Research On Coral Recruitment Climate Change Water Quality
Marine Biologist and Coral Recruitment Ecologist (PhD)
Our Oceans are Changing
I am Christopher A. Brunner, an early career scientist studying the acclimatisation and adaptation of marine organisms towards simultaneous local (sediment & light) and global (ocean warming & acidification) stressors.
Marine organisms are affected by a multitude of cumulative environmental changes, however, the devastating effects of climate change can be mitigated by an improvement of the water quality. In my research, I am therefore testing the resistance of calcifying organisms (i.e., tropical & cold-water corals, crustaceous coralline algae) towards environmental changes by utilising a combination of field ecology and laboratory experiments.
Lifelong Learning
I have owned and taken care of aquaria since my early childhood; looking back this probably sparked my eager to become a Marine Biologist!
By completing my PhD degree in Natural and Physical Sciences I have fulfilled this dream, and through the years gained further work experiences at several remote research stations located on all seven continents.
Trainings & Skills
Coastal environments are complex systems which demand versatile skills to study them in their entirety, and so I completed multiple trainings allowing me to operate Under the Water Surface, On the Land and In the Air.
Speaking Up For the Oceans
Research has no effect when it is not shared, within and outside of the own professional field. Therefore, I am regularly presenting at international conferences and have supervised 7 international students & volunteers to date.
Furthermore, I have acted as official tour guide at the Australian Institute of Marine Science for over three year, engaging with traditional owners, politicians and the public.
Illustrating the hidden processes of the underwater world is a cornerstone to raise the public awareness for the protection of our oceans. I founded and own SkyReefPhoto, a business specialised in providing underwater and drone photography, as well as timelapse and video services!