Kathryn McMahon

I have three main streams of research in coastal biology and ecology largely focusing on seagrass ecosystems. I use a variety of tools and methods such as ‘manipulated’ and ‘observational’ field and laboratory studies using ‘eco-physiological’ and ‘molecular’ tools.

1. Human impacts in coastal ecosystems

Largely focusing on impacts through light reduction, climate change, and dredging
How do plants respond to different stressors (developing sub-lethal indicators)?
What levels of stress can they cope with?
What are the consequences of disturbance?

2. Seagrass-grazing interactions

How much is consumed?
How do plants cope with grazing?

3. Seagrass evolution and taxonomy

What are the evolutionary relationships in seagrasses, particularly Posidonia and Halophila?