SEMINAR: OI Seminar Series - Dr Johnathan Kool

Dr Johnathan Kool, Marine Ecologist, Geoscience Australia

Title: Bio-oceanographic dispersal models: where are we, and where do we need to go?

Abstract: Connectivity research involves investigating the presence, strength and characteristics of spatiotemporal relationships between populations of organisms. Typically, marine organisms release large numbers of larvae, which are difficult to follow via physical tracking. Instead, researchers have turned to numerical simulations, coupling models of ocean movement with larval behaviour using individual-based models and object-oriented programming. In this seminar, I will discuss the development and underlying design of these types of models, as well as their potential applications (e.g. source-sink analysis, population genetic analysis, reserve network design). I will also address some of their shortcomings, in an attempt to highlight avenues for future research. This work lies at the intersection of ocean physics, biology and computer science, and anyone with an interest in any of these disciplines is welcome to attend.