Living Data

Data Exchange

The experiential process of observation and reflection is key to art and science
and is an essential component in understanding interdependence
of all species and ecosystems, terrestrial and aquatic.
Paul Fletcher Animator

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As scientists and artists we use different methods to exchange raw data for meanings.
Conversations and Collaborations is our program for the 2013 Ultimo Science Festival, Sydney, September 12-21.

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Sea Grass installation for Manly Art Gallery by Sally Howeand Susan Milne

Seagrasses are flowering plants that inhabit coastal waters. They have immense global value because of the vital, ecological roles they play: primary production, habitat for other species of plants and animals, food for micro, meso and mega herbivores (like turtles and dugongs), sediment stabilisation, biochemical modification of their local environment and nutrient cycling.

Research, within the Aquatic Processes Group, has focussed on:

Climate change vulnerability - Photosynthetic stress response to light, heat and salinity.

Numerous studies have shown that seagrass health is sensitive to changes in light, heat and osmotic pressure. An understanding, and assessment of the tolerance and recovery, of seagrass ecology to these stress factors - alone and in combination - is important because climate change scenarios predict increases in sea-surface temperatures and storm surges (Ralph 1998a; Ralph 1998b; Ralph 1999a; Ralph 1999b; Ralph et al 2002).

For a review of the morphological, ecological and physiological responses of seagrasses to light limitation see Ralph et al (2007). This paper also develops a new conceptual model for these responses.

Climate Change Cluster (C3), University of Technology, Sydney