Research on Coral Reef Recovery Patterns at Lizard Island Following Disturbances

Sterling Tebbett, a PhD student at James Cook University and Ian Potter Doctoral Fellow, is conducting research at Lizard Island Research Station on the Great Barrier Reef to understand how coral reefs function after disturbances. His work involves analyzing photo-quadrats established in 2016 to track coral recovery following bleaching events and cyclones. Findings show significant coral cover increases on some reefs but minimal recovery in others, with results published in Marine Environmental Research and Scientific Reports. The research aims to provide insights into future reef states and is supported by the Lizard Island Reef Research Foundation.