Leaf to Reef Project

Islands and their connected reefs face increasing threats from climate change. The Leaf to Reef project explores the resilience of coral reef systems to climate change using a whole ecosystem approach.

Biodiversity of Lady Elliot Island

The Lady Elliot Island revegetation project is the largest reef habitat rehabilitation project of its kind in the Southern hemisphere.

It presents a unique opportunity to study how revegetation impacts downstream reef health—from leaf to reef.

Findings and insights have significance for ecosystems around the world.

Science in action

The research team conducts field trips to Lady Elliot Island three times a year to better understand the island's response to climate change. Research includes:

Cataloguing vertebrate species with the support of submissions from citizen scientists.
Turtle health assessments using tagging and genetic sampling.
Manta ray studies through photo-identification, acoustic and satellite tagging. Learn more about Project Manta.
Ground water sampling to explore links with revegetation work carried out on the island.
Listening stations and sound traps establish the connectivity between the island and other locations to identify uncommon visitors such as the Dwarf Minke Whale.
Bird counts to assess the size of the nesting and non-nesting bird populations and associated nutrient loads.
Red-tailed Tropicbird studies using satellite tagging, measurement and observations of the islands six nesting pairs.
Capricorn Silvereye research assesses the genetic variability and relatedness through genetic analysis and song recordings.
Epaulette Shark monitoring by photographing spot patterns, taking genetic samples and measurements.

Findings from the reef

Lady Elliot Shrimp Goby (Tomiyamichthys elliotensis)

New fish species discovered

A previously unknown species, now named the Lady Elliot Shrimp Goby, was found while mapping the changing biodiversity on and around Lady Elliot Island.

Oldest Red-tailed Tropicbird found on reef island

Researchers have found what may be the world's oldest nesting re-tailed Tropicbird at 23 years of age.

Life on the Reef docuseries features Leaf to Reef

Life On The Reef is a fresh new ocean docuseries for ocean, nature and wildlife lovers, starring Leaf to Reef researchers and our research on Lady Elliot Island.

A leading team of experts

This research project is a collaborative effort between researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast, University of Queensland, Southern Cross University, Lady Elliot Island Resort staff, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.