![Professor Anthony Richardson](/sites/default/files/profiles/1567.jpeg)
Overview
Background
Professor Anthony J. Richardson uses mathematical, statistical, computational and spatial planning tools to investigate human impacts on our oceans - and to find solutions. Particular foci include:
- Marine spatial planning - Where best to locate marine protected areas to minimise impacts on people, maximise ecosystem benefits, ensure they are climate-smart and connected, and enable multiple-use zoning of the ocean.
- Developing models of marine ecosystems - How do lower trophic levels (plankton) regulate fisheries productivity and carbon sequestration, and how will these be impacted by climate change.
- Long-term change in lower trophic levels (plankton) in the ocean. This includes both field work around Australia and global analyses.
Anthony did an undergradulate degree in Mathematics and Biology at the University of Queensland, followed by an Honours degree there. He was awarded a PhD degree from the University of Cape Town in 1998, modelling the dynamics of marine ecosystems. Since 2005, Anthony has held a joint position between UQ (School of the Environment) and CSIRO Environment. He has previously held positions at the University of Cape Town (South Africa), the University of the Western Cape (South Africa), and the Sir Alister Hardy Foundation of Ocean Science (UK).
Anthony runs a dynamic lab at the nexus between conservation science and mathematics. His focus is on using mathematical tools to better conserve biodiversity, predict impacts of climate change, and understand the functioning of marine ecosystems. If you have a background in marine ecology and are interested in applying mathematics/statistics/computational science and want to apply your skills to real-world problems, get in touch.
Availability
- Professor Anthony Richardson is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Cape Town
Research interests
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Marine spatial planning: Biodiversity and conservation
Using computational tools to better conserve biodiversity. I am particularly interested in designing marine protected areas that are climate-smart, connected, allow multiple use, and benefit people.
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Ecosystem modelling, fisheries and climate change
Developing marine ecosystem models that focus on the role of lower trophic levels (plankton) in productive fisheries and carbon sequestration, now and in the future under climate change.
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Impacts of climate change on marine systems
Using advanced statistical techniques to analyse large ecological datasets to understand the impacts of climate change and other human stresses such as ocean acidification, fishing, habitat destruction and pollution on marine systems.
Research impacts
His research is recognised internationally for significant contributions in the fields of climate change ecology, plankton ecology and marine conservation. Anthony is the author of >250 peer-reviewed papers. He enjoys teaching biostatistics and modelling. For more informaiton on my research, see my Google Scholar page https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=RLeJq98AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
I was the first to show that the timing of marine events in the ocean - such as blooms - are becoming earlier because of climate change. I have also co-led the global working group that has provided the most comprehensive synthesis of the impacts of climate change on marine systems. My work on climate impacts has been heavily cited in the IPCC 4th, 5th, and 6th Assessment Reports. Much of my work now is in marine conservation planning - how to more effectively design marine protected areas in the ocean to make them climate-smart, connected, and to benefit people. This work is through the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science.
Works
Search Professor Anthony Richardson’s works on UQ eSpace
2024
Journal Article
Effects of climate warming on energetics and habitat of the world's largest marine ectotherm
Reynolds, Samantha D., Franklin, Craig E., Norman, Bradley M., Richardson, Anthony J., Everett, Jason D., Schoeman, David S., White, Craig R., Lawson, Christopher L., Pierce, Simon J., Rohner, Christoph A., Bach, Steffen S., Comezzi, Francesco G., Diamant, Stella, Jaidah, Mohammed Y., Robinson, David P. and Dwyer, Ross G. (2024). Effects of climate warming on energetics and habitat of the world's largest marine ectotherm. Science of the Total Environment, 951 175832. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175832
2024
Journal Article
Spatial and life history variation in a trait-based species vulnerability and impact model
Fleury, Aharon G., O’Hara, Casey C., Butt, Nathalie, Restrepo, Jaime, Halpern, Benjamin S., Klein, Carissa J., Kuempel, Caitlin D., Gaynor, Kaitlyn M., Bentley, Lily K., Richardson, Anthony J. and Dunn, Daniel C. (2024). Spatial and life history variation in a trait-based species vulnerability and impact model. PLoS One, 19 (6) e0305950, 1-16. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305950
2024
Journal Article
The Global Distribution of Grazing Dynamics Estimated From Inverse Modeling
Rohr, Tyler, Richardson, Anthony, Lenton, Andrew, Chamberlain, Matthew A. and Shadwick, Elizabeth H. (2024). The Global Distribution of Grazing Dynamics Estimated From Inverse Modeling. Geophysical Research Letters, 51 (8) ARTN e2023GL107732. doi: 10.1029/2023gl107732
2024
Journal Article
Cost–benefit analysis of ecosystem modeling to support fisheries management
Holden, Matthew H., Plagányi, Eva E., Fulton, Elizabeth A., Campbell, Alexander B., Janes, Rachel, Lovett, Robyn A., Wickens, Montana, Adams, Matthew P., Botelho, Larissa Lubiana, Dichmont, Catherine M., Erm, Philip, Helmstedt, Kate J., Heneghan, Ryan F., Mendiolar, Manuela, Richardson, Anthony J., Rogers, Jacob G. D., Saunders, Kate and Timms, Liam (2024). Cost–benefit analysis of ecosystem modeling to support fisheries management. Journal of Fish Biology, 104 (6), 1667-1674. doi: 10.1111/jfb.15741
2024
Journal Article
Author Correction: A global, historical database of tuna, billfish, and saury larval distributions
Buenafe, Kristine Camille V., Everett, Jason D., Dunn, Daniel C., Mercer, James, Suthers, Iain M., Schilling, Hayden T., Hinchliffe, Charles, Dabalà, Alvise and Richardson, Anthony J. (2024). Author Correction: A global, historical database of tuna, billfish, and saury larval distributions. Scientific Data, 11 (1) 29, 29. doi: 10.1038/s41597-023-02860-2
2024
Journal Article
Generating affordable protection of high seas biodiversity through cross-sectoral spatial planning
Fourchault, Léa, Dahdouh-Guebas, Farid, Dunn, Daniel C., Everett, Jason D., Hanson, Jeffrey O., Buenafe, Kristine C. V., Neubert, Sandra, Dabalà, Alvise, Yapa, Kanthi K.A.S., Cannicci, Stefano and Richardson, Anthony J. (2024). Generating affordable protection of high seas biodiversity through cross-sectoral spatial planning. One Earth, 7 (2), 253-264. doi: 10.1016/j.oneear.2023.12.006
2024
Journal Article
Rapid climate change alters the environment and biological production of the Indian Ocean
Dalpadado, Padmini, Roxy, Mathew Koll, Arrigo, Kevin R., van Dijken, Gert L., Chierici, Melissa, Ostrowski, Marek, Skern-Mauritzen, Rasmus, Bakke, Gunnstein, Richardson, Anthony J. and Sperfeld, Erik (2024). Rapid climate change alters the environment and biological production of the Indian Ocean. Science of the Total Environment, 906 167342, 1-15. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167342
2023
Journal Article
Monitoring and modelling marine zooplankton in a changing climate
Ratnarajah, Lavenia, Abu-Alhaija, Rana, Atkinson, Angus, Batten, Sonia, Bax, Nicholas J., Bernard, Kim S., Canonico, Gabrielle, Cornils, Astrid, Everett, Jason D., Grigoratou, Maria, Ishak, Nurul Huda Ahmad, Johns, David, Lombard, Fabien, Muxagata, Erik, Ostle, Clare, Pitois, Sophie, Richardson, Anthony J., Schmidt, Katrin, Stemmann, Lars, Swadling, Kerrie M., Yang, Guang and Yebra, Lidia (2023). Monitoring and modelling marine zooplankton in a changing climate. Nature Communications, 14 (1) 564, 1-17. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-36241-5
2023
Journal Article
A global review of pyrosomes: shedding light on the ocean's elusive gelatinous “fire‐bodies”
Lilly, Laura E., Suthers, Iain M., Everett, Jason D. and Richardson, Anthony J. (2023). A global review of pyrosomes: shedding light on the ocean's elusive gelatinous “fire‐bodies”. Limnology and Oceanography Letters, 8 (6), 812-829. doi: 10.1002/lol2.10350
2023
Journal Article
Improving the biological realism of predator–prey size relationships in food web models alters ecosystem dynamics
Murphy, Kieran J., Pecl, Gretta T., Everett, Jason D., Heneghan, Ryan F., Richards, Shane A., Richardson, Anthony J., Semmens, Jayson M. and Blanchard, Julia L. (2023). Improving the biological realism of predator–prey size relationships in food web models alters ecosystem dynamics. Biology Letters, 19 (10) 20230142, 1-6. doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2023.0142
2023
Journal Article
Gelatinous larvacean zooplankton can enhance trophic transfer and carbon sequestration
Jaspers, Cornelia, Hopcroft, Russell R., Kiørboe, Thomas, Lombard, Fabien, López-Urrutia, Ángel, Everett, Jason D. and Richardson, Anthony J. (2023). Gelatinous larvacean zooplankton can enhance trophic transfer and carbon sequestration. Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 38 (10), 980-993. doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.05.005
2023
Journal Article
Evaluating ecological benefits of oceanic protected areas
Blanluet, Arthur, Game, Edward T., Dunn, Daniel C., Everett, Jason D., Lombard, Amanda T. and Richardson, Anthony J. (2023). Evaluating ecological benefits of oceanic protected areas. Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 39 (2), 1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.09.003
2023
Journal Article
Priority areas to protect mangroves and maximise ecosystem services
Dabalà, Alvise, Dahdouh-Guebas, Farid, Dunn, Daniel C., Everett, Jason D., Lovelock, Catherine E., Hanson, Jeffrey O., Buenafe, Kristine Camille V., Neubert, Sandra and Richardson, Anthony J. (2023). Priority areas to protect mangroves and maximise ecosystem services. Nature Communications, 14 (1) 5863, 1-14. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-41333-3
2023
Journal Article
Demystifying global climate models for use in the life sciences
Schoeman, David S., Sen Gupta, Alex, Harrison, Cheryl S., Everett, Jason D., Brito-Morales, Isaac, Hannah, Lee, Bopp, Laurent, Roehrdanz, Patrick R. and Richardson, Anthony J. (2023). Demystifying global climate models for use in the life sciences. Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 38 (9), 843-858. doi: 10.1016/j.tree.2023.04.005
2023
Journal Article
Corrigendum: Cleaner fish Labroides dimidiatus presence does not indirectly affect demersal zooplankton
Grutter, Alexandra S., Nishikawa, Natsumi, Uribe-Palomino, Julian and Richardson, Anthony J. (2023). Corrigendum: Cleaner fish Labroides dimidiatus presence does not indirectly affect demersal zooplankton. Frontiers in Marine Science, 10 1227211, 1-2. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2023.1227211
2023
Journal Article
A 3‐year plankton DNA metabarcoding survey reveals marine biodiversity patterns in Australian coastal waters
Berry, Tina E., Coghlan, Megan L., Saunders, Benjamin J., Richardson, Anthony J., Power, Matthew, Harvey, Euan, Jarman, Simon, Berry, Oliver, Davies, Claire H. and Bunce, Michael (2023). A 3‐year plankton DNA metabarcoding survey reveals marine biodiversity patterns in Australian coastal waters. Diversity and Distributions, 29 (7), 862-878. doi: 10.1111/ddi.13699
2023
Journal Article
Zooplankton grazing is the largest source of uncertainty for marine carbon cycling in CMIP6 models
Rohr, Tyler, Richardson, Anthony J., Lenton, Andrew, Chamberlain, Matthew A. and Shadwick, Elizabeth H. (2023). Zooplankton grazing is the largest source of uncertainty for marine carbon cycling in CMIP6 models. Communications Earth and Environment, 4 (1) 212, 1-22. doi: 10.1038/s43247-023-00871-w
2023
Journal Article
Corrigendum to “A functional size-spectrum model of the global marine ecosystem that resolves zooplankton composition”, Ecological Modelling, 2020, 435: 109265
Heneghan, Ryan F., Everett, Jason D., Sykes, Patrick, Batten, Sonia D., Edwards, Martin, Takahashi, Kunio, Suthers, Iain M., Blanchard, Julia L. and Richardson, Anthony J. (2023). Corrigendum to “A functional size-spectrum model of the global marine ecosystem that resolves zooplankton composition”, Ecological Modelling, 2020, 435: 109265. Ecological Modelling, 480 110309, 110309. doi: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2023.110309
2023
Journal Article
Climate-driven zooplankton shifts cause large-scale declines in food quality for fish
Heneghan, Ryan F., Everett, Jason D., Blanchard, Julia L., Sykes, Patrick and Richardson, Anthony J. (2023). Climate-driven zooplankton shifts cause large-scale declines in food quality for fish. Nature Climate Change, 13 (5) ARTN s41558-023-01630-7, 470-477. doi: 10.1038/s41558-023-01630-7
2023
Journal Article
A metric‐based framework for climate‐smart conservation planning
Buenafe, Kristine Camille V., Dunn, Daniel C., Everett, Jason D., Brito‐Morales, Isaac, Schoeman, David S., Hanson, Jeffrey O., Dabalà, Alvise, Neubert, Sandra, Cannicci, Stefano, Kaschner, Kristin and Richardson, Anthony J. (2023). A metric‐based framework for climate‐smart conservation planning. Ecological Applications, 33 (4) e2852, 1-29. doi: 10.1002/eap.2852
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Anthony Richardson is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Designing innovative approaches in marine conservation
The new agreement to increase area-based protection targets globally to 30% by 2030 (currently 8% in the ocean), combined with the recent UN treaty to help protect the high seas, will likely result in the largest-ever expansion of marine protected areas. Our aim is to provide the marine spatial planning approaches and tools to underpin this expansion.
We offer various PhD projects in marine spatial planning, focusing on designing protected areas that include:
- Climate change (climate-smart conservation), including climate connectivity (i.e., how best to protect species that shift their distribution in response to climate change).
- How to conserve biodiversity in a 3-D ocean 8 km deep.
- Multiple-use spatial planning (i.e., how to zone the ocean for different uses, such as conservation, fishing, renewable energy, shippping and mining).
- Maximising ecosystem services (e.g., carbon sequestration, serving as nursery grounds for fisheries, and coastal protection).
- Assessing the benefits and tradeoffs between fisheries and protected areas.
- How best to prioritise coastal restoration.
- How to deliver marine spatial planning in the high seas.
- Connectivity of marine megafauna in protected area networks.
- Protecting critical habitats of mobile species.
- Connectivity of seeds and spawning products (eggs and larvae) transported by ocean currents.
Our projects address some of the most-pressing challenges in conservation science. We are looking for students interested in conservation and wants to improve their programming skills.
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How is global change impacting global marine systems
Global change is heavily impacting marine systems thorough warming, ocean acidification, overfishing, pollution, eutrophications, mining and invasive species. We are offering projects investigating time series from around the world:
- How are plankton, at the base of the food web, impacted by climate change?
- How are global fish populations responding?
- Are species doing better inside protected areas?
- How does climate variablity affect populations?
- Can we develop a global bioregionalisation based on ecological rather than physical data?
- How are Australia's marine ecosystem responding to climate change?
We are looking for a students interested in understanding how humans are impacting our oceans and in improving their statistical and programming skills.
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Using size spectrum ecosystem models to investigate impact of climate change on global fisheries
Understanding the role of zooplankton is arguably the biggest gap in our knowledge of the ocean carbon cycle. Addressing this gap is therefore critical to improving projections of global carbon sequestration under climate change. Zooplankton constitute 40% of total marine biomass and have diverse roles in active and passive vertical carbon transport across the world’s oceans. Yet all these features are poorly resolved in biogeochemical and ecosystem models. Developing new ways to model zooplankton is key to solving this puzzle. In this project we aim to further resolve zooplankton traits and processes in an innovative ecosystem model. We will use the model to explore present and future impacts of climate change on the global ocean’s capacity to regulate carbon in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Working with an international team of zooplankton ecologists, applied mathematicians and climate change scientists, the PhD student will develop a next-generation global marine ecosystem model that resolves important pathways of carbon transport through the zooplankton. Using this model, the student will quantify the role of zooplankton in regulating the biological pump under climate change.
The ideal candidate would have demonstrated skills in dynamical modelling (e.g., using differential or difference equations), coding experience (in any programming language), and strong written and communication skills. You do not need to have experience in marine ecology, but you must have a keen interest to learn.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Coastal connectivity for conservation
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Daniel Dunn
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Master Philosophy
Novel methods for developing large-scale, data-driven, biologically informed bioregionalisations
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Ian Wood
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Doctor Philosophy
Connected climate-smart marine conservation planning
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jason Everett, Dr Daniel Dunn
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Doctor Philosophy
Multiple-use spatial planning in developing nations
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Jason Everett, Dr Daniel Dunn
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Doctor Philosophy
Portfolio projection of biodiversity responses under climate change
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor John Pandolfi
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Doctor Philosophy
Migratory movements of sharks in the Great Barrier Reef: strengthening connectivity within and beyond national jurisdictions
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Daniel Dunn
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Doctor Philosophy
Post Nesting Migration Evaluation and Foraging Areas Identification Based on Stable Isotopes Analysis of Green Turtle (Chelonia Mydas) Nesting at Tortuguero Rookery
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Daniel Dunn
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Doctor Philosophy
Evaluating transboundary environmental impacts on endangered marine migratory species using an agent-based framework
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Eve McDonald-Madden, Dr Claudia Benham, Associate Professor Carissa Klein, Dr Daniel Dunn
Completed supervision
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Developing a Model of Intermediate Complexity for an Australian Marine Ecosystem: Managing the crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster cf. solaris
Principal Advisor
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Climate velocity in the ocean and its implications for conservation
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Carissa Klein
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Resolving the role of zooplankton in the marine ecosystem with functional size spectra
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Hugh Possingham
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
The Spatial Ecology of Manta Rays: Movement, Habitat Use and Connectivity
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Christine Dudgeon
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
The molecular and spatial ecology of manta rays in Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Christine Dudgeon
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
The energetics of elasmobranchs: applications of bioenergetic models, physiology, and biomechanics
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Christine Dudgeon
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Feeding ecology and habitat use of the giant manta ray Manta birostris at a key aggregation site off mainland Ecuador
Associate Advisor
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Managing direct and indirect threats to marine ecosystems to balance multiple objectives
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Carissa Klein, Professor Hugh Possingham
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Advancing systematic conservation planning in the Mediterranean Sea
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Hugh Possingham, Professor Salit Kark
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
A global whale shark hotspot in southern Mozambique: population structure, feeding ecology, movements and environmental drivers
Joint Principal Advisor
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
The movement ecology of the reef manta ray Manta alfredi in eastern Australia
Associate Advisor
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Population ecology and biology of the reef manta ray Manta alfredi in eastern Australia
Associate Advisor
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Potential impacts of climate change on the distribution of pelagic fish and fisheries off the east coast of Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Hugh Possingham
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Methods for Decision Theory in Conservation Biology
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Hugh Possingham
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2012
Doctor Philosophy
Effects of climate change on marine ecosystems and potential management responses
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Hugh Possingham
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
The Ecology of Dispersal: Causes and Consequences of Phenotype-Dependent Dispersal
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Hugh Possingham
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2010
Master Philosophy
Relationships between polychaete community composition and environmental factors in the Gulf of Carpentaria, northern Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Anthony Richardson directly for media enquiries about:
- Jellyfish
- Manta rays
- Marine life and climate change
- Mathematics and climate change
- Mathematics and marine science
- Plankton
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