We are a research group focussed on gaining a deeper understanding of the ecological processes underpinning the functioning of tropical estuaries and coastal systems. Our research has both pure and applied components, and we study organisms as diverse as fish, crustaceans, molluscs, polychaetes, nematodes, mangroves and seagrass.

  Our approach is to treat organisms as functional components of ecosystems rather than concentrate primarily on the biology of individual species. Tropical estuaries and coastal systems are important because much of there world's population is clustered along coastlines and around estuaries. These are areas where people live, where they build ports and industrial centres, and are major sites for recreation. For these reasons they are often subject to ecosystem modifying developments and high levels of pollution.

  Until recently estuaries and coastal systems were often seen as backwaters of tropical ecology, and attracted little research funding and resources. Consequently, despite the obvious importance of these habitats, the low level of research means we have little detailed knowledge of their functioning. Gaining a clear understanding of their ecological functioning is crucial if we are to maintain the integrity of the environment in which we live.