# Ron Johnstone
**Source**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/898
**Parent**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/920
Dr
# Ron Johnstone
Email:
: [r.johnstone@uq.edu.au](mailto:r.johnstone@uq.edu.au)
## Positions
Affiliate of Centre for Marine Science
: Centre for Marine Science
: Faculty of Science
## Overview
### Background
Prior to his current position, A/Prof Johnstone served as deputy director of the Centre for Marine Studies at the University of Queensland for 5 years, as well as the Assessment and Monitoring theme leader in the Coastal CRC, and as a member of the scientific advisory committee for CRC Reef. He has a long professional history in coastal nutrient and ecosystem function research, as well as in the communication of science to the community, government, and private sector bodies. In addition, A/Prof Johnstone has a longstanding international reputation in his field, having spent approximately 20 years undertaking CZM research and project management in over 13 countries on behalf of government and international donor agencies including IOC-UNESCO, Sida, and the World Bank.
Within Australia, A/Prof Johnstone’s work is focussed on the understanding of benthic habitats, with an emphasis on nutrient processes and dynamics in coastal ecosystems. This includes aspects such as the influence of land-based inputs on coastal ecosystem function and its influence on specific outcomes such as toxic algal blooms.
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### Availability
Dr Ron Johnstone is:
: Available for supervision
: Media expert
### Fields of research
[Ecology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4872)
[Environmental Sciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4773)
### Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Sydney
## Works
[Search Professor Ron Johnstone’s works on UQ eSpace](http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/list/author_id/1588)
[All
(58)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/898/all)
[Journal Article
(33)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/898/4748)
[Conference Publication
(25)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/898/4751)
2023
Journal Article
##### Effects of altered streamflow on macroinvertebrate taxonomic richness and composition in the Goulburn River, Australia
Banad, Sudeep, Wei, Yongping, Dhanya, C. T. and Johnstone, Ron (2023). Effects of altered streamflow on macroinvertebrate taxonomic richness and composition in the Goulburn River, Australia. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 11 1134108. doi: 10.3389/fenvs.2023.1134108
[Effects of altered streamflow on macroinvertebrate taxonomic richness and composition in the Goulburn River, Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:073158c)
2020
Journal Article
##### An assessment of heavy metal contamination in the surface sediments of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Dang Hoai, Nhon, Nguyen Manh, Ha, Tran Duc, Thanh, Do Cong, Thung, Tran Dinh, Lan, Johnstone, Ron and Nguyen Thi Kim, Dung (2020). An assessment of heavy metal contamination in the surface sediments of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Environmental Earth Sciences, 79 (18) 436. doi: 10.1007/s12665-020-09192-z
[An assessment of heavy metal contamination in the surface sediments of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:8961bcb)
2018
Journal Article
##### Smart environmental monitoring and assessment technologies (SEMAT)- a new paradigm for low-cost, remote aquatic environmental monitoring
Trevathan, Jarrod and Johnstone, Ron (2018). Smart environmental monitoring and assessment technologies (SEMAT)- a new paradigm for low-cost, remote aquatic environmental monitoring. Sensors, 18 (7) 2248, 2248. doi: 10.3390/s18072248
[Smart environmental monitoring and assessment technologies (SEMAT)- a new paradigm for low-cost, remote aquatic environmental monitoring](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:aadf7b3)
2017
Journal Article
##### Drivers of change and sustainability in linked social–ecological systems: an analysis in the Volta river basin of Ghana, West Africa
Kotir, Julius H. , Brown, Greg, Marshall, Nadine and Johnstone, Ron (2017). Drivers of change and sustainability in linked social–ecological systems: an analysis in the Volta river basin of Ghana, West Africa. Society and Natural Resources, 30 (10), 1-17. doi: 10.1080/08941920.2017.1290182
[Drivers of change and sustainability in linked social–ecological systems: an analysis in the Volta river basin of Ghana, West Africa](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:515353)
2017
Journal Article
##### Systemic feedback modelling for sustainable water resources management and agricultural development: an application of participatory modelling approach in the Volta River Basin
Kotir, Julius H., Brown, Greg, Marshall, Nadine and Johnstone, Ron (2017). Systemic feedback modelling for sustainable water resources management and agricultural development: an application of participatory modelling approach in the Volta River Basin. Environmental Modelling and Software, 88, 106-118. doi: 10.1016/j.envsoft.2016.11.015
[Systemic feedback modelling for sustainable water resources management and agricultural development: an application of participatory modelling approach in the Volta River Basin](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:415636)
2016
Journal Article
##### A system dynamics simulation model for sustainable water resources management and agricultural development in the Volta River Basin, Ghana
Kotir, Julius H., Smith, Carl, Brown, Greg, Marshall, Nadine and Johnstone, Ron (2016). A system dynamics simulation model for sustainable water resources management and agricultural development in the Volta River Basin, Ghana. Science of the Total Environment, 573, 444-457. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.08.081
[A system dynamics simulation model for sustainable water resources management and agricultural development in the Volta River Basin, Ghana](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:405788)
2016
Journal Article
##### Stakeholder perspectives for coastal ecosystem services and influences on value integration in policy
Simpson, Shay, Brown, Greg, Peterson, Ann and Johnstone, Ron (2016). Stakeholder perspectives for coastal ecosystem services and influences on value integration in policy. Ocean and Coastal Management, 126, 9-21. doi: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2016.03.009
[Stakeholder perspectives for coastal ecosystem services and influences on value integration in policy](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:385133)
2016
Journal Article
##### The potential of benthic iron and phosphorus fluxes to support the growth of a bloom forming toxic cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula, Moreton Bay, Australia
Hanington, Peter, Rose, Andrew and Johnstone, Ron (2016). The potential of benthic iron and phosphorus fluxes to support the growth of a bloom forming toxic cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula, Moreton Bay, Australia. Marine Freshwater Research, 67 (12), 1918-1927. doi: 10.1071/MF15219
[The potential of benthic iron and phosphorus fluxes to support the growth of a bloom forming toxic cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula, Moreton Bay, Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:380237)
2015
Journal Article
##### Widespread loss of the seagrass Syringodium isoetifolium after a major flood event in Moreton Bay, Australia: implications for benthic processes
Hanington, Peter, Hunnam, Kimberley and Johnstone, Ron (2015). Widespread loss of the seagrass Syringodium isoetifolium after a major flood event in Moreton Bay, Australia: implications for benthic processes. Aquatic Botany, 120 (PB), 244-250. doi: 10.1016/j.aquabot.2014.09.002
[Widespread loss of the seagrass Syringodium isoetifolium after a major flood event in Moreton Bay, Australia: implications for benthic processes](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:346783)
2015
Journal Article
##### Mangrove rehabilitation in high erosion areas: assessment using bioindicators
Thornton, Stephen Ryan and Johnstone, Ron William (2015). Mangrove rehabilitation in high erosion areas: assessment using bioindicators. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 165, 176-184. doi: 10.1016/j.ecss.2015.05.013
[Mangrove rehabilitation in high erosion areas: assessment using bioindicators](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:362640)
2013
Journal Article
##### A comparison of the electrosensory morphology of a euryhaline and a marine stingray
Camilieri-Asch, Victoria, Kempster, Ryan M., Collin, Shaun P., Johnstone, Ron W. and Theiss, Susan M. (2013). A comparison of the electrosensory morphology of a euryhaline and a marine stingray. Zoology, 116 (5), 270-276. doi: 10.1016/j.zool.2013.05.002
[A comparison of the electrosensory morphology of a euryhaline and a marine stingray](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:314711)
2013
Conference Publication
##### Optimization of an energy harvesting buoy for coral reef monitoring
Pirisi, A., Grimaccia, F., Mussetta, M., Zich, R.E., Johnstone, R., Palaniswami, M. and Rajasegarar, S. (2013). Optimization of an energy harvesting buoy for coral reef monitoring. 2013 IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation, CEC 2013, Cancun, Mexico, 20-23 June 2013. Piscataway, NJ, United States: IEEE. doi: 10.1109/CEC.2013.6557627
[Optimization of an energy harvesting buoy for coral reef monitoring](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:317807)
2012
Journal Article
##### SEMAT - The next generation of inexpensive marine environmental monitoring and measurement systems
Trevathan, Jarrod, Johnstone, Ron, Chiffings, Tony, Atkinson, Ian, Bergmann, Neil, Read, Wayne, Theiss, Susan, Myers, Trina and Stevens, Tom (2012). SEMAT - The next generation of inexpensive marine environmental monitoring and measurement systems. Sensors, 12 (7), 9711-9748. doi: 10.3390/s120709711
[SEMAT - The next generation of inexpensive marine environmental monitoring and measurement systems](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:285541)
2012
Journal Article
##### Port disturbance of the meiofauna and sediment biogeochemistry at the mouth of the Brisbane River, eastern Australia
Garcia, Rosa, Johnstone, Ron W. and Rueda, Jose L. (2012). Port disturbance of the meiofauna and sediment biogeochemistry at the mouth of the Brisbane River, eastern Australia. Cahiers De Biologie Marine, 53 (1), 95-112.
[Port disturbance of the meiofauna and sediment biogeochemistry at the mouth of the Brisbane River, eastern Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:269050)
2012
Conference Publication
##### Evolutionary techniques for sensor networks energy optimization in marine environmental monitoring
Grimaccia, Francesco, Johnstone, Ron, Mussetta, Marco, Pirisi, Andrea and Zich, Riccardo E. (2012). Evolutionary techniques for sensor networks energy optimization in marine environmental monitoring. SPIE Remote Sensing 2012, Edinburgh, UK, 24-27 September, 2012. Bellingham, WA, United States: S P I E - International Society for Optical Engineering. doi: 10.1117/12.974631
[Evolutionary techniques for sensor networks energy optimization in marine environmental monitoring](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:317532)
2011
Journal Article
##### Ciguatera fish poisoning in the Pacific Islands (1998 - 2008)
Skinner, Mark P., Brewer, Tom D., Johnstone, Ron, Fleming, Lora E. and Lewis, Richard J. (2011). Ciguatera fish poisoning in the Pacific Islands (1998 - 2008). PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 5 (12) e1416, e1416.1-e1416.7. doi: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001416
[Ciguatera fish poisoning in the Pacific Islands (1998 - 2008)](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:263937)
2011
Conference Publication
##### The evolution of the SEMAT sensor network management system
Lee, Yong Jin, Trevathan, Jarrod, Atkinson, Ian, Read, Wayne, Myers, Trina and Johnstone, Ron (2011). The evolution of the SEMAT sensor network management system. ISSNIP 2011: 7th International Conference on Intelligent Sensors, Sensor Networks and Information Processing, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 6-9 December, 2011. Piscataway, NJ, USA: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). doi: 10.1109/ISSNIP.2011.6146633
[The evolution of the SEMAT sensor network management system](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:317134)
2011
Conference Publication
##### Benefits of building wireless sensor networks on commodity hardware and software stacks
Bajema, Nigel B., Trevathan, Jarrod, Bergmann, Neil W., Atkinson, Ian, Read, Wayne, Scarr, Adam, Lee, Yong Jin and Johnstone, Ron (2011). Benefits of building wireless sensor networks on commodity hardware and software stacks. 2011 Seventh International Conference on Intelligent Sensors, Sensor Networks and Information Processing (ISSNIP), Adelaide, Australia, 6-9 December 2011. Piscataway, NJ, United States: IEEE. doi: 10.1109/ISSNIP.2011.6146554
[Benefits of building wireless sensor networks on commodity hardware and software stacks](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:272218)
2011
Journal Article
##### Nitrogen versus phosphorus limitation in a subtropical coastal embayment (Moreton Bay; Australia): Implications for management
Wulff, F, Eyre, BD and Johnstone, R (2011). Nitrogen versus phosphorus limitation in a subtropical coastal embayment (Moreton Bay; Australia): Implications for management. Ecological Modelling, 222 (1), 120-130. doi: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2010.08.040
[Nitrogen versus phosphorus limitation in a subtropical coastal embayment (Moreton Bay; Australia): Implications for management](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:226126)
2010
Journal Article
##### Using catch rate data for simple cost-effective quota setting in the Australian spanner crab (Ranina ranina) fishery
O'Neill, Michael F., Campbell, Alexander B., Brown, Ian W. and Johnstone, Ron (2010). Using catch rate data for simple cost-effective quota setting in the Australian spanner crab (Ranina ranina) fishery. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67 (8), 1538-1552. doi: 10.1093/icesjms/fsq095
[Using catch rate data for simple cost-effective quota setting in the Australian spanner crab (Ranina ranina) fishery](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:219957)
## Funding
### Past funding
- 2023 - 2025
From technical to socio-ecological pathways for climate change adaptation: analysis of floods in Semarang
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) - KONEKSI / Knowledge Partnership Platform (KPP)
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/60545)
- 2018 - 2019
SEMAT - Community based environmental data collection through sensor networks
Ipswich City Council
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/35757)
- 2018 - 2020
Hydrodynamics & Materials Transport in the Mary River Estuary: An Initial Assessment
Mary River Catchment Coordination Assoc Inc
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/37145)
- 2012 - 2013
Improving Climate Change Adaptation Capacity: Integrated Coastal & Water Resource Management (Vietnam)
AusAID-Australian Agency for International Development
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/15503)
- 2009 - 2013
Adapting to climate change: Establishing case study sets for bridging global and local predictive capacity for climate adaptation in Asia
Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/11485)
- 2008 - 2012
Smart Environmental Monitoring and Analysis Technologies (SEMAT)
Queensland Government Smart State National and International Research Alliances Program
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/9846)
- 2007 - 2009
Tweed Shire ecosystem health monitoring program (EHMP) as part of the Science for Management research program within the Centre for Marine Studies.
International WaterCentre Pty Ltd
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/9851)
- 2007 - 2010
Newcastle Upon Tyne: The impact of bleaching on disease susceptibility and defence in reef building corals
Newcastle University, UK
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/9249)
- 2006 - 2011
New Tools For Managing Ecosystem Responses To Climate Change On The Southern Great Barrier Reef
ARC Linkage Projects
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/7624)
- 2005 - 2007
Development of a growth model & an understanding of the sediment and water column nutrient dynamics for Lyngbya Mujuscula
Moreton Bay Waterways and Catchments Partnership
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/8186)
- 2005 - 2006
Modelling the Potential Impact of Coral Bleaching on Coral Reef Nutrient Dynamics Across Difference Ecological Scales W1.2
CRC Reef Research Centre
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/8267)
- 2003 - 2006
Benthic Project
CRC for Coastal Zone, Estuary and Waterway Management
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/8890)
- 2003 - 2006
Theme leader
CRC for Coastal Zone, Estuary and Waterway Management
[Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/16355)
View all 13 past funded projects
View less
## Supervision
### Availability
Dr Ron Johnstone is:
: Available for supervision
Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on [how to choose a supervisor](https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/how-to-choose-a-supervisor).
### Supervision history
#### Current supervision
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Population Biology and Conservation of Mobuild Rays
Principal Advisor
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Life Cycle Assessment: energy efficiency to mitigate climate change in Indonesia aquaculture industry
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Zannie Langford](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/26048), [Associate Professor Carissa Klein](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1735)
- Doctor Philosophy
##### Fire, Development, and Conservation in the Amazon: Indigenous Fire Brigades and External Land-Use Challenges. An Anthropological and Ecological Studyof Community-led Fire Management.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Philip Stewart](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/23795)
#### Completed supervision
- 2018
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Potential implications of canal estates for nutrient budgets in coastal ecosystems](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:165e075)
Principal Advisor
- 2018
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Anthropogenic influences on ecosystem processes in a tropical estuary: Feedback connections and environmental management targets - A case study of Dong Ho Estuary, Kien Giang, Vietnam](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:512a288)
Principal Advisor
- 2018
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Aspects of temporal resource partitioning among dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) of the Kizilirmak Delta on the Black Sea coast of Turkey](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:e470b08)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Emeritus Professor Myron Zalucki](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/182)
- 2017
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Integrating coastal ecosystem values in decision making and policy - a case study of the south-east Queensland region](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:681087)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr Ann Ellen Peterson](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/149)
- 2017
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Systems thinking and modelling for sustainable water resources management and agricultural development in the Volta Basin, West Africa](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:677401)
Principal Advisor
- 2015
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Improving the effectiveness of age-abundance indicators in the management of fisheries in Queensland, Australia.](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:373922)
Principal Advisor
- 2015
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Biogeochemical processes in permeable estuarine sediments following benthic community change: Implications for system dynamics & Lyngbya majuscula blooms in Deception Bay, Queensland](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:364752)
Principal Advisor
- 2013
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Nutrient water quality parameters and their association with the abundance of ciguatera fish poisoning causitive dinoflagellates (microalgae) in tropical coral reef habitats](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:303068)
Principal Advisor
- 2012
Doctor Philosophy
##### Simulating Dynamic Complexity in a Water Quality Trading Market: Insights for Design of Nutrient Trading Programs
Principal Advisor
- 2010
Doctor Philosophy
##### [A novel and cost-effective underwater wireless communication technique for sensor networks](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:195885)
Principal Advisor
- 2009
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Developing a scenario-based coral reef ecosystem model to assist management following mass coral mortality events](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:188375)
Principal Advisor
- 2006
Doctor Philosophy
##### IMPACTS OF CHANGES IN COASTAL WATERWAY CONDITION ON HUMAN WELL-BEING
Principal Advisor
- 2006
Doctor Philosophy
##### CHANGES IN BACTERIAL COMMUNITIES, CARBON AND NITROGEN DYNAMICS ON CORAL SURFACES FOLLOWING MORTALITY: POTENTIAL ECOSYSTEM IMPLICATIONS FOR REEF SYSTEMS
Principal Advisor
- 2006
Doctor Philosophy
##### EFFECTIVENESS OF NO-TAKE MARINE RESERVES IN MORETON BAY, SUBTROPICAL AUSTRALIA
Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Hugh Possingham](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/920)
- 2003
Master Science
##### THE IMPACT OF LYNGBYA MAJUSCULA BLOOMS ON BENTHIC INFAUNA AND NUTRIENT DYNAMICS IN MORETON BAY, QUEENSLAND
Principal Advisor
- 2025
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Impact of Changing Flood Characteristics on River Morphology](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:f613c82)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Yongping Wei](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/14178)
- 2024
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Physical-chemical drivers of phytoplankton community dynamics in Moreton Bay Estuary: Implications for water quality management](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:c1516b1)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Professor Yongping Wei](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/14178), [Dr Annie Lau](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/15360)
- 2024
Doctor Philosophy
##### [A probabilistic modelling framework for generalising the cause-and-effect relationships of the toxic cyanobacterium Lyngbya majuscula's harmful algal blooms in Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:b5d22fb)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
[Dr David Pullar](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/481)
- 2016
Doctor Philosophy
##### [improving forest protection and economic development: a study of integrated mangrove-aquaculture systems on the west coast of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:405849)
Associate Advisor
- 2014
Doctor Philosophy
##### [Significance of community based values in Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) in Fiji](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:321751)
Associate Advisor
View all 20 completed supervisions
View less
## Media
### Enquiries
Contact Dr Ron Johnstone directly for media enquiries about:
- Biogeochemistry - marine studies
- Coastal ecosystems
- Coastal resource management
- Developing countries and marine studies
- Ecology - microbial
- Marine ecosystems
- Marine studies
- Microbial ecology
- Nutrient dynamics in marine ecosystems
#### Need help?
For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:
[communications@uq.edu.au](mailto:communications@uq.edu.au)
## External profiles
- [ORCID](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0214-138X)
- [ResearcherID](https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/C-8010-2009)
- [Scopus](https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId= )
## Personal links
- [Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=TbtVsyUAAAAJ&hl=en)
- [ResearchGate](http://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ron_Johnstone)
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