# Peter Mumby

**Source**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/2387
**Parent**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1246

Professor

# Peter Mumby

Email:
:   [p.j.mumby@uq.edu.au](mailto:p.j.mumby@uq.edu.au)

Phone:
:   [+61 7 336 51686](tel:+61 7 336 51686)

## Positions

Affiliate of Centre for Marine Science
:   Centre for Marine Science
:   Faculty of Science

Affiliate of Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science
:   Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science
:   Faculty of Science

Professorial Research Fellow
:   School of the Environment
:   Faculty of Science

## Overview

### Background

Peter began his career helping to design MPAs in Belize, Central America. On realising how little science was available to guide this he moved to the University of Sheffield to undertake a PhD on the use of remote sensing for mapping coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves. After his PhD, Peter won a NERC Post-doctoral Fellowship to study ecological processes on coral reefs and moved to the University of Newcastle to join the Centre for Tropical Coastal Management Studies. He was then awarded a Royal Society Fellowship to integrate empirical ecological data into models of coral reefs with a view to studying how changes in human activity can affect the health of reefs. At this point he moved to the University of Exeter where he was made Professor at the age of 34. In 2010, Peter moved closer to coral reefs when he moved to the University of Queensland to take up an ARC Laureate Fellowship. He loves living in Australia! Peter was awarded a Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation in 2010, and is also winner of the Rosenstiel Award for excellence in marine biology and fisheries, and the Marsh Award for contributions to marine conservation.

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### Availability

Professor Peter Mumby is:
:   Available for supervision
:   Media expert

### Fields of research

[Earth Sciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4764)
[Ecology](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4872)
[Environmental Sciences](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4773)

### Qualifications

- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), University of Liverpool
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Sheffield

### Research interests

- #### Overview

  Our research focuses on delivering science to improve the management of coral reefs. We carry out empirical ecological studies at scales ranging from millimetres (algal patch dynamics) to thousands of kilometres (gene flow in Caribbean corals) in an effort to plug gaps in our understanding of reef processes. Empirical data are then used to develop ecosystem models from which we can investigate the effectiveness of conservation measures in mitigating disturbance on reefs including climate change. Lastly, we combine the ecological models with remotely-sensed data to allow spatial conservation planning such as marine reserve design.

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- #### Where we work

  Caribbean: Bahamas, Belize, Bonaire; Pacific: Palau, Great Barrier Reef, French Polynesia; Indian Ocean: Philippines, Indonesia

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### Research impacts

We study how changes in management policy, such as implementing no-take marine reserves, reducing pollution, and keeping healthy mangrove systems, can influence the health and future of coral reefs. This involves extensive collaborations with decision-makers and colleagues in many areas. Our research has influenced policy in the following areas:

- Helped foster a change in the Belize government's policy over the fishing of parrotfishes, which led to a ban of this practice as requested by fishermen

- Influenced decisions in Bonaire to protect herbivores and ban the use of fish traps

- Continues to assist the Bahamas National Trust with their conservation planning, including the designation of MPAs for a resilient future

- Provide advisory briefs on the impacts of fishing on coral reef ecosystems and practical ways of reducing impacts without necessitating a ban

- Provide compelling evidence that mangroves are an important nursery ground for reef fish and fisheries productivity benefits from their preservation

- Provide tools to operationalise the mapping of reef resilience to climate change and other stressors

- Provide practical information on the cost-effectiveness and realistic setting of expectations for habitat mapping in the tropical coastal zone

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## Works

[Search Professor Peter Mumby’s works on UQ eSpace](http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/list/author_id/83458)

[All
(432)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/2387/all)
[Book
(1)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/2387/4747)
[Journal Article
(400)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/2387/4748)
[Other Outputs
(8)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/2387/4749)
[Conference Publication
(14)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/2387/4751)
[Book Chapter
(9)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/2387/4752)

2026

Journal Article

##### Predator morphology dictates allometric scaling of predation risk for a keystone marine invertebrate

Wolfe, Kennedy David Lawrence, Desbiens, Amelia Andree, Dworjanyn, Symon and Mumby, Peter J. (2026). Predator morphology dictates allometric scaling of predation risk for a keystone marine invertebrate. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 776 meps15019, 1-16. doi: 10.3354/meps15019

[Predator morphology dictates allometric scaling of predation risk for a keystone marine invertebrate](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:54a516e)

2026

Journal Article

##### Evaluating MPA success for Caribbean reef fish: the role of design, habitat, and management

Skinner, Christina, Prince, Kaylee R. F., Polunin, Nicholas V. C., Mumby, Peter J., Williams, Stacey M., Sanchez-Godinez, Cristina, Dryden, Charlie S. and Newman, Steven P. (2026). Evaluating MPA success for Caribbean reef fish: the role of design, habitat, and management. Coral Reefs. doi: 10.1007/s00338-025-02812-9

[Evaluating MPA success for Caribbean reef fish: the role of design, habitat, and management](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:8c8c73a)

2025

Journal Article

##### A decision support tool for rubble stabilization on coral reefs

Leung, Shu Kiu, Kenyon, Tania M., Raymundo, Laurie J., Fox, Helen E., Cook, Nathan, Cook, Kailash, Edwards, Alasdair J., Fisher, Eric E., Brival, Arnaud J. T., Nicholson, Freda E., Philippo, Robin W. L., Taylor, Andrew C. F., Bryan, Scott E., Lewis, Brett M., Abdul Adzis, Kee Alfian Bin, Edmondson, John P., Griffin, Sean P., Li, Xiubao, Liu, Xiangbo, Oakley, Hazel A., Razak, Tries B., Samudra, Satrio H., Welly, Marthen and Mumby, Peter J. (2025). A decision support tool for rubble stabilization on coral reefs. Journal of Environmental Management, 396 128154, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.128154

[A decision support tool for rubble stabilization on coral reefs](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:13bcc6c)

2025

Journal Article

##### Scaling up coral reef restoration amid global ecological constraints

Mumby, Peter J. and Cheung, Mandy W.M. (2025). Scaling up coral reef restoration amid global ecological constraints. One Earth, 8 (12) 101552, 101552. doi: 10.1016/j.oneear.2025.101552

[Scaling up coral reef restoration amid global ecological constraints](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:69f0e7f)

2025

Journal Article

##### Context‐dependent benefits of coral reef restoration

Adam, Arne A. S., Bozec, Yves‐Marie, Hedley, John D. and Mumby, Peter J. (2025). Context‐dependent benefits of coral reef restoration. Restoration Ecology e70252. doi: 10.1111/rec.70252

[Context‐dependent benefits of coral reef restoration](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:6933b20)

2025

Journal Article

##### A rapidly closing window for coral persistence under global warming

Bozec, Yves-Marie, Adam, Arne A. S., Arellano-Nava, Beatriz, Cresswell, Anna K., Haller-Bull, Vanessa, Iwanaga, Takuya, Lachs, Liam, Matthews, Samuel A., McWhorter, Jennifer K., Anthony, Kenneth R. N., Condie, Scott A., Halloran, Paul R., Ortiz, Juan-Carlos, Riginos, Cynthia and Mumby, Peter J. (2025). A rapidly closing window for coral persistence under global warming. Nature Communications, 16 (1) 9704, 9704-1. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-65015-4

[A rapidly closing window for coral persistence under global warming](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:fbddaf8)

2025

Journal Article

##### The spatial risk of cyclone wave damage across the Great Barrier Reef

Cheung, Mandy W.M., Chaloupka, Milani, Mumby, Peter J. and Callaghan, David P. (2025). The spatial risk of cyclone wave damage across the Great Barrier Reef. Ecological Informatics, 89 103175, 103175-89. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2025.103175

[The spatial risk of cyclone wave damage across the Great Barrier Reef](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:7c031dc)

2025

Journal Article

##### Critical thresholds of adult patch density and spacing during coral fertilization

Ricardo, Gerard, Doropoulos, Christopher, Babcock, Russell C., Buccheri, Elizabeth, Khalil, Andrew and Mumby, Peter J. (2025). Critical thresholds of adult patch density and spacing during coral fertilization. Nature Ecology and Evolution, 9 (11), 2092-2102. doi: 10.1038/s41559-025-02844-y

[Critical thresholds of adult patch density and spacing during coral fertilization](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:69ec0dc)

2025

Journal Article

##### Impact of environmental gradients on juvenile coral demography across the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait

Doropoulos, Christopher, Alvarez-Noriega, Mariana, Fabricius, Katharina, Ferrari, Renata, Mumby, Peter J., Noonan, Sam H. C., Orr, Melanie and Salee, Kinam (2025). Impact of environmental gradients on juvenile coral demography across the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait. Coral Reefs, 44 (6), 1875-1891. doi: 10.1007/s00338-025-02742-6

[Impact of environmental gradients on juvenile coral demography across the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:bbe2dbf)

2025

Other Outputs

##### ReefMod-GBR Outputs from CoTS Control Scenario Modelling

Skinner, Tina and Mumby, Peter (2025). ReefMod-GBR Outputs from CoTS Control Scenario Modelling. The University of Queensland. (Dataset) doi: 10.48610/a15c7be

[ReefMod-GBR Outputs from CoTS Control Scenario Modelling](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:a15c7be)

2025

Journal Article

##### Threshold velocities for coral rubble bind breakage across varying reef environments

Kenyon, Tania M., Eigeland, Karen, Richardson, Marina, Baldock, Tom E., Wolfe, Kennedy D., Sjahruddin, Fikri F. and Mumby, Peter J. (2025). Threshold velocities for coral rubble bind breakage across varying reef environments. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 773, 1-16. doi: 10.3354/meps14982

[Threshold velocities for coral rubble bind breakage across varying reef environments](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:46ef36e)

2025

Journal Article

##### Maximising the benefits of local management for coral reefs amidst near-term environmental change

Skinner, Christina, Bozec, Yves-Marie, Fletcher, Cameron S. and Mumby, Peter J. (2025). Maximising the benefits of local management for coral reefs amidst near-term environmental change. Journal of Environmental Management, 392 126627, 126627. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126627

[Maximising the benefits of local management for coral reefs amidst near-term environmental change](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:8bdb287)

2025

Journal Article

##### Moving beyond temperature metrics in coral bleaching prediction using interpretable machine learning

Cheung, Mandy W. M., Chaloupka, Milani, Hock, Karlo and Mumby, Peter J. (2025). Moving beyond temperature metrics in coral bleaching prediction using interpretable machine learning. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 34 (8) e70105. doi: 10.1111/geb.70105

[Moving beyond temperature metrics in coral bleaching prediction using interpretable machine learning](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:c321339)

2025

Journal Article

##### Spawning asynchrony and mixed reproductive strategies in a common mass spawning coral

Ricardo, Gerard F., Doropoulos, Christopher, Babcock, Russell C., Adam, Arne A. S., Buccheri, Elizabeth, Robledo, Natalia, Uribe‐Palomino, Julian and Mumby, Peter J. (2025). Spawning asynchrony and mixed reproductive strategies in a common mass spawning coral. Ecology and Evolution, 15 (7) e71654, 1-14. doi: 10.1002/ece3.71654

[Spawning asynchrony and mixed reproductive strategies in a common mass spawning coral](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:0ef659b)

2025

Conference Publication

##### DRIVERS OF GLOBAL MANGROVE LOSS AND GAIN IN SOCIAL-ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS

Hagger, , Worthington, T. A., Lovelock, C. F., Adame, M. F., Amano, T., Brown, B. M., Friess, D. A., Landis, E., Mumby, P. J., Morrison, T. H., O'brien, K. R., Wilson, K. A., Zganjar, C. and Saunders, M. (2025). DRIVERS OF GLOBAL MANGROVE LOSS AND GAIN IN SOCIAL-ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS. MIAMI: ROSENSTIEL SCH MAR ATMOS SCI.

[DRIVERS OF GLOBAL MANGROVE LOSS AND GAIN IN SOCIAL-ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:dc2fd58)

2025

Journal Article

##### Broadscale reconnaissance of coral reefs from citizen science and deep learning

Lawson, Christopher L., Chartrand, Kathryn M., Roelfsema, Chris M., Kolluru, Aruna and Mumby, Peter J. (2025). Broadscale reconnaissance of coral reefs from citizen science and deep learning. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 197 (7) 814, 1-21. doi: 10.1007/s10661-025-14261-6

[Broadscale reconnaissance of coral reefs from citizen science and deep learning](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:19e23bd)

2025

Journal Article

##### Satellite-based analysis of an unverified mass coral bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef in 2021

Spady, Blake L., Skirving, William J., Geiger, Erick F., Cantin, Neal E., Liu, Gang, De La Cour, Jacqueline L., Mumby, Peter J., Norrie, Andrew and Manzello, Derek P. (2025). Satellite-based analysis of an unverified mass coral bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef in 2021. Coral Reefs, 44 (4), 1275-1285. doi: 10.1007/s00338-025-02690-1

[Satellite-based analysis of an unverified mass coral bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef in 2021](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:0e462e6)

2025

Journal Article

##### eDNA confirms lower trophic interactions help to modulate population outbreaks of the notorious crown-of-thorns sea star

Wolfe, Kennedy, Desbiens, Amelia A., Patel, Frances, Kwong, Sarah, Fisher, Eric, Mumby, Peter J. and Uthicke, Sven (2025). eDNA confirms lower trophic interactions help to modulate population outbreaks of the notorious crown-of-thorns sea star. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 122 (11) e2424560122, e2424560122. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2424560122

[eDNA confirms lower trophic interactions help to modulate population outbreaks of the notorious crown-of-thorns sea star](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:35995ba)

2025

Journal Article

##### Morphologically driven sedimentation patterns on a coral reef

Sartori, Greta, Boles, Elisabeth L., Monismith, Stephen G., Mumby, Peter J., Dunbar, Robert B., Khrizman, Alexandra, Tatebe, Lyvonsky and Capozzi, Rossella (2025). Morphologically driven sedimentation patterns on a coral reef. Coral Reefs, 44 (2) 012001, 591-607. doi: 10.1007/s00338-025-02629-6

[Morphologically driven sedimentation patterns on a coral reef](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:6b36275)

2025

Journal Article

##### Trajectories and agents of binding in stabilized and unstabilized coral rubble across environmental gradients

Kenyon, Tania M., Mumby, Peter J., Webb, Gregory E., Dove, Sophie, Newman, Steven P. and Doropoulos, Christopher (2025). Trajectories and agents of binding in stabilized and unstabilized coral rubble across environmental gradients. Ecosphere, 16 (2) e70195. doi: 10.1002/ecs2.70195

[Trajectories and agents of binding in stabilized and unstabilized coral rubble across environmental gradients](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:f72cded)

## Funding

### Current funding

- 2024 - 2027

  Quantifying and operationalising genetic adaptation for successful coral restoration (CORALADAPT) - CORDAP funded project led by the University of Newcastle upon Tyne

  University of Newcastle upon Tyne

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/64569)
- 2023 - 2027

  Reef Regeneration in Palau

  The McCusker Charitable Foundation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/58030)
- 2023 - 2026

  Robust citizen science for reef habitat assessment in support of management

  Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/59746)
- 2020 - 2026

  RRAP-ECO-02-V1 Limits to early recovery: EcoRRAP

  Australian Institute of Marine Science

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/49169)
- 2020 - 2026

  RRAP-ECO-03-V1 Ecological and genetic adaptation: EcoRRAP (GBRF Funding Administered by AIMS)

  Australian Institute of Marine Science

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/49059)
- 2020 - 2026

  RRAP-M&DS-01-V1: Modelling and Decision Support-Management and Operations

  Australian Institute of Marine Science

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/50768)
- 2020 - 2026

  RRAP-M&DS-04-V1: Modelling and Decision Support (M&DS)-ReefMod R&D

  Australian Institute of Marine Science

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/50587)

View all 7 current funded projects
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### Past funding

- 2024 - 2025

  TA-6742 REG: Building Coastal Resilience through Nature-Based and Integrated Solutions - Risk Financing and Insurance Solutions for Coastal Resilience

  Landell Mills Ltd - UK

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/64593)
- 2021 - 2023

  Indicator framework for assessing the condition and recovery capacity of coral reef habitats in the Great Barrier Reef (GBRF project administered by AIMS)

  Australian Institute of Marine Science

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/53711)
- 2020 - 2025

  Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Control Innovation Program

  Great Barrier Reef Foundation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/49226)
- 2020 - 2025

  RRAP-RS-01-V1 Rubble location, prediction and sub-program management (GBRF funding administered by AIMS)

  Australian Institute of Marine Science

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/49113)
- 2020 - 2025

  RRAP-RS-02-V1 Approaches to stabilisation

  Australian Institute of Marine Science

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/49163)
- 2020 - 2025

  RRAP-RS-03-V1 Synthesis and Tools Rubble Stabilisation

  Australian Institute of Marine Science

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/49151)
- 2020

  Baseline mapping to support resilience-based management and restoration in the Whitsundays

  Great Barrier Reef Foundation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/42347)
- 2020

  6.1 Innovations in COTS Control on the Great Barrier Reef (NESP - Tropical Water Quality Hub administered by Reef and Rainforest Research Centre)

  Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/47125)
- 2020

  6.5 Improving Coral Reef Ecosystem Condition through better informed Resilience-based Management (NESP - Tropical Water Quality Hub administered by Reef and Rainforest Research Centre)

  Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/47127)
- 2019 - 2024

  Quantifying the role of coral reef invertebrates in current and future marine food webs

  Estate of Winifred V. Scott

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/39386)
- 2019 - 2022

  Unlocking the secrets of mangrove conservation success

  ARC Linkage Projects

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/35035)
- 2019 - 2020

  5.1 Matching the Crown of Thorns Starfish Integrated Pest Management to the scale of the new Control Program (NESP - Tropical Water Quality Hub administered by Reef and Rainforest Research Centre)

  Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/38023)
- 2018 - 2019

  Climate change trajectories for the Reef

  Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/37431)
- 2018

  Research to action for climate-change-resilient reefs, fisheries, and food security across the Coral Triangle region

  Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Energy

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/34817)
- 2018 - 2020

  4.2.5 Guidance System for Resilience-Based Management of the Great Barrier Reef (NESP - Tropical Water Quality Hub project administered by Reef and Rainforest Research Centre)

  Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/34704)
- 2018 - 2019

  4.2.6 Recommendations to maintain functioning of the Great Barrier Reef (NESP - Tropical Water Quality Hub project administered by Reef and Rainforest Research Centre)

  Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/34709)
- 2017 - 2019

  Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program Design Phase (Commonwealth Department of Innovation, Industry and Science grant administered by Australian Institute of Marine Science)

  Australian Institute of Marine Science

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/35480)
- 2017 - 2021

  Tipping points and early warning signals in complex ecosystems

  ARC Discovery Projects

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/29827)
- 2017 - 2018

  Centre for Geoanalytical Mass Spectrometry (CGMS) - Achieving excellence in isotope geochemistry and geochronology

  UQ Research Facilities Infrastructure Grants

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/43971)
- 2017 - 2020

  Integrated Pest Management of Crown of Thorns Starfish (Phase 3) (NESP Tropical Water Quality Hub Project)

  Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/31471)
- 2016 - 2017

  Research project for the resilient reefs successfully adapting to climate change

  Great Barrier Reef Foundation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/30413)
- 2016 - 2022

  Operationalizing marine reserve design for rebuilding tropical fisheries

  ARC Linkage Projects

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/28461)
- 2016 - 2018

  Delivering a reef resilience plan for the Cairns management area through an integrated spatial decision support environment

  Great Barrier Reef Foundation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/30233)
- 2016 - 2017

  Analysis of Great Barrier Reef Expedition

  Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/28329)
- 2016 - 2019

  Planning for the impacts of land-uses on coral reef fisheries

  ARC Linkage Projects

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/26515)
- 2016 - 2018

  2.1.1 Integrated Pest Management of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (NESP - Tropical Water Quality Hub project administered by Reef and Rainforest Research Centre)

  Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/26658)
- 2016

  Next-generation multi-collector inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS) with laser-ablation capability for in situ high-throughput and high resolution isotope dating and characterizat

  UQ Major Research Facility Fund

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/45354)
- 2015 - 2020

  National Environment Science Programme (NESP) - Tropical Water Quality Hub (administered by Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Ltd) \_Parent Record

  Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/27777)
- 2015 - 2016

  Great Barrier Reef common 'live' habitat maps: Capricorn pilot

  Great Barrier Reef Foundation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/26538)
- 2015 - 2017

  Spatially-realistic system model for the Great Barrier Reef: Capricorn Bunker group pilot project

  Great Barrier Reef Foundation

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/26566)
- 2015 - 2019

  Managing human dependence on resilient coral reefs

  Vice-Chancellor's Research and Teaching Fellowship

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/44662)
- 2015 - 2016

  Mapping Ocean Wealth: Livelihoods, Economies and Integrated Management

  The Nature Conservancy - Indo Pacific Region

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/26115)
- 2014 - 2016

  Solving CoTs on the GBR (Accelerate Partnerships grant administered by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS))

  Australian Institute of Marine Science

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/23679)
- 2014 - 2021

  ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrated Coral Reef Studies (ARC COE administered by James Cook University)

  James Cook University

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/21667)
- 2013 - 2017

  Wetland Conservation and Coral Reef Monitoring for Adaptation to Climate Change

  Ministry of Environment and Energy, Republic of Maldives

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/20801)
- 2013 - 2018

  Capturing Coral Reef and Related Ecosystem Services (CCRES) Project

  World Bank Group

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/21168)
- 2013 - 2018

  Reconciling competing objectives for the design of marine reserve networks: biodiversity, food security, and local equity in benefits

  ARC Linkage Projects

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/14214)
- 2012 - 2014

  Seagrass as an ecological indicator: resolving challenges of scale and complexity

  UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/45186)
- 2012 - 2014

  Ecological competition between corals and algae in a high carbon dioxide world (ARC Discovery Project administered by Griffith University)

  Griffith University

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/23343)
- 2011 - 2015

  RRRC-NERP Hub 9.1 Decision support tools to identify (and map) bleaching resistant areas within the GBRMP

  Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/14283)
- 2011 - 2014

  Treading water in a changing climate: The vulnerability of Australia's tropical islands to sea level rise

  ARC Super Science Fellowships

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/12230)
- 2011 - 2013

  REsTeach 2011 0.1 FTE School of Biological Sciences

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/16832)
- 2010 - 2013

  Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation

  Pew Charitable Trusts

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/12224)
- 2010 - 2015

  Adapting the sustainable exploitation of coral reef resources to provide for climate change

  ARC Australian Laureate Fellowships

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/11116)
- 2010 - 2013

  Building a Sustainable National Marine Protected Area Network - The Bahamas

  The Nature Conservancy

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/16136)
- 2010 - 2014

  Future of Reefs in a Changing Environment (FORCE): An ecosystem approach to managing Caribbean coral reefs in the face of climate change

  European Commission 7th Framework Programme (FP7)

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/11909)

View all 46 past funded projects
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## Supervision

### Availability

Professor Peter Mumby 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).

### Available projects

- #### Marine Protected Area design for highly exploited fisheries on coral reefs

  We've been developing theory and practical tools to design MPAs to protect biodiversity and help people rebuild their fisheries. There's considerable scope to advance these approaches so that they consider effects of climate change and more realistic scenarios of how reefs are fished. This kind of work combines computer models with the potential for some field work for verification purposes.

  See also: Krueck, N., et al. (2017). "Incorporating larval dispersal into MPA design for both conservation and fisheries." Ecological Applications 27: 925-941.

  Read more
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- #### Design of resilience-based management in response to climate change on the Great Barrier Reef

  We have developed sophisticated ecological models that can simulate the effects of disturbance and climate change throughout the entire Great Barrier Reef. The models also allow us to simulate an endless range of management responses. The question is, what sort of strategies have the greatest impacts? Where should we intervene, when, and with which tools? Answering these questions requires to apply ecological theory to a clear understanding of how different interventions achieve their benefit. This research involves close collaboration with industry and the Reef Authority.

  See: Bozec, Y. M., et al. (2022). "Cumulative impacts across Australia's Great Barrier Reef: a mechanistic evaluation." Ecological Monographs 92(1): e01494.

  Read more
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- #### The sensitivity of coral reef ecosystems to degradation

  The net outcome of coral bleaching events and other forms of disturbance is a gradual reduction in the number of colonies on the reef. In theory, low densities of coral can take much longer to recover than higher densities - partly because they become too far apart to reproduce successfully. We need to study these processes so that we can better identify critical thresholds that might slow down recovery and conversely to target restoration activities. This is a field-based PhD but with links to ecological models that connect the field experiments into scaled-up outcomes.

  Read more
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### Supervision history

#### Current supervision

- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Drivers of Juvenile Coral Mortality and Implications for Reef Recovery and Restoration

  Principal Advisor
- Master Philosophy

  ##### Incorporating realistic fisheries into the design of Marine Protected Areas

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/196)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Socially-acceptable fisheries strategies to meet the UN 30x30 goal for biodiversity

  Principal Advisor
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### The importance of reef geomorphology in driving ecological dynamics

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Daniel Harris](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16758)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### MPA design to achieve synergistic, transboundary benefits in the Coral Triangle

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/196)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Enhancing coral reef resilience in the face of climate change through sediment pollution management

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Amelia Wenger](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16349), [Dr Nicola Browne](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/40388)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Multiscale Analysis of Coral Reef Benthic Assemblages

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Daniel Harris](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16758)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Resilience potential of coral reefs in Indonesia Resilience potential of coral reefs in Indonesia (a study case between MPA and non-MPA)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Simone Blomberg](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/428), [Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/196)
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Connectivity of seagrasses for megaherbivores under environmental change

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Daniel Dunn](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/24799)

View all 9 current supervisions
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#### Completed supervision

- 2026

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Foraging ecology of parrotfish and the impact on bioerosion](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:f3a839c)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Daniel Harris](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16758)
- 2025

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Impacts of climate change-induced large-scale disturbances on coral reef connectivity and recovery](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:a32fab5)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor David Callaghan](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/991)
- 2025

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Putting the pieces together: Coral recovery dynamics in Rubble beds](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:5ffd427)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Tania Kenyon](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/30587), [Dr Daniel Harris](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16758)
- 2025

  Master Philosophy

  ##### [The effects of Climate change on coral fecundity in the Great Barrier Reef](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:b536abe)

  Principal Advisor
- 2025

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Disentangling predator-prey dynamics of juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:6bfa3f0)

  Principal Advisor
- 2025

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Drivers and limitations of early recovery for spawning corals on the Great Barrier Reef](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:010a613)

  Principal Advisor
- 2023

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Optimising Fisheries Management to Sustain Tropical Reef Fisheries](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:4cc6c06)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Russell Richards](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/10908)
- 2022

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Coral reef futures under climate change and ocean acidification](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:a07ca48)

  Principal Advisor
- 2021

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The ecology of grouper spawning aggregations in Palau](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:ddf7570)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Cynthia Riginos](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1650)
- 2021

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [From Rubble to Reef: The physical and biological dynamics of coral reef rubble beds](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:30ab794)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr Daniel Harris](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/16758)
- 2020

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Integrating coral reef ecosystem services into marine planning](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:87131cd)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor David Callaghan](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/991)
- 2020

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Ecological drivers of the brown macroalgal genus Lobophora on Pacific coral reefs](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:95378dc)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Dr John Dwyer](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1246)
- 2019

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Bottlenecks of coral recruitment on degraded reefs](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:3f41126)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Catherine Lovelock](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1430)
- 2018

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The effect of temperature variability and life-history strategy in coral response to long-term increase in sea surface temperature](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:c843c54)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Jianxin Zhao](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/479)
- 2017

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The Dynamics and Resilience of Coral Reefs](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:689155)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Richard Fuller](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1992)
- 2017

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Dynamic vulnerability of the Great Barrier Reef: Impacts of local versus global stressors](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:477315)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Hugh Possingham](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/920)
- 2016

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Ecological drivers of Halimeda abundance and its implication for the carbonate production of coral reefs](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:405825)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Catherine Lovelock](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1430)
- 2016

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Effect of Predators and Microhabitat Availability on the Behaviour of Juvenile Parrotfishes](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:388295)

  Principal Advisor
- 2016

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Dynamics of carbon storage in subtropical seagrass meadows](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:386809)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Catherine Lovelock](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1430)
- 2016

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Algal dynamics on coral reefs: a study of macroalgal traits and growth strategies of Lobophora J. Agardh (Dictyotales, Phaephyceae)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Catherine Lovelock](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/1430)
- 2014

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The grazing impact of common surgeonfish on algal dynamics of the Great Barrier Reef](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:345539)

  Principal Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/196)
- 2013

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Building resilience of Caribbean coral reefs to macroalgal phase shifts: identifying key habitat features](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:298060)

  Principal Advisor
- Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Modelling the Role of Diversity in Ecosystem Responses to Warming

  Principal Advisor
- 2020

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [The ecological and functional roles of commercially important rabbitfish species in a marine environment](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:0a359a4)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/196)
- 2018

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### Patterns and drivers that determine the structure and composition of Caribbean seascapes

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Emeritus Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/839)
- 2012

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [Disturbance effects to coral recruitment dynamics on the Great Barrier Reef](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:285791)

  Associate Advisor
- 2012

  Doctor Philosophy

  ##### [A Reefscape Approach for Characterising the Dynamics of Macroalgal Cover in Shark Bay Reef Flat, Heron Reef, Australia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:282057)

  Associate Advisor

  Other advisors:
  [Professor Stuart Phinn](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/56)

View all 27 completed supervisions
View less

## Media

### Enquiries

Contact Professor Peter Mumby directly for media enquiries about:

- Coasts
- Coral reefs ecology
- Ecology - reefs
- Marine conservation
- Marine reserves
- Oceans
- Reefs

#### 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/0000-0002-6297-9053)
- [ResearcherID](https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/F-9914-2010)
- [Scopus](https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=7003596162)
- [Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=X66LkeAAAAAJ)

## Personal links

- [Personal profile](http://www.marinespatialecologylab.org)

## Social media

- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/MarineSpatialEcologyLab)

Log in to Academic Portal to update your profile

[Update my profile](https://academicportal.app.uq.edu.au/profile/)