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KATHERINE DAFFORN - PhD STUDENT
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EDUCATION
BSc. (Hons. 1st class) and University Medal, University of New South Wales - Marine Biology
RESEARCH
Do artificial substrates enhance the spread of marine pests?
Invasions of exotic species are a significant threat to native ecosystems, and have been shown to reduce biodiversity through predation, competition for resources and habitat alteration. Past research in marine systems has considered the transport of exotic species to new regions, but few studies have identified the factors that allow exotic species to establish and subsequently invade natural communities. My research will examine how these species are able to establish in new areas and invade natural reefs.
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| Estuaries are among the most highly disturbed of all coastal habitats. I have conducted a series of field surveys and manipulative experiments in several New South Wales estuaries to investigate the direct and indirect effects of shipping on marine invasion. My thesis will address the following topics: |
- 1. Links between estuarine condition and the transport and establishment of marine invaders
- Are NIS more abundant on fixed or floating habitats?
- Are introduced species more prevalent on artificial structures than on rocky reefs?
- What factors affect the recruitment of invasive propagules to natural reefs?
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PREVIOUS RESEARCH
Identifying invasion vectors: comparing epibiotic communities in areas of commercial and recreational boating activity in Port Jackson - Honours Project, Dr Emma Johnston and Dr Tim Glasby.
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
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RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS
- Highly commended application to the Jill Landsberg Student Grant, Ecological Society of Australia, December 2007.
- Best student presentation at the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences Postgraduate Forum, 14-16 June 2007.
- Highly commended student poster presentation at the International Congress on Marine Corrosion and Fouling, 23-28 July 2006.
PUBLICATIONS
Dafforn, K.A., Glasby, T.M. and Johnston, E.L. (2008) Differential effects of tributyltin and copper anti-foulants on recruitment of non-indigenous species. Biofouling 24, 23-33.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Dafforn, K.A., Glasby, T.M. and Johnston, E.L. (2007) Commercial and recreational boat harbours offer different opportunities for marine invaders. Marine Science in a Changing World: Australian Marine Science Association Annual Conference (9-13 July, Melbourne, Australia).
Dafforn, K.A., Glasby, T.M. and Johnston, E.L. (2007) Influences of antifouling treatments on marine invasion pathways. 5th International Conference on Marine Bioinvasions (21-24 May, Boston, USA).
Dafforn, K.A., Glasby, T.M. and Johnston, E.L. (2006) Proximity to antifouling treatments affects the ecology of invertebrate assemblages. 13th International Congress on Marine Corrosion and Fouling (23-28 July, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil).
SEE ALSO
CONTACT DETAILS
Ph: (02) 93853447
Email: k.dafforn@unsw.edu.au
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