Tim uses a range of research methods to tackle issues in coral reef ecology and restoration. Three major themes of his work are:

Ecosystem-level functions on restored coral reefs

Hundreds of organisations worldwide are investing billions of dollars in coral reef restoration as a strategy for combatting declines in reef health worldwide – but nobody really knows how well it’s working. Restoration programmes can successfully re-establish coral cover, but little is known about whether these restored ecosystems harbour the same biodiversity, deliver the same ecosystem functions and create the same socio-economic opportunities as healthy reefs. This research will evaluate the goals and progress of reef restoration at an ecosystem-wide level, with the ultimate goal of improving the effectiveness of this emerging management tool.

Bioacoustic techniques for monitoring and managing coral reefs

Sound travels very well underwater, playing a vital role in the lives of many coral reef organisms. Fish and invertebrates use sound to communicate, find food, choose a mate and navigate around their environment. Understanding coral reefs from an acoustic perspective therefore opens up a range of new tools for monitoring and managing reef ecosystems. Surveying reefs using hydrophones reveals new insights about their biological communities; using loudspeakers to modify soundscapes can alter the behavioural decisions of animals; and removing noise pollution from the environment can reduce harm caused to many reef organisms. By using our ears as well as our eyes to study coral reefs, we can better understand and protect these fragile ecosystems in a changing world.

Widening engagement with coral reef science

Coral reef conservation is a global issue – without meaningful and united action against climate change, reefs as we know them will not survive. Encouragingly, many individuals, communities and organisations are increasingly invested in pro-environmental solutions. It is therefore of paramount importance that coral reef science is effectively communicated, and open to beneficial involvement from stakeholders in a range of different sectors. By striving to deliver inclusive, well-communicated research, we can maximise the benefits that coral reef science gives to ecosystems and people worldwide.