project will review, design and trial offshore production systems for kelp mariculture, further select for kelp genotypes to cope with ongoing ocean warming, monitor the performance and potential impact of the kelp production system, and use these empirical measures to enable modelling production and environmental impacts (positive and negative) of kelp mariculture at commercial scales. In parallel, we will review, assess and recommend changes to policy and regulatory frameworks to ensure unambiguous guidelines to achieve industry sustainability, environmental safeguards, and social licence. Funded by: Blue Economy CRC Co - General Projects ($1,256,099); University of Tasmania.
GRANT
Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centre
Department of Industry, Innovation and Science4 May 2022 - 31 Dec 2031
People funded by this grant: Zhang W, Johnson C, Hurd C, Bolch C, MacLeod C
Project Total: $59,000,000; The objective of the MB-CRC is to transform Australia's emerging marine bioproducts sector into a globally competitive industry. The focus will be on the industry and market-driven innovations to improve both the supply chain and value chain to deliver economies of scale and competitive capacity for Australia to access high value markets across the globe.
Strategic alignment:
From Tasmania and for Tasmania: A revolution in use of sustainable marine resources, the use of innovative bioprocessing technologies and the exploitation of local Tasmanian bioproducts with a global impact
Human Health and nutrition: Marine derived products will improve human health and nutrition
Economic performance: Create regional competitive advantage for the marine bioproducts sector and new businesses through the industry problems we solve. Lift the economic performance of the State on manufacturing and bioresources usage.
Environmental sustainability: providing aquaculture and agriculture industries with different market options
Educational attainment: Students will be strongly involved in the development of the projects, aligned with Tasmania as a STEM State to collaborate with industry, business and government to translate knowledge into practical and productive outcomes. Funded by: Department of Industry, Innovation and Science - CRC Programme; Marine Bioproducts CRC; University of Tasmania ($2,500,000).
GRANT
Creating opportunities for Bull Kelp aquaculture
Blue Economy CRC Co1 Apr 2022 - 31 Mar 2026
People funded by this grant: Wright J, Hurd C, Visch W, Frusher S, White L
Project Total: $355,592; Bull kelp (Durvillaea spp.) is a strong option for offshore cultivation due to its ability to tolerate high wave energy and
produce high levels of alginates. However, basic biological information required for its cultivation (reproduction, early life-cycle development and
growth, hatchery methods and grow-out requirements) are not known which represents a significant knowledge gap for developing a bull kelp
aquaculture industry. This project will fill this knowledge gap. Once these hatchery methods are optimised it will provide the basis to develop bull kelp
cultivation as part of the BE CRC and the emerging Tasmanian seaweed industry. Funded by: Blue Economy CRC Co - General Projects ($355,592); University of Tasmania ($5,000).
GRANT
Upscaling the restoration of endangered giant kelp forests in Tasmania
Donation via University of Tasmania Foundation1 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2023
People funded by this grant: Bennett S, Ling S, Layton C, Wright J, Hurd C
Project Total: $279,886; Giant kelp forests have declined in Tasmania by over 95% in recent decades and in 2012 became the first marine community
to be listed as threatened under the Australian Federal Government EPBC Act. Research conducted by IMAS has established a foundation for
restoration of giant kelp in Tasmania. The primary objective of this project is to optimise methods required to achieve large-scale restoration of giant
kelp forests. Specifically, the project will identify optimal thinning regimes of competitive seaweed and optimal seeding methods (gravel size and
quantity, and twine material) required for the best giant kelp recruitment, analyse the cost-effectiveness of different methods, and quantify ecological
characteristics of remnant giant kelp forests as a benchmark for restoration. Funded by: Donation via University of Tasmania Foundation - Donation ($250); Sea Forest Foundation ($279,636); University of Tasmania.
CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
Cultivation of Tasmanian Caulerpa for food: a potential high-value seaweed product - student top-up
Marine Bioproducts CRC15 Oct 2021 - 3 Sep 2025
People funded by this grant: Wright J, Hurd C, Tatsumi M, Landon-Lane M
Project Total: $60,000; Caulerpa is currently farmed in tropical regions often using minimal impact, land-based aquaculture. Despite this, there is
currently no research on the palatability or preferred growing conditions of native Tasmanian Caulerpa. This project will specifically look into
optimising Caulerpa's growth and production by testing the best light intensity, nutrient levels, temperatures, propagation from initial fragment size,
stocking densities, and finally optimum harvesting strategies. Once these key factors are uncovered it will allow for the cultivation of Tasmanian
Caulerpa by the Tasmanian seaweed aquaculture businesses
top-up to be funded 25% MBCRC, 25% UTAS, 50% industry Funded by: Marine Bioproducts CRC ($60,000); University of Tasmania.
GRANT
NESP MaC: 1.28: Assessment of thermal tolerance in giant kelp
Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment1 Sep 2021 - 31 Mar 2022
People funded by this grant: Johnson C, Layton C, Hurd C, Wright J
Project Total: $49,880; Climate change and associated-stressors are responsible for declining kelp forests in Australia and around the world. Restoration can be an effective tool for the conservation of these critically-important habitats, however these types of interventions are largely ineffective if the driver of habitat loss is not remedied or ameliorated. Unfortunately, climate change is not something that can be fixed in the short-medium term and so restoration efforts where climate change is the driver of kelp forest loss (such as in south east and south west Australia) instead have to ensure the restoration of adapted or 'future-proofed' kelp strains/individuals. Previous work at IMAS has identified warm-tolerant strains of Tasmanian giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) and are currently using them as the foundation for restoration trials. However, it is unknown what the actual physiological mechanisms are behind the increased thermal performance of these 'super kelp'. And so, using those same giant kelp strains, which are stored in a kelp seedbank at IMAS, this project will employ innovative physiological approaches to reveal the mechanisms behind the improved thermal tolerance. This work will produce knowledge that is directly applicable to kelp forest restoration and biology but also the nascent Australian/Tasmanian kelp aquaculture industry, whilst also being transferable to other kelp species in Australia and globally. Funded by: Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment - Grant-National Environmental Science Prgm (NESP) ($49,880); University of Tasmania.
GRANT
Utilising plant-sediment-feedbacks to enhance seagrass restoration
Australian Research Council1 Jan 2021 - 31 Dec 2023
People funded by this grant: Gribben P, Marzinelli E, Kendrick G, Daffron K, Wright J
Project Total: $933,998; This project aims to investigate the role of sediment microbes in promoting the health of threatened seagrass
species across Australia. This project expects to create new knowledge for enhancing restoration success for
seagrasses by integrating macro and micro-ecology, environmental genomics, plant ecology and ecosystem
function (e.g. nutrient and biogeochemistry cycling). Expected outcomes are new knowledge to enhance seagrass
restoration utilising sediment microbes that can be integrated into management and policy. This project should
provide significant benefits, such as the development of key strategic alliances to enhance management of
seagrasses, and the ecosystem services, and economic and social benefits they provide. Funded by: Australian Research Council - Grant-Linkage Projects; University of New South Wales; University of Western Australia; Macquarie University; University of Sydney; Department of Primary Industries NSW; Department of Water and Environmental Regulation; The Singapore Centre on Environmental Life Sciences Engineering; University of Tasmania ($15,750).
GRANT
Kelp aquaculture scoping study
Blue Economy CRC Co13 May 2020 - 13 Nov 2020
People funded by this grant: Wright J, Hurd C, MacLeod C, Cossu R, Baldock T
Project Total: $48,459; This project will be a scoping study to gain the information needed to bring the bull kelp Durvillaea spp. into integrated offshore aquaculture. The Blue Economy CRC is interested in co-cultivation of Durvillaea with caged salmon in wave-exposed off shore sites (e.g. Storm Bay). Durvillaea's unique cellular structure and biomechanical properties allow it to thrive in wave-exposed sites and make it an excellent candidate for offshore culture. Also, the biomechanical properties that allow Durvillaea to absorb wave-energy provide the potential to dampen wave forces on or around off shore aquaculture structures. However, Durvilllaea is a notoriously challenging genus to work with and no species, internationally, has been brought into cultivation to date. This scoping project will have three components: 1. Desktop study to identify what is known about Durvillaea culture and that of related genera to identify suitable hatchery and methods for cultivation on off-shore structures; 2. An industry-partner workshop (e.g. with King Island Kelp Industries, Marinova) with Durvillaea experts from Chile to discuss the potential for and issues around Durvillaea aquaculture, and 3. A workshop followed by a desktop study to develop engineering and hydrodynamic projects that are needed to understand how Durvillaea will interact with wave forces on off-shore structures. Funded by: Blue Economy CRC Co - Scoping Study Projects ($48,459); University of Tasmania.
CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
Sea forest Asparagopsis Project
Sea Forest19 Dec 2019 - 31 Dec 2021
People funded by this grant: Wright J
Project Total: $243,333; Asparagopsis armata is a red alga (Phylum Rhodophyta) native to southern Australia, including Tasmania, and introduced into
the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. Algae in the genus Asparagopsis produce a range of biologically active halogenated compounds. Bromoform is the
most abundant of these compounds (~ 2% dry weight) and when dried Asparagopsis or bromoforms are incorporated into the diet of ruminants, they
reduce methane production by up to 90%. Given methane production by livestock is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions,
supplementing the diet of livestock with Asparagopsis is seen as an important way of reducing global methane production.
Overall objectives
1. To optimise cultivation of Asparagopsis armata (biomass and bromoform production) including identifying the appropriate life-cycle stage to
culture, high-yield strains, environmental conditions and stocking densities.
2. Determine seasonal patterns in biomass and bromoforms of Asparagopsis armata at Cloudy Bay to inform a harvesting strategy Funded by: Sea Forest ($243,333); University of Tasmania.
CONSULTANCY/CONTRACT RESEARCH
Restoration and permaculture of giant kelp forests in Tasmania
Climate Foundation1 Jan 2018 - 29 Feb 2020
People funded by this grant: Johnson C, Layton C, Wright J
Project Total: $235,537; Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) forests were previously a conspicuous and iconic feature of the eastern Tasmanian coast, but loss of ~95% of dense surface canopies has seen giant kelp forests listed as an endangered marine community in Australia. The collapse of giant forests is associated with ocean warming and the increased influence of warm East Australian Current water in eastern Tasmania. Nonetheless scattered healthy individual giant kelps persist. This project is focussed on identifying warm tolerant genotypes, and means to restore dense surface canopy stands of giant kelp that are self-replenishing and self-expanding. This research will also aid development of giant kelp for commercial harvest and as a means to ameliorate nitrogen input from fish farms in an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture setting. Funded by: Climate Foundation ($235,537); University of Tasmania.
GRANT
Fish and invertebrate recruitment in response to varying kelp habitat population dynamics
Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment1 Oct 2014 - 30 Nov 2017
People funded by this grant: Johnson C, Wright J, Layton C, Cameron M
Project Total: $22,000; The project aims to achieve a broader understanding of how aspects of kelp population dynamics (density and habitat patch size) may influence the recruitment of associated invertebrate and fish species. This information will help to fill a gap in existing knowledge of the links between kelp community health and the biodiversity and productivity of kelp reef habitats as a whole. Funded by: Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment - Grant ($22,000); University of Tasmania.
GRANT
Impacts of a Wave Energy Converter on marine ecosystems of coastal South Australia
Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology1 May 2014 - 30 Apr 2016
People funded by this grant: Wright J, Harte C, Penesis I, Primo Perez C, Fleming A
Project Total: $2,000; The primary objective of this project is to determine the impacts of a single wave energy converter on several critical aspects of the marine environment at Port Macdonnell, SA. In order to undertake this research the following research outcomes will be addressed: 1) the effect of the WEC on fish community structure and southern rock lobster abundance; 2) the effect of the WEC on the abundance and diversity of native and non-native fouling communities; 3) the effect of the WEC on acoustic profiles recorded at the structure and at defined distances away from the structure This project will provide new information on how the deployment of a specific type of WEC, an oscillating water column (OWC), will impact the surrounding marine environment. It will utilise a rigorous before-after-control-impact (BACI) design to determine impacts on fish communities, commercial crustacean species and fouling communities. By also determining changes to noise regimes it will provide a framework to understand potential mechanisms behind any changes to biological communities. These data can then be used to design future experiments that for example, determine the effects of noise on fish and crustacean species. Given that this structure is proposed to be the first of an array designated for the region, these data can be extrapolated to take into account further WEC development in the region. This research analyses the effects a Wave Energy Converter (WEC) situated close to the shore at Port MacDonnell SA will have on acoustic profiles, fouling assemblages and pelagic and demersal fisheries species of the region. It is anticipated that this study will encourage better management practices to be developed in regard to the installation of WECs and other renewable energy devices offshore, which will help protect native species in the region. Funded by: Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology - Fellowship-Laurie Prandolini Research ($2,000); University of Tasmania.
GRANT
Impacts of a Wave Energy Converter on marine ecosystems in coastal South Australia
Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment25 Sep 2013 - 30 Sep 2014
People funded by this grant: Wright J, Harte C, Penesis I, Primo Perez C, Fleming A
Project Total: $7,000; This PhD project will research the effects a Wave Energy Converter situated close to the shore at Port MacDonnell SA will have on fouling assemblages and pelagic and demersal fisheries species of the region. Funded by: Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment - Grant ($7,000); University of Tasmania.
GRANT
Dynamic resilience and stability properties of marine systems: the importance of environment-engineer feedbacks in kelp forests
Australian Research Council30 Jun 2013 - 31 Dec 2017
People funded by this grant: Johnson C, Wright J, Gribben P
Project Total: $325,000; Habitat-forming 'ecosystem engineers' modify the environment to the benefit of many other species, and are crucial to the functioning of their ecosystem. This project proposes that the environmental changes they cause are also crucial to the stability and resilience of the ecosystem engineer species themselves, i.e. that there is a positive feedback between changes to the environment caused by the engineer species and the engineer's demography (an environment-engineer feedback). The project will test this idea for the most ecologically important habitat-forming kelp (Ecklonia radiata) in temperate Australasia, generating new knowledge to identify critical thresholds for this key habitat-forming species in the face of significant anthropogenic threat. Funded by: Australian Research Council - Grant-Discovery Projects ($325,000); University of Tasmania ($6,600).
GRANT
Influence of genetic variability and plasticity on the fitness of a common intertidal seaweed
Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment1 May 2013 - 30 Jun 2016
People funded by this grant: Wright J, Mueller R
Project Total: $21,450; Funded by: Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment - Grant ($21,450); University of Tasmania ($7,500).
GRANT
8th International Conference on Marine Bioinvasions, UBC Vancouver, Canada
University of Tasmania1 Jan 2013 - 31 Dec 2013
People funded by this grant: Wright J
Project Total: $2,500; This project continues a strong research trajectory in marine ecology in relation to the ecosystem engineer/climate change and marine invasive species fields. Funded by: University of Tasmania - Grant-Conference Support Scheme; University of Tasmania ($2,500).
GRANT
Effects of CO2 and temperature on growth, development and reproduction of Ecklonia radiata gametophytes and sporophytes
Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment24 Oct 2012 - 1 Sep 2015
People funded by this grant: Wright J, Mabin C
Project Total: $12,700; Funded by: Holsworth Wildlife Research Endowment - Grant ($12,700); University of Tasmania.
GRANT
Rising Stars 3
University of Tasmania1 Jan 2011 - 30 Nov 2013
People funded by this grant: Wright J
Project Total: $51,000; Funded by: University of Tasmania - Grant-Rising Stars Round 3; University of Tasmania ($51,000).
GRANT
Impacts of Climate Change on Key Habitat-forming Seaweeds in SE Australia
Australian Research Council1 Jan 2010 - 30 Jun 2015
People funded by this grant: Johnson C, Wright J
Project Total: $275,000; This projects addresses effects of climate change on three key habitat-forming seaweeds on rocky reefs in SE Australia in a region currently warming at around 3.8 times the global average. Importantly, it examines the synergistic effects of changes in both temperature and nutrient levels, since the two are tightly linked in Nature. The project assesses whether performance of individuals within warmer parts of species' ranges is helpful in predicting responses to climate change in colder parts of a range and, in one key species (Ecklonia radiata), estimating the heritability of key traits and thus the potential to adapt to climate change. Funded by: Australian Research Council - Grant-Discovery Projects ($275,000); University of Tasmania.
GRANT
2009 R1 - The 6th International Conference on Marine Bioinvasions
University of Tasmania22 Aug 2009 - 2 Sep 2009
People funded by this grant: Wright J
Project Total: $2,175; Funded by: University of Tasmania - Grant-Conference Support Scheme; University of Tasmania ($2,175).
GRANT
Preliminary Assessment of the Vulnerability of Australian Ports to Climate Change
University of Tasmania1 May 2009 - 31 Dec 2009
People funded by this grant: Hewitt C, Francis J, Blackwell B, Campbell M, Goldsworthy L
Project Total: $14,420; Funded by: University of Tasmania - Grant-Cross Theme; University of Tasmania ($14,420).
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