Making Remote Sensing Relevant for Coral Reef Monitoring
HDR Spotlight: Joanna Smart
In a world where marine ecosystems are under increasing threat, innovative research directly linked to management processes and their information requirements is crucial for their preservation. Joanna Smart is a UQ PhD student whose work focuses on using hyperspectral Earth observation techniques to map and monitor coral reefs. Joanna’s main objective is to develop methods using hyperspectral satellite image data to deliver information in a form that is relevant to, trusted and used by management agencies.
The inspiration for this research stems from Joanna's deep interest in leveraging new technology to better monitor and assess the marine environment. She is passionate about developing methods that can enhance the spatial scale of monitoring programs, providing a more comprehensive understanding of coral reef ecosystems.
The research employs a combination of fieldwork and desktop-based analysis. Fieldwork is conducted at Heron Island Research Station, southern Great Barrier Reef and Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, where field survey data are collected to calibrate and validate her output coral reef monitoring products. These data are used to develop, implement, assess and refine mapping methods using satellite hyperspectral data.
One of the biggest challenges encountered during this research has been equipment related, Joanna notes, "Most of my challenges have been equipment based, utilising new and developing technology often can mean things break in the field, or you have to get creative with building or modifying gear!"
While it is still early in her research, Joanna is optimistic about uncovering significant findings soon. The goal is to contribute to more effective coral reef monitoring and assessment over larger scales.
"I hope that my research can contribute to more effective coral reef monitoring and assessment over larger scales" Joanna expressed.
The research aims to provide a better understanding of how coral reefs are changing over time and identify the environmental drivers behind these changes. This knowledge is critical for managing reef systems and implementing effective mitigation strategies.
Exciting field trips to Heron Island in Queensland and Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia are planned, where Joanna will collect in situ spectral reflectance signatures of corals, georeferenced imagery for validation and classification, and test new methods.
The research experience has taught Joanna some valuable lessons "so far, I’ve learnt a lot about patience, troubleshooting and coming up with creative solutions to problems in the field using limited equipment!" she reflects.
For perspective students Joanna advises “Pick a topic that you are passionate about, but that also has a clear application. Particularly for research that involves marine ecology, we are running out of time and need innovative solutions that have pathways for immediate implementation.”
Outside of research, Joanna enjoys scuba diving, underwater photography, and various water activities. She also has an active dog who participates in dog sports.
This project is conducted in partnership with the SmartSat CRC and involves close collaboration with CSIRO, Queensland University of Technology, and the University of Adelaide.
