
Dr Alice Jones
Industry Research Fellow
School of Biological Sciences
Faculty of Sciences
Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD (as Co-Supervisor) - email supervisor to discuss availability.
I am a quantitative ecologist with a particular interest in marine systems. I work in a joint position between the University of Adelaide (School of Biological Sciences) and the SA Department for Environment and Water (Landscapes and Biodiversity Team). I am motivated by working on projects with real-world application, which improve our understanding of and ability to manage and protect species and habitats. My joint position allows me to bridge the gap between ecological research and the application of research outcomes in managing and conserving South Australian ecosystems and species.
Much of my research is focused on the effect that human activities and environmental change have on the distribution of species, populations and ecosystems - and the impact that this has for their survival. I am also driven to undertake research that has social benefits in terms of supporting healthy, diverse ecosystems for people to enjoy into the future, and supporting the sustainable provision of ecosystem services.
I undertook my PhD at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton (UK). Prior to my PhD, I completed a Masters in Aquatic Resource Management at Kings College London and a B.Sc. (Hons) in Zoology at Manchester University.
- My Research
- Career
- Publications
- Grants and Funding
- Teaching
- Supervision
- Professional Activities
- Contact
I work with Prof. Bronwyn Gillanders in the Gillanders Aquatic Ecology lab. My primary research focus is around coastal or 'blue' carbon ecosystems (mangroves, seagrasses and saltmarshes).
These coastal, vegetated ecosystems have an important role in reducing the impacts of climate change by accumulating and storing large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere and the oceans. By protecting and restoring these ecosystems, we can support their important role in the carbon cycle, which helps mitigate against climate change. You can view a write up of our Goyder Institute-funded blue carbon project here. As part of my blue carbon research, I work closely with Dr Ken Clarke (Spatial Science) and Dr Ramesh Raja Segaran (Unmanned Research Aircraft Facility) on mapping the changing distribution of mangrove, saltmarsh and seagrass habitats in South Australia. Check out our recent paper on measuring mangrove biomass and carbon from the air using drones here.
I am also collaborating with Dr Heidi Alleway on a project funded by The Nature Conservancy looking at aquaculture ecosystem services and climate change. Keep you eyes peeled for papers from this research coming soon!
I am involved in a collaboration with Dr Damien Fordham (University of Adelaide) and Dr Tim Jessop (Deakin Uni), which looks at Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) range and population dynamics. We have used coupled niche-population models to project how population dynamics and changes in habitat availability will influence the species' survival and distribution under changing climatic conditions over the next few decades - you can read our (open access) 2020 paper on this here and a recent Australia Geographic article on this work here.
I previously worked on (and continue to be involved in) the Spencer Gulf Ecosystem and Development Initiative (SGEDI). With competing priorities – from fishing to mining, agriculture, energy and community values – management of the Spencer Gulf ecosystem may be compared to walking a tightrope between commercial and environmental interests. The overall aim of the SGEDI project is to develop the science and understanding for world-class decision making; proactively maintaining Spencer Gulf's unique ecosystem rather than engaging in a costly restoration should damage occur due to human activities.
My role in this project was to develop maps of the Gulf's habitats and the potential threats to them from human activities, including the cumulative impacts from multiple activities. You can see our open-access paper on expert risk assessment here. And a further open-access paper on methods to deal with uncertainty from expert risk assessments when mapping cumulative impacts here (and also check out the graphical abstract below). We now have a PhD student (Jackson Stockbridge) who is doing further research on methods for assessing cumulative impacts in marine ecosystems.
I have Hons projects available on monitoring mangrove, saltmarsh and seagrass ecosystems from the air (using satellite and drone-based imagery), as well as using image data collected with Automated Underwater Vehicles (AUV) for monitoring deep seafloor habitats. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss doing your Honours with me. I am eligible to co-supervise PhD students and have a project available crested tern population dynamics.
-
Expand
-
Appointments
Date Position Institution name 2020 DEW Industry Fellowship (joint position) University of Adelaide and the SA Department for Environment and Water 2020 - 2020 Research Associate (level B) Gillanders Aquatic Ecology Lab, University of Adelaide 2015 - 2019 Postdoctoral Researcher (Gillanders Aquatic Ecology Lab) University of Adelaide 2013 - 2015 Postdoctoral Researcher (Global Ecology Lab) University of Adelaide 2012 - 2013 Consultant Researcher, Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) National Oceanography Centre, Southampton 2012 - 2013 Data Analyst (consulting) Self-employed (part time) 2009 - 2011 Assistant Co-ordinator - SeaWatch Southwest (part-time, volunteer) SeaWatch Southwest marine wildlife monitoring program 2008 - 2012 Teaching Assistant (part time) University of Southampton -
Awards and Achievements
Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount 2020 Award Winner, 2020 Winnovation Awards Winnovation SA Australia — 2019 Award Faculty of Sciences Dean's Award for Research Partnership The University of Adelaide, Faculty of Sciences Australia $2,000 2018 Nomination South Australian Climate Leaders Awards Government of South Australia Australia — -
Education
Date Institution name Country Title 2008 - 2012 National Oceanography Centre & The University of Southampton United Kingdom PhD 2006 - 2007 Kings College London United Kingdom MSc. Aquatic Resource Management 2002 - 2005 University of Manchester United Kingdom BSc. (Hons) Zoology -
Research Interests
Applied Statistics Biological Oceanography Carbon Sequestration Science Climate Change Processes Conservation and Biodiversity Ecological Applications Ecological Impacts of Climate Change Ecology Ecosystem Function Environment Policy Environmental Impact Assessment Environmental Management Environmental Monitoring Geospatial Information Systems Global Change Biology Landscape Ecology Marine and Estuarine Ecology Natural Resource Management Oceanography Ornithology Population Ecology Programming Languages Soil Chemistry
-
Expand
-
Journals
-
Book Chapters
-
Report for External Bodies
Year Citation 2020 Jones, A. R., Clarke, K., Auricht, H., Hennekam, M., Campbell, D., Gillanders, B., . . . Raja Segaran, R. (2020). Assessing the feasibility of using drone-based imagery for monitoring seagrass. Adelaide: The University of Adelaide. 2020 Asanopoulos, C., Russell, S., Gillanders, B., & Jones, A. R. (2020). Environmental and anthropogenic drivers of blue carbon in coastal landscapes: a review. Adelaide: The University of Adelaide. 2020 Jones, A. R., Russell, S., Asanopoulos, C., Dittmann, S., Mosley, L., Beaumont, K., . . . Gillanders, B. (2020). Mapping coastal wetland blue carbon indicators in the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resource Management Region. Adelaide: The University of Adelaide. 2020 Tanner, J., Jones, A. R., Raja Segaran, R., Hennekam, M., Asanopoulos, C., Clarke, K., . . . Fernandes, M. (2020). Potential for Zostera seagrass recovery and rehabilitation to enhance blue carbon in South Australia. Adelaide: South Australian Research and Development Institute. 2019 Tanner, J., Bailleul, F., Bryars, S., Doubell, M., Foster, N., Gaylard, S., . . . Ward, T. (2019). Potential social, economic and ecological indicators for integrated ecosystem assessment of Spencer Gulf (19/32). Adelaide, South Australia. 2019 Jones, A. R., Dittmann, S., Mosley, L., Beaumont, K., Clanahan, M., Waycott, M., & Gillanders, B. (2019). Goyder Institute blue carbon research projects: synthesis report (19/30). Adelaide, South Australia. 2019 Sabine, D., Mosley, L., Jones, A. R., Clanahan, M., Beaumont, K., & Gillanders, B. (2019). Research agenda for blue carbon in South Australia (19/31). Adelaide, South Australian. 2019 Gillanders, B., Fernandes, M., Gaylard, S., Sandhu, H., Waycott, M., Cavagnaro, T., & Jones, A. R. (2019). Coastal carbon opportunities: summary report on the ecosystem services provided by blue carbon habitats in South Australia (19/27). Adelaide, South Australia. 2019 Jones, A. R., Foster, N., Waycott, M., & Gillanders, B. (2019). Coastal carbon opportunities: summary report on changes in the distribution of mangrove and saltmarsh across South Australia (1987–2015) (19/24). Adelaide, South Australia. 2019 Foster, N., Waycott, M., Gillanders, B., & Jones, A. R. (2019). Coastal Carbon Opportunities: Technical report on changes in the distribution of mangrove and saltmarsh across South Australia (1987–2015) (19/23). Adelaide, South Australia. 2019 Jones, A. R., Raja Segaran, R., Waycott, M., & Gillanders, B. (2019). Coastal carbon opportunities: Summary report on using drones to measure mangrove above-ground biomass (19/13). Adelaide, South Australia. 2019 Lavery, P., Lafratta, A., Serrano, O., Masque, P., Jones, A. R., Fernandes, M., . . . Gillanders, B. (2019). Coastal carbon opportunities: technical report on carbon storage and accumulation rates at three case study sites (19/21). Adelaide, South Australia. 2019 Jones, A. R., Raja Segaran, R., Campbell, D., Fernandes, M., Waycott, M., Lavery, P., . . . Gillanders, B. (2019). Coastal Carbon Opportunities: Technical report on vegetation dynamics at Mutton Cove, a site of recent tidal re-connection (19/25). Adelaide, South Australia. 2018 Jones, A. R., Waycott, M., Bryars, S., Wright, A., & Gillanders, B. (2018). Assessing connectivity in South Australia’s Marine Parks Network. Adelaide, SA, Australia: Government of South Australia. 2016 Jones, A. R., & Gillanders, B. M. (2016). Pearson Island expedition feasibility report. Adelaide, Australia. 2016 Gillanders, B. M., Ward, T. M., Bailleul, F., Cassey, P., Deveney, M. R., Doubleday, Z. A., . . . Wiltshire, K. H. (2016). Spencer Gulf Ecosystem and Development Initiative. Developing knowledge and tools to inform integrated management of Spencer Gulf: Case study on shipping and ports.. Adelaide. 2014 Jones, A. R., Le Bas, T., & Wynn, R. B. (2014). Western Channel rMCZ Post-survey Site Report (12 v.9). London, UK: UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). 2013 Wynn, R. B., Bett, B. J., Evans, A. J., Griffiths, G., Huvenne, V. A. I., Jones, A. R., . . . Boyd, T. J. (2013). Investigating the feasibility of utilizing AUV and Glider technology for mapping and monitoring of the UK MPA network. London, UK: UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). 2013 Jones, A. R., Le Bas, T., & Wynn, R. B. (2013). North West of Jones Bank rMCZ post-survey site report (19 v.3). London, UK: United Kingdom Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. 2011 Wynn, R. B., Jones, A. R., Suberg, L., & Collins, P. (2011). Balearic Shearwaters in UK and Irish waters 2007 – 2010. Peterborough, UK: Joint Nature Conservancy Council. 2010 Wynn, R. B., Jones, A. R., Brereton, T. M., & Lewis, K. M. (2010). Seawatch SW Annual Report 2009. Southampton, UK: National Oceanography Centre, Southampton. -
Datasets
Year Citation — Jones, A. (n.d.). Jones et al, 2019. Frontiers in Marine Science. Drone imagery mangrove biomass datasets.
— Jones, A., Doubleday, Z., Prowse, T., Wiltshire, K. H., Deveney, M. R., Ward, T., . . . Gillanders, B. (n.d.). Spencer Gulf cumulative impact assessment spatial layers.
— Jones, A., Doubleday, Z., Prowse, T., Wiltshire, K. H., Deveney, M. R., Ward, T., . . . Gillanders, B. (n.d.). Spencer Gulf threat activity spatial layers.
— Jones, A., Doubleday, Z., Prowse, T., Wiltshire, K. H., Deveney, M. R., Ward, T., . . . Gillanders, B. (n.d.). Spencer gulf marine ecosystem map layers.
Major Research Grants:
- Mapping coastal wetland blue carbon potential in the Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resource Management region (Feb - June 2020). Grant from Natural Resources Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges Blue Carbon Futures Fund: $77,950 (with additional cofunding of $10 K from DEW and $ 25 K from UoA). CI: Jones, A.R., Gillanders, B.M., Mosley, L., Dittmann, S., Beaumont, K.
- Potential for Zostera seagrass recovery and rehabilitation to enhance blue carbon in SA (Feb - June 2020). Grant from Natural Resources Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges Blue Carbon Futures Fund: $64.5 K (with additional co-funding of $10 K from UoA, $5 K from EPA and $25 K from SA Water). CI: Tanner, J., Jones, A. R., Raja Segaran R., Fernandes M., Clarke K., Gaylard S., Turner A., van der Linden L.
- A blue carbon future through introducing tidal flow to salt ponds and stranded saltmarsh for Dry Creek and the Samphire Coast (Mar - June 2020). Grant from Natural Resources Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges Blue Carbon Futures Fund: $99.5 K (with additional co-funding of $20 K from Flinders University and $10 K from DEW). CI: Ditmman, S., Clarke, B., Mosley, L., Jones, A. R., Beaumont, K., Raja Segaran, R.
- A muddy time capsule: Using environmental DNA and geochronology from sediment cores to reconstruct past coastal vegetation dynamics and inform future ecosystem management (July 2018 - July 2021). Grant from the Hermon Slade Foundation: $89 K. CI: Jones, A.R., Young, J., Waycott M., Foster, N., Gillanders, B.M.
- Coastal Carbon Opportunities: demonstrating additionality and potential for future offsets in South Australia (April 2017 - April 2019). Grant from the Goyder Institute for Water Research's 'Climate Impact' research funding: $400 K from Goyder + $165 K partner cash and $1.3M in-kind support from partner organisations. I am a Chief Investigator on the grant, which will fund my salary for 2 years. I wrote the first full draft of the grant proposal (including a pitch presentation to potential research partners) and the initial research questions and experimental design. Investigators: CI: Gillanders, B.M., Jones, A.R., Waycott M., Lavery, P., Baldock, J., Koh, LP., Cavagnaro, T., Masque, P., Fernandes, M., Gaylard, S., Serrano, O., Clarke, K., Raja-Segaran, R., Kilpatrick, A., Asanopolous, C.
Other Grants:
- Measuring and monitoring saltmarsh blue carbon on Eyre Peninsula (2020). Grant from the South Australian Government Department for Environment and Water (Climate Change Branch): $26,180 (funding associated with the South Australian Blue Carbon Strategy and Saltmarsh Threat Abatement and Recovery Project). CI: Jones A.R.
- Blue Carbon research synthesis and research agenda (April 2019 - June 2019). Grant from the Goyder Institute for Water Research, Climate Action Fund: $31 K. CI: Jones, A.R., Gillanders, B. M., Dittman, S., Mosley, L.Aquaculture, Ecosystem Services and Shellfish Reef Restoration’ (March – Dec 2019). Grant from The Nature Conservancy $40 USD (approx. $56 K AUD). CI: Alleyway H., Gillanders, B., Jones, A.
- Assessing the feasibility of using drone technology to monitor seagrass (Dec 2018 - Dec 2019). $82 K (including cash contributions of $35 K from SA Water and $25 K from The University of Adelaide and Environment Institute). A collaborative pilot study between the University and SA Water. CI: Jones, A.R., Clarke, K., Raja Segaran, R., Fernandes, M., Gillanders, B.M.
- Seagrass, macroalgae, sediment and micro-plastic sampling from Pearson Isles Sanctuary Zone and South West Commonwealth Marine Reserve for genetic connectivity and contamination studies (May 2018). $5.3 K grant from the Department of Environment and Water SA. CI: Jones A,R.
- Assessing connectivity in South Australia’s marine parks network (May 2017 - October 2017). $30 K grant from the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR): . CI: Jones, A.R., CI: Gillanders, B.M., CI: Waycott, M.
- Pearson Island expedition feasibility study (June 2016 - July 2016). $15 K grant from the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR). Invesitgators: CI: Jones, A.R., PI: Gillanders B.M.
I am a employed on a research-only contract at the University, so am primarily research-focused. However I have contributed to taught courses as opportunities have arisen:
- I have lectured on the 3rd year course Frontiers in Marine Biology (coordinated by Prof. Bronwyn Gillanders) for 3 years. I present a lecture titled 'Marine Monitoring in the 21st Century'
- I have delivered tutorials on 'Presentation Skills' to 3rd year undergraduates (2016 - 2019)
- I contributed to the Research Methods in Ecology 3rd year undergraduate course, coordinated by Prof. Sean Connell. For this course, I prepared and ran a 3-hr computer lab practical session on species distribution modelling. This involved giving a lecture of ~45 mins and then leading the class through a computer-based practical session using R (which I had prepared the scripts and data for)
- For the last 2 years (2018 & 2019) I have helped to coordinate and deliver the 2-week long marine biology overseas study tour to Timor Leste
- In 2019 and 2020 I was a trainer onboard the Australian national research vessel, RV Investigator, for 2-week long postgraduate at-sea training cruises. These are part of the Collaborative Australian Postgraduate Sea Training Alliance Network (CAPSTAN). I was selected for this role through a competitive process and the work involved:
- Delivering lectures on ‘Population Connectivity in Marine Systems’ and ‘Ecological Monitoring in the 21st Century’
- Taking part in panel discussions on post-university work options and dealing with large datasets
- Coordinating the student’s plankton sampling whilst at sample sites
- Running the wet-clean lab onboard the ship and teaching plankton analysis methods and identification
- Coordinating and running the seabird and marine mammal observations from the ship.
- Coordinating and supporting the students in preparing a cruise report.
-
Expand
-
Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)
Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name 2020 Co-Supervisor Blue Carbon in South Australian Coastal Ecosystems Master of Philosophy Master Full Time Miss Sophie Kate Russell 2018 Co-Supervisor Cumulative Impacts in Marine Environments Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Jackson Stockbridge 2017 Co-Supervisor Blue Carbo Sequestration Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Nicole Rianne Foster
-
Expand
-
Committee Memberships
Date Role Committee Institution Country 2018 - 2019 Advisory Board Member Technical Reference Panel for Blue Carbon Strategy South Australian Department of Environment and Water Australia 2018 - ongoing Member Blue Carbon Methods Working Group Australian Department of Industry, Science, Energy & Resources Australia -
Community Engagement
Date Title Engagement Type Institution Country 2019 - ongoing South Australian Coastal Ambassador Public Community Engagement Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Australia 2019 - 2019 Collaborative Australian Postgraduate Sea Training Alliance Network Scientific Community Engagement Macquarie University and The Australian Marine National Facility Australia 2019 - ongoing South Australian Seagrass Collaborative Scientific Community Engagement The University of Adelaide, Environment Institute Australia
Connect With Me
External Profiles