make up the fundamental framework of coral reefs. We are working with an industry partner (GBRMPA) and Dr Peter Harrison from Southern Cross University. This project is already yielding crucially interesting data on how factors effecting the adult phase of reef-building corals have huge impacts on reproductive success. Our industry partner is particularly interested in our results in an effort to understand potential down-stream effects from environmental stresses with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This research project involves a unique collaboration between my research group (coral physiologists and larval biologists) and coral reef managers and will generate important results for use in the management of the GBR. We are also pursuing several other key areas associated with the impact of human-related stresses on coral reefs. Illegal cyanide fishing is one area we have made some recent contributions. This stress has become an endemic problem in coral reef areas in South East Asia. Very little is known of the effect of cyanide on reef-building corals in relation to cyanide fishing on reefs.
