DrMelissa Staines

In my research career, I have primarily focused on investigating the impacts of environmental change on marine animals, with a particular interest in sea turtles. I have been working with nesting sea turtles since 2017, and have contributed numerous research studies which highlight the adverse effects of increased sand temperature on the hatching success and sex ratios of threatened turtle species. In my PhD, I assessed the risk of climate-induced feminisation for green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) populations nesting on white sand beaches in the Asia-Pacific. I produced models of sand temperature and hatchling sex ratios based on historical data and climate projections for several sites to determine the presence of “climate change” refugia. I am also CASA-accredited drone pilot (RePL) and conducted drone surveys during the peak in courtship around Heron Island in the Great Barrier Reef and showed that a balanced breeding sex ratio can occur even if the population has a female-biased sex ratio. Using these skills in drone piloting, I have gone on to conduct drone surveys for other marine megafauna such as dugongs and manta rays in various coastal habitats, to better understand their abundance, distribution, health and behaviours.