The University of Western Australia

E/Prof Diana Walker

Emeritus Professor/Honorary Senior Research Fellow
Adjunct and Honorary Staff (Plant Biology)

Contact details

Address

Adjunct and Honorary Staff (Plant Biology)
The University of Western Australia (M090)
35 Stirling Highway
CRAWLEY WA 6009
Australia

Phone

6488 2089

Fax

6488 1126

Email

diana.walker@uwa.edu.au

Location

Room 218, Botany and Biology Building, Crawley campus

Key research

My research interests are in the ecology of marine macrophytes, both seagrass and macroalgae, from the biogeographical scale to their ecophysiology, and in particular their functional roles, especially in relation to nutrient cycling and productivity.

NAME: Diana Inez Walker

DATE OF BIRTH:8th September 1957

NATIONALITY:Dual nationality - UK and Australia

ADDRESS:School of Plant Biology

The University of Western Australia

35 Stirling Highway

Crawley, Western Australia 6009

TELEPHONE: (08) 6488 2214 (work) (08) 9384 4983 (home)

FAX:(08) 6488 1001

Email:diwalker@cyllene.uwa.edu.au

EDUCATION:1968-1975 Limavady Grammar School, N. Ireland

1975-1978 University of Liverpool, England

1978-1981 University of York, England

QUALIFICATIONS

B.Sc.(Hons.) Marine Biology

Thesis Topic: The Effects of Solvent Emulsifiers on Gigartina stellata (Stackh.) Batt.

Supervisor: Dr J.M. Kain-Jones, B.Sc., Ph.D., D.Sc.

Department of Marine Biology, University of Liverpool, Port Erin, Isle of Man.

D.Phil.: Algal Lawns in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea.

Supervisor:Dr R.F.G.Ormond, Tropical Marine Research Unit,

Department of Biology,University of York, England.

(Fieldwork for this research was carried out in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, spending 14 months at the Marine Science Station of the University of Jordan).

EMPLOYMENT:January 1982-June 1984

Research Officer, Shark Bay Programme, Department of Botany,

The University of Western Australia. Funded by the University Development Fund.

July 1984-December 1987

Research Fellow, Department of Botany, UWA.

Funded by an Australian Marine Science and Technology Grant.

January 1988- December 1991

Lecturer in Marine Botany, UWA.

January 1992-March 1996

Senior Lecturer in Marine Botany, UWA

March 1995 - December 1997

Deputy Head of Department

April 1996-October 2000

Associate Professor

Jan 98-Dec2002

Head of Department

2002-present Associate Dean Marine Science

CURRENT POSITION Professor, Associate Dean of Marine Science

SCHOLARSHIPS AND RESEARCH GRANTS

1978-1981N.Ireland Department of Education Postgraduate Award

Total Research Grant Funding = $3.5M

Dr Walker is/was Principal Investigator (Project leader) for all grants listed

Commonwealth of Australia Marine Science and Technology Grants

1984-1987 Ecophysiology of Seagrasses

1984-1986 Taxonomy and Ecology of the Algal Assemblages of Rottnest Island

1986Contribution of Coralline Algae to Shark Bay Sediments

Australian Research Council

1990Consequences of seagrass decline

1991-1993Seagrass Decline: The relationship between seagrass density and production, water movement, sediments, epiphytes and associated fauna

1991-1992 (Small)Potential use of seagrass rhizome storage metabolites as indicators of environmental stress and decline

1995 (Small)Ningaloo Marine habitats

1996 (Small)An investigation of genetic variability in two sympatric seagrass species across their geographic range using molecular biological methodologies

1997 (Small)Scaling of seagrass growth across Success Bank, Western Australia

1998 (Small)Spatial dynamics of the seagrass Posidonia coriacea across scales of shoot, meadow and landscape

2000 (Small)Clonal Growth strategies in the formation and maintenance of seagrass meadows in submarine landscapes

2001-2 (small)

2003Seagrass meadow dynamics

2005-7Understanding coastal biodiversity: The impact of marine production subsidies upon arid coastal environments

Other Grants

1988-1989CSIRO/UWA Collaborative Grant: Physiology of seagrass storage metabolites

1989-1990Commonwealth Tertiary Education Commission Special Research Grant: Interactions between seagrasses and sediments

1989-presentDepartment of Marine and Harbours, WA. Geraldton marina, seagrass and water quality investigations.

1991CSIRO/UWA Collaborative Grant: Seagrass below-ground biomass: relative allocation and patterns of rhizome growth

1991-1993BP: Cockburn Sound Seagrass revegetation studies

1992-1994WAWA Ecosystem studies of the potential nutrient effects of the Beenyup ocean outfall

1993-1995WAWA Geographe Bay seagrass, algal and water quality studies

1994-1997Waterways Commission -Wilson Inlet Seagrass and epiphyte studies

1994-1997National Estates Grant - Kimberley Marine Biology Survey (with WA Museum, NT Museum)

1995-1998WA Estuarine Research Federation - Functional roles of Halophila ovalis in the Swan River

1995-2000Cockburn Cement Ltd: Ecological significance of seagrasses

1996-2001 National Eutrophication Management Program: Wilson Inlet Nutrient cycling study

RESEARCH INTERESTS

For the last 22 years, Professor Di Walker has been carrying out research on all aspects of control of macrophyte distributions, from the biogeographical scale to their ecophysiology, and in particular, the significance of physico-chemical controls versus biological interactions in the partitioning of marine habitats. She has published widely in the international literature on the ecology of coastal marine plant communities, about 90 papers in international refereed journals, 8 books or edited volumes, 40 technical reports, and numerous popular articles. Her work includes the impact of sewage outfalls on coral reefs in the Red Sea, nutrient cycling in system scale studies in Shark Bay and Rottnest Island, consequences of seagrass loss in Princess Royal Harbour, Albany, and studies of the roles of seagrass meadows around the WA coast. She has acted as Principal Investigator in a range of projects including large multi-disciplinary studies. She has obtained more than $3.5 M in research funding. She has successfully supervised 20 Ph.D. students (3 Current), 4 masters students and 30 honours students.

She is a past President of both the Royal Society of WA and the Australasian Society for Phycology and Aquatic Botany, Chair of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area Scientific Advisory Committee, and an Inaugural Member of the WA Marine Parks and Reserves Authority.

ALL REFEREED PUBLICATIONS IN THE PAST FIVE YEARS 1999-2004

Edited books and volumes (refereed)

1) Walker, D.I., and Wells, F.E. (Eds.) 1999. The seagrass flora and fauna of Rottnest Island, Western Australia. WA Museum 421 pp

2) Wells, F.E., Jones, D.S., Walker, D.I. 2003. The marine flora and fauna of the Dampier Archipelago. WA Museum Vols 1 & 2 587pp

Book chapters (refereed)

3) *Walker, D. I. 1999 The Aquatic Flora -- the marine angiosperms. The Flora of Australia Volume 1, Introduction. ANCA. pp 420-435

4) *Walker D. I., Dennison, W.C. and Edgar, G. 1999 Status of Australian seagrass research and knowledge In Butler, A. and Jernakoff, P.J. Seagrasses in Australia. FRDC/CSIRO pp1-24.

5) Walker D.I. 1999 Marine plants and their evolution. In: Wonders of the Southern Ocean. Conference proceedings from two community conferences on the South Coast of WA. pp 31-36.

6) *Walker D. I. 2000 The Western Australian Region. In: Seas at the Millennium: An Environmental Evaluation. (Ed. C. Sheppard), Elsevier Science. Pp. 691-704

7) Walker, D.I., Olesen, B. and Phillips, R.C. 2001 Reproduction and phenology in seagrasses. In: Global seagrass research methods - A book of seagrass sampling methods designed to provide uniform monitoring data, from seagrass ecosystems around the World. (Eds. F.T. Short and R.G. Coles) Elsevier pp. 313-324.

8) *Walker D.I., Pergent, G. and Fazi, S. 2001 Seagrass Decomposition. In: Global seagrass research methods - A book of seagrass sampling methods designed to provide uniform monitoring data, from seagrass ecosystems around the World. (Eds. F.T. Short and R.G. Coles) Elsevier pp. 59-78.

9) Wells, F.E. and Walker, D.I. 2003 Introduction to the marine environment of Dampier, Western Australia. In: The Marine Flora and Fauna of Dampier, Western Australia. (Eds. F.E. Wells, D.I. Walker and D.S. Jones), Western Australian Museum. pp.1-12

10) Harman, N., Kendrick, G.A., Harvey, E., Vanderklift, M.A. and Walker, D.I. 2003 Use of surrogates for the rapid assessment of marine biodiversity. In: Aquatic Protected Areas - what works best and how do we know? (Eds. J.P. Beumer, A. Grant, D.C. Smith and D. Mahon), pp. 465-476.

11) *Walker , D.I., 2003. Chapter 10, The Seagrasses of Western Australia. World Atlas of Seagrasses (Eds. E.P. Green and F.T. Short), University of California Press. pp 109-118.

12) Duarte, C.M., Borum, J., Short, F.T. and Walker, D. I. In press Seagrass ecosystems: Their Global status and prospects. In Polunin, N. “Aquatic Ecosystems: Trends and Global Prospects” Cambridge University Press

13) Walker, D.I., Kendrick, G.A. and McComb, A.J. (in press) Decline and recovery of seagrass ecosystems – the dynamics of change In Seagrass Biology Larkum, AWD, Orth RJ and Duarte, C. M. Kluwer

Refereed publications

14) Carruthers, T.J.B. and Walker, D.I. 1999 Sensitivity of transects across a depth gradient for measuring changes in aerial coverage and abundance of Ruppia megacarpa Mason. Aquatic Botany 65: 281-292

15) Kendrick, G.A., Eckersley, J. and D. I. Walker 1999 Landscape scale changes in seagrass distribution over time: a case study from Success Bank, Western Australia. Aquatic Botany 65: 293-309

16) Benjamin, K.J., Walker, D.I., McComb, A.J.and Kuo, J. 1999 Structural response of marine and estuarine plants of Halophila ovalis (R.Br.) Hook. f. to long-term hyposalinity. Aquatic Botany 63: 1-18

17) Carruthers, T.J.B., Walker, D.I. and Kendrick, G.A. 1999 Abundance of Ruppia megacarpa Mason in a seasonally variable estuary. Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science 48: 497-509

18) Connell, E., Colmer, T. and Walker D.I. 1999 Radial oxygen loss from intact roots of Halophila ovalis as a function of distance behind the root tip and shoot illumination. Aquatic Botany 63: 219-228.

19) Marba, N. and Walker D. I. 1999 Growth, flowering and population dynamics of temperate Western Australian seagrasses. Marine Ecology Progress Series 184: 105-118

20) *Williams, S.I. and Walker D.I. 1999 Mesoherbivore-Macroalgal interactions: Feeding ecology of sacoglossan sea slugs (Mollusca, Opistobranchia) and their effects on their food algae. Oceanography and Marine Biology Annual Reviews 37: 87-128

21) *Huisman, J.M., Sim, C.B. and Walker D.I. 1999 A collection of deep-water plants from Rottnest Island. In: Walker, D.I., and Wells, F.E. (Eds.) The Seagrass Flora and Fauna of Rottnest Island, Western Australia. WA Museum pp 409-421

22) *Walker, D I, K A Hillman, G A Kendrick and P Lavery 2001 Ecological Significance of Seagrasses: assessment for management of environmental impact in Western Australia. Ecological Engineering 16: 323-330.

23) Connell, E.L. and D.I. Walker 2001 Nutrient cycling associated with the seagrass Halophila ovalis in the Swan Canning estuary, based on seasonal variations in biomass and tissue nutrients. Hydrological Processes 15: 2401-2409.

24) Dudley, B.J. and D.I. Walker 2000 Plant/water nutrient dynamics in a southwestern Australian estuary. Biol. Mar. Medit. 7: 43-46

25) Cambridge, M.L., Bastyan G. R. and D.I. Walker 2000 Recovery of Posidonia meadows by rhizome growth and seedling recruitment in Oyster Harbour, south-western Australia. Biol. Mar. Medit. 7: 332-335.

26) Verduin, J.J., Backhaus, J.O. and Walker, D.I. 2000 Estimates of pollen dispersal and capture within submerged Amphibolis antarctica meadows. Biol. Mar. Medit. 7: 152-155.

27) *Raven, J.A., Walker, D.I., Jensen, K.R., Handley, L.L., Scrimgeour, C.M. and McInroy, S.G. (2001) What fraction of the organic carbon in sacoglossans is obtained from photosynthesis by kleptoplastids? An investigation using the natural abundance of stable carbon isotopes. Marine Biology 138: 537-545.

28) *Raven, J.A., Johnston, A.M., Kübler, J.E., Korb, R., McInroy, S.G., Handley, L.L., Scrimgeour, C.M., Walker, D.I., Beardall, J., Vanderklift, M., Fredricksen, S. and Dunton, K.H. 2002 Mechanistic interpretation of carbon isotope discrimination by marine macroalgae and seagrasses. Functional Plant Biology 29: 355-378

29) Dudley, B.J., Gahnstrom, A and Walker, D.I. 2001 The role of benthic vegetation as a sink for elevated inputs of ammonium and nitrate in a mesotrophic estuary. Marine Ecology Progress Series 219: 99-107

30) Campey, M.L., Kendrick, G.A. and Walker, D.I. 2002 Interannual and small-scale spatial variability in sexual reproduction of the seagrasses Posidonia coriacea and Heterozostera tasmanica, southwestern Australia. Aquatic Botany 74: 287-297

31) Raven, J.A. Johnston, A.M., Kübler, J.E., Korb, R., McInroy, S.G., Handley, L.L., Scrimgeour, C.M., Walker, D.I., Beardall, J., Clayton, M.N., Vanderklift, M., Fredriksen, S. and Dunton, K.H. 2002 Seaweeds in Cold Seas: evolution and carbon acquisition. Annals of Botany 90: 525-536.

32) Smith, N.M. and Walker, D.I. 2002 Canopy structure and pollination biology of the seagrasses Posidonia australis and P. sinuosa (Posidoneaceae). Aquatic Botany 74: 57-70.

33) Verduin, J.V. and D.I. Walker 2004 (in press) In situ three dimensional submarine pollination and post-pollination events in the seagrass Amphibolis antarctica Botanica marina

34) Cambridge, M.L., Bastyan,G.R. and Walker, D. I. 2002* Recovery of Posidonia meadows in Oyster Harbour, southwestern Australia. Bulletin of Marine Science 71: 1279-1289

*Actually published July 2003

35) Walker, D.I., Campey, M.L., Kendrick, G.A. 2004. Nutrient dynamics in two seagrass species, Posidonia coriacea and Zostera tasmanica , on Success Bank, Western Australia. Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science 60: pp 251-260

36) Cosgrove, J, Walker, DI, Morrison, P and Hillman, K, 2004. Periphyton indicate effects of wastewater discharge in the near-coastal zone, Perth (Western Australia). Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science 61: 331-338

37) Goldberg, NA, Kendrick G A and Walker D I 2004 A test of higher taxonomic levels and dominant taxa as surrogates for species diversity in subtidal macroalgal assemblages. Aquatic Conservation (submitted)

38) *Wyatt, ASJ, Hewitt, CL, Walker DI, and Ward, TJ 2004 Marine Introductions in the Shark Bay World Heritage Property, Western Australia: as preliminary assessment. Diversity and Distributions (in press).

39) *Waddington, K, Melville-Smith, R, Walker DI, Knott, B 2004 Effect of reproductive state and sex on food consumption and movement of western rock lobster, Panulirus cygnus George in a tank environment. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research. (in press)

40) Pergent G, Pergent-Martini, C, Fernandez C, Pasqualini V, Walker D 2004 Morpho-chronological variations and primary production in Posidonia sea grass from Western Australia. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK 84: 895-899

Other evidence of impact and contributions to the field

I have been as external examiner for Australian, New Zealand, and Malaysian PhD theses, and am a journal referee, and have been a member of editorial boards(*) for the following journals:

Aquatic Botany*, Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research,Botanica marina, Ecosystem Health, Ecological Management & Restoration,Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, Estuaries, Hydrobiologia, Hydrological Processes, Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia, Journal of Environmental Conservation, Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, Marine Biology, Marine Ecology Progress Series, Marine Pollution Bulletin*, Oecologia, Phycologia, Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia.

I have been invited to contribute to research volumes on seagrasses. One output (1999) was a key undertaking by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation to set the strategic framework for future seagrass research with respect to fisheries in Australian waters. I contributed two chapters to a compilation of methods in seagrass research, edited by Prof. Fred Short and Dr. Rob Coles. I am currently a member of the Council of the World Seagrass Association.

I have co-edited the proceedings of four largescale research workshops, at Albany in 1988, two on Rottnest (1991, 1996), Dampier in 2000, and am completing the fifth (Esperance 2003). These have all resulted in 7 fully refereed volumes on the marine flora and fauna of the regions. These volumes have resulted in essential synthesis of information on the relatively unstudied West Australian

Publications

PUBLICATIONS
PUBLICATIONS
Edited books and volumes (refereed)
1) Pearce, A F and Walker, D I (eds) 1991 The Leeuwin Current: an influence on the coastal climate and marine life of Western Australia. J Roy Soc WA 74: 140pp
2) Wells, F.E., Walker, D.I., Kirkman, H., and Lethbridge, R. (Eds.) 1991. The marine flora and fauna of Albany, Western Australia. WA Museum Vols 1 & 2 722pp.
3) Phillips, D., Hutchings P A and Walker, D I (eds) 1992 The Marine Environment and its management in Australia. Marine Pollution Bulletin Volume 25 (5-8) 218pp
4) Wells, F.E., Walker, D.I., Kirkman, H., and Lethbridge, R. (Eds.) 1993. The marine flora and fauna of Rottnest Island, Western Australia. WA Museum Vol 1 & 2 634pp
5) Kuo, J.J.S., Phillips, R., Walker, D.I., Kirkman, H. (eds) 1996 Seagrass Biology. Proceedings on an international workshop, Rottnest Island, Western Australia, 25-29th January 1996. Faculty of Science, University of WA. 385pp.
6) Kuo, J.J.S., Walker, D.I., Kirkman, H. (eds) 1996 Seagrass Biology. Scientific Discussions from an international workshop, Rottnest Island, Western Australia, 25-29th January 1996. Faculty of Science, University of WA. 276pp.
7) Walker, D.I., and Wells, F.E.. (Eds.) 1999. The seagrass flora and fauna of Rottnest Island, Western Australia. WA Museum 421 pp
8) Wells, F.E., Jones, D.S.,Walker, D.I. 2003. The marine flora and fauna of the Dampier Archipelago. WA Museum Vols 1 & 2 587pp
Book chapters (referreed)
9) Walker, D.I. 1987 "Benthic Algae" in: "Key Environments: The Red Sea". Ed: Edwards, A. and Head, S. Publ. Pergamon Press. pp. 152-168.
10) Walker, D.I. 1989 Seagrass in Shark Bay - the foundations of an ecosystem (In : Biology of Seagrasses : A Treatise on the Biology of Seagrasses with special reference to the Australian Region. (Ed. A W D Larkum, A J McComb and S. A. Shepherd) Elsevier/North Holland. pp182-210.
11) Kirkman, H. and Walker, D.I. 1989 Western Australian Seagrass (In : Biology of Seagrasses : A Treatise on the Biology of Seagrasses with special reference to the Australian Region. (Ed. A W D Larkum, A J McComb, S. A. Shepherd) Elsevier/North Holland pp 157-181.
12) Hillman, K., Walker, D.I., McComb, A.J. and Larkum, A.W.D. 1989 Productivity and nutrient availability (In : Biology of Seagrasses : A Treatise on the Biology of Seagrasses with special reference to the Australian Region. (Ed. A.W.D. Larkum, A.J. McComb, S. A. Shepherd) Elsevier/North Holland. pp635-685.
13) Poiner, I., Walker, D.I. and Coles, R.B. 1989 Tropical Seagrasses. (In : Biology of Seagrasses : A Treatise on the Biology of Seagrasses with special reference to the Australian Region. (Ed. A.W.D Larkum, A.J.McComb and S.A. Shepherd) Elsevier/North Holland pp 279-303.
14) Wells, F.E. and Walker, D.I. 1993 Introduction to the marine environment of Western Australia. The marine flora and fauna of Rottnest Island, Western Australia. WA. Museum Vol 1: 1-10
15) Walker, D. I. 1999 The Aquatic Flora -- the marine angiosperms. The Flora of Australia Volume 1, Introduction. ANCA. pp 420-435
16) Walker D. I., Dennison, W.C. and Edgar, G. 1999 Status of Australian seagrass research and knowledge In Butler, A. and Jernakoff, P.J. Seagrasses in Australia. FRDC/CSIRO pp1-24.
17) Walker D.I. 1999 Marine plants and their evolution. In: Wonders of the Southern Ocean. Conference proceedings from two community conferences on the South Coast of WA. pp 31-36.
18) Walker D. I. 2000 The Western Australian Region. In: Seas at the Millennium: An Environmental Evaluation. (Ed. C. Sheppard), Elsevier Science. Pp. 691-704
19) Walker, D.I., Olesen, B. and Phillips, R.C. 2001 Reproduction and phenology in seagrasses. In: Global seagrass research methods - A book of seagrass sampling methods designed to provide uniform monitoring data, from seagrass ecosystems around the World. (Eds. F.T. Short and R.G. Coles) Elsevier pp. 313-324.
20) Walker D.I., Pergent, G. and Fazi, S. 2001 Seagrass Decomposition. In: Global seagrass research methods - A book of seagrass sampling methods designed to provide uniform monitoring data, from seagrass ecosystems around the World. (Eds. F.T. Short and R.G. Coles) pp. 59-78.
21) Wells, F.E. and Walker, D.I. 2003 Introduction to the marine environment of Dampier, Western Australia. In: The Marine Flora and Fauna of Dampier, Western Australia. (Eds. F.E. Wells, D.I. Walker and D.S. Jones), Western Australian Museum. Pp.1-12
22) Walker , D.I., 2003. Chapter 10, The Seagrasses of Western Australia. World Atlas of Seagrasses (Eds. E.P. Green and F.T. Short), University of California Press. pp 109-118.
23) Duarte, C.M., Borum, J., Short, F.T. and Walker, D. I. In press Seagrass ecosystems: Their Global status and prospects. In Polunin, N. “Aquatic Ecosystems: Trends and Global Prospects” Cambridge University Press
24) Walker, D.I., Kendrick, G.A. and McComb, A.J. 2005 Decline and recovery of seagrass ecosystems – the dynamics of change In Seagrasses: Biology, Ecology and Their Conservation Eds Larkum, AWD, Orth RJ and Duarte, C. M. Kluwer
25) Gobert, S., M.L. Cambridge, B. Velimirov, G., Pergent, G., Lepoint, J.M, Bouquegneau, P., Dauby, Pergent-Martini, C. and Walker, D I 2005 Chapter 24: Biology of Posidonia. In Seagrasses: Biology, Ecology and Their Conservation Eds Larkum, AWD, Orth RJ and Duarte, C. M. Kluwer

Refereed papers
26) Walker, D.I. and Ormond, R.F.G. 1982 Coral death from sewage and phosphate pollution at Aqaba, Red Sea. Marine Pollution Bulletin 13:21-25
27) McMillan, C., Young, P.C., Cambridge, M.L., Masini, R.J. and Walker, D.I. 1983 The status of an endemic Australian seagrass, Cymodocea angustata Ostenfeld. Aquatic Botany 17:231-241
28) Harlin, M.M., Woelkerling, Wm.J. and Walker, D.I. 1985 Effects of a hypersalinity gradient on epiphytic Corallinaceae (Rhodophyta) in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Phycologia 24: 389-402
29) Walker, D.I. 1985 Correlations between salinity and growth of the seagrass Amphibolis antarctica (Labill.) Sonder ex Aschers. in Shark Bay, Western Australia, using a new method of measuring production rate. Aquatic Botany 23:13-23
30) Walker, D.I. and McComb, A.J. 1985 Decomposition of leaves from Amphibolis antarctica (Labill.) Sonder & Aschers. and Posidonia australis Hook.f. the major seagrass species of Shark Bay, Western Australia. Botanica Marina 28:407-413.
31) Walker, D.I. and Prince, R.I.T. 1987. Distribution and biogeography of seagrass species on the North-West Coast of Australia, Aquatic Botany 29: 19-32.
32) Kendrick, G.A., Walker, D.I. and McComb, A.J. 1988 Changes in distribution of macro-algal epiphytes on stems of the seagrass Amphibolis antarctica along a salinity gradient in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Phycologia 27: 201 -208.
33) Walker, D.I. and Woelkerling, Wm. J. 1988 A quantitative study of sediment contribution by epiphytic coralline red algae in seagrass meadows in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Marine Ecology Progress Series 43: 71-77.
34) Walker, D.I., Kendrick, G.A. and McComb, A.J. 1988 The distribution of seagrasses in Shark Bay, Western Australia, with notes on their ecology. Aquatic Botany 30: 305-317.
35) Walker, D.I. and McComb, A.J. 1988 Seasonal variation in productivity, biomass and nutrient content of the major seagrass species in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Aquatic Botany 31: 259-275.
36) Walker, D.I., Lukatelich, R.J., Bastyan,G. and McComb A.J. 1989 Effect Of Boat Moorings On Seagrass Beds around Perth, Western Australia, Aquatic Botany 36:69-77
37) Walker, D.I. and McComb, A.J. 1990. Salinity response of the seagrass Amphibolis antarctica (Labill.) Sonder ex Aschers.: an experimental validation of field results. Aquatic Botany 36:359-366
38) Kendrick, G.A., Huisman, J. and Walker, D.I. 1990 Benthic Macroalgae in Shark Bay, Western Australia. Botanica Marina 33: 47-54
39) Huisman, J. and Walker, D.I. 1990 A catalogue of the marine plants of Rottnest Island, Western Australia, with notes on their distribution and biogeography. Kingia 1(4) 369-479
40) Walker, D.I., Hutchings, P.A. and Wells, F.E. 1991. Seagrass, sediment and infauna - a comparison of Posidonia australis, Posidonia sinuosa and Amphibolis antarctica, Princess Royal Harbour, South-Western Australia I. Seagrass biomass, productivity and contribution to sediments. In: Wells, F.E., Walker, D.I., Kirkman, H., and Lethbridge, R. (Eds.) The marine flora and fauna of Albany, Western Australia. WA Museum Vol 2: 597-610
41) Hutchings, P.A., Wells, F.E., Walker, D.I., and Kendrick, G.A., 1991. Seagrass, sediment and infauna - a comparison of Posidonia australis, Posidonia sinuosa and Amphibolis antarctica in Princess Royal Harbour, South-Western Australia II Distribution, composition and abundance of macrofauna. In: Wells, F.E., Walker, D.I., Kirkman, H., and Lethbridge, R. (Eds.) The flora and fauna of Albany, Western Australia. WA Museum Vol 2: 611-633
42) Wells, F.E., Walker, D.I., and Hutchings, P.A., 1991. Seagrass, sediment and infauna - a comparison of Posidonia australis, Posidonia sinuosa and Amphibolis antarctica in Princess Royal Harbour, South-Western Australia III. Consequences of seagrass loss. In: Wells, F.E., Walker, D.I., Kirkman, H., and Lethbridge, R. (Eds.) The marine flora and fauna of Albany, Western Australia. Western Australian Museum Vol 2: 635-639.
43) Walker, D I 1991 The effect of sea temperature on seagrasses and algae on the West Australian Coastline. J Roy Soc WA 74: 71-77.
44) Kendrick, G.A. and Walker, D.I. 1991 Dispersal distances for propagules of Sargassum spinuligerum (Sargassaceae, Phaeophyta) measured directly by vital staining and venturi suction sampling. Marine Ecology Progress Series 79: 133-138
45) Whitfield, F.B., Shaw, K.J. and Walker, D.I. 1992 The source of 2,6-Dibromophenol, cause of an iodoform taint in Australian prawns. Water Science and Technology 25: 131-138
46) Walker, D.I. and McComb, A.J. 1992 Seagrass degradation in Australian coastal waters. Marine Pollution Bulletin 25: 191-195
47) Brearley, A. and Walker, D.I. 1993 Isopod borers in seagrass species from south-west Western Australia. The marine flora and fauna of Rottnest Island, Western Australia. WA. Museum Vol 2: 415-428
48) Carruthers, T., Walker, D.I. and Huisman, J.M. 1993 Culture studies of two morphological types of Caulerpa (Chlorophyta) from Perth, Western Australia, with a description of a new species. Botanica marina. 36: 589-596
49) Kendrick, G.A. and Walker, D.I. 1994 Role of recruitment in structuring beds of Sargassum spp (Phaeophyta) at Rottnest Island Western Australia. J Phycol 30(2) 200-208
50) Walker, D.I. and Cambridge, M.L. 1995 An experimental assessment of the temperature responses of two sympatric seagrasses, Amphibolis antarctica and Amphibolis griffithii in relation to their biogeography Hydrobiologia 302: 63-70.
51) Hillman, K., McComb, A.J. and Walker, D.I. 1995 The distribution, biomass and primary production of the seagrass Halophila ovalis in the Swan/Canning Estuary, Western Australia. Aquatic Botany 51: 1-54.
52) Raven, J.A., Walker, D.I., Johnston, A.M., Handley, L.L. and Kubler, J.E. 1995. Implications of 13C natural abundance measurements for photosynthetic performance by marine macrophytes in their natural environment. Marine Ecology Progress Series 123: 193-205
53) Kendrick, G.A. and Walker, D.I. 1995 Dispersal of propagules of Sargassum spp. (Sargassaceae, Phaeophyta): Observations of local patterns of dispersal and consequences for recruitment and population structure. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 192: 273-288
54) Brearley A. and Walker D.I. 1995 Isopod miners in the leaves of two Western Australian Posidonia species. Aquatic Botany 52: 163-181
55) Verduin, J., Walker D.I. and Kuo, J. 1996 In situ pollination in Amphibolis antarctica. Marine Ecology Progress Series 133(1-3):307-309
56) Waycott, M., Walker, D.I., James, S.H. 1996 Genetic uniformity in Amphibolis antarctica, a dioecious seagrass. Heredity 76: 578-585
57) Carruthers, TJB and Walker, DI. 1997. Light climate and energy flow in the seagrass canopy of Amphibolis griffithii (J.M. Black) den Hartog. Oecologia 109:335-341
58) Brearley A. and Walker D.I. 1996 Burrow structure and effects of burrowing isopods (Limnoriidae: Lynseia) in southwestern Australian Posidonia meadows in: Seagrass Biology. Proceedings on an international workshop, Rottnest Island, Western Australia, 25-29th January 1996. Kuo, J.J.S., Phillips, R., Walker, D.I., Kirkman, H. (eds). Faculty of Science, University of WA. 261-268.
59) Walker D.I., Carruthers T.J.B., Morrison P.F.and McComb A.J. 1996 Experimental manipulation of canopy density in a temperate seagrass (Amphibolis griffithii (Black) den Hartog) meadow: effects on sediments. in: Seagrass Biology. Proceedings on an international workshop, Rottnest Island, Western Australia, 25-29th January 1996. Kuo, J.J.S., Phillips, R., Walker, D.I., Kirkman, H. (eds). Faculty of Science, University of WA. pp 117-122
60) Waycott, M., James, S.H. and Walker, D.I. 1997 Genetic variation within and between populations of Posidonia australis, a hydrophilous, clonal seagrass. Heredity 79: 408-417.
61) Pedersen, M.F., Paling, E.I. and Walker, D.I. 1997 Nitrogen acquisition in the seagrass Amphibolis antarctica (Labill.) Sonder & Aschers ex. Aschers. Aquatic Botany 56: 105-117
62) Walker, D. I. and Kendrick, G.A. 1998 Threats to Macroalgal Diversity: Marine habitat destruction and fragmentation. Botanica Marina 41: 105-112.
63) McMahon, K., Young, E., Montgomery, S., Cosgrove, J., Wilshaw J. and Walker, D.I. 1997. Status of a shallow seagrass system, Geographe Bay, southwestern Australia. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia 80: 255-262.
64) McMahon, K. and Walker, D.I. 1998 Fate of Seasonal, Terrestrial Nutrient Inputs to a Shallow Seagrass Dominated Embayment. Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science 46:15-25
65) Carruthers, T.J.B. and Walker, D.I. 1999 Sensitivity of transects across a depth gradient for measuring changes in aerial coverage and abundance of Ruppia megacarpa Mason. Aquatic Botany 65: 281-292
66) Kendrick, G.A., Eckersley, J. and D. I. Walker 1999 Landscape scale changes in seagrass distribution over time: a case study from Success Bank, Western Australia. Aquatic Botany 65: 293-309
67) Benjamin, K.J., Walker, D.I., McComb, A.J.and Kuo, J. 1999 Structural response of marine and estuarine plants of Halophila ovalis (R.Br.) Hook. f. to long-term hyposalinity. Aquatic Botany 63: 1-18
68) Carruthers, T.J.B., Walker, D.I. and Kendrick, G.A. 1999 Abundance of Ruppia megacarpa Mason in a seasonally variable estuary. Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science 48: 497-509
69) Connell, E., Colmer, T. and Walker D.I. 1999 Radial oxygen loss from intact roots of Halophila ovalis as a function of distance behind the root tip and shoot illumination. Aquatic Botany 63: 219-228.
70) Marba, N. and Walker D. I. 1999 Growth, flowering and population dynamics of temperate Western Australian seagrasses. Marine Ecology Progress Series 184: 105-118
71) Williams, S.I. and Walker D.I. 1999 Mesoherbivore-Macroalgal interactions: Feeding ecology of sacoglossan sea slugs (Mollusca, Opistobranchia) and their effects on their food algae. Oceanography and Marine Biology Annual Reviews 37: 87-128
72) Huisman, J.M., Sim, C.B. and Walker D.I. 1999 A collection of deep-water plants from Rottnest Island. In: Walker, D.I., and Wells, F.E.. (Eds.) The Seagrass Flora and Fauna of Rottnest Island, Western Australia. WA Museum pp 409-421
73) Walker, D I, K A Hillman, G A Kendrick and P Lavery 2001 Ecological Significance of Seagrasses: assessment for management of environmental impact in Western Australia. Ecological Engineering 16: 323-330.
74) Connell, E.L. and D.I. Walker 2001 Nutrient cycling associated with the seagrass Halophila ovalis in the Swan Canning estuary, based on seasonal variations in biomass and tissue nutrients. Hydrological Processes 15: 2401-2409.
75) Dudley, B.J. and D.I. Walker 2000 Plant/water nutrient dynamics in a southwestern Australian estuary. Biol. Mar. Medit. 7: 43-46
76) Cambridge, M.L., Bastyan G. R. and D.I. Walker 2000 Recovery of Posidonia meadows by rhizome growth and seedling recruitment in Oyster Harbour, south-western Australia. Biol. Mar. Medit. 7: 332-335.
77) Verduin, J.J., Backhaus, J.O. and Walker, D.I. 2000 Estimates of pollen dispersal and capture within submerged Amphibolis antarctica meadows. Biol. Mar. Medit. 7: 152-155.
78) Raven, J.A., Walker, D.I., Jensen, K.R., Handley, L.L., Scrimgeour, C.M. and McInroy, S.G. (2001) What fraction of the organic carbon in sacoglossans is obtained from photosynthesis by kleptoplastids? An investigation using the natural abundance of stable carbon isotopes. Marine Biology 138: 537-545.
79) Raven, J.A., Johnston, A.M., Kübler, J.E., Korb, R., McInroy, S.G., Handley, L.L., Scrimgeour, C.M., Walker, D.I., Beardall, J., Vanderklift, M., Fredricksen, S. and Dunton, K.H. 2002 Mechanistic interpretation of carbon isotope discrimination by marine macroalgae and seagrasses. Functional Plant Biology 29: 355-378
80) Dudley, B.J., Gahnstrom, A and Walker, D.I. 2001 The role of benthic vegetation as a sink for elevated inputs of ammonium and nitrate in a mesotrophic estuary. Marine Ecology Progress Series 219: 99-107
81) Campey, M.L., Kendrick, G.A. and Walker, D.I. 2002 Interannual and small-scale spatial variability in sexual reproduction of the seagrasses Posidonia coriacea and Heterozostera tasmanica, southwestern Australia. Aquatic Botany 74: 287-297
82) Raven, J.A. Johnston, A.M., Kübler, J.E., Korb, R., McInroy, S.G., Handley, L.L., Scrimgeour, C.M., Walker, D.I., Beardall, J., Clayton, M.N., Vanderklift, M., Fredriksen, S. and Dunton, K.H. 2002 Seaweeds in Cold Seas: evolution and carbon acquisition. Annals of Botany 90: 525-536.
83) Smith, N.M. and Walker, D.I. 2002 Canopy structure and pollination biology of the seagrasses Posidonia australis and P. sinuosa (Posidoneaceae). Aquatic Botany 74: 57-70.
84) Verduin, J.V. and D.I. Walker 2003 (in press) In situ three dimensional submarine pollination and post-pollination events in the seagrass Amphibolis antarctica Botanica marina
85) Cambridge, M.L., Bastyan,G.R. and Walker, D. I. 2002* Recovery of Posidonia meadows in Oyster Harbour, southwestern Australia. Bulletin of Marine Science 71: 1279-1289
*Actually published July 2003
86) Harman, N., Kendrick, G.A., Harvey, E., Vanderklift, M.A. and Walker, D.I. 2003 Use of surrogates for the rapid assessment of marine biodiversity. In: Aquatic Protected Areas - what works best and how do we know? (Eds. J.P. Beumer, A. Grant, D.C. Smith and D. Mahon), pp. 465-476.
87) Walker, D.I., Campey, M.L., Kendrick, G.A. 2004. Nutrient dynamics in two seagrass species, Posidonia coriacea and Zostera tasmanica , on Success Bank, Western Australia Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science 60: pp 251-260
88) Cosgrove, J, Walker, DI, Morrison, P and Hillman, K, 2004. Periphyton indicate effects of wastewater discharge in the near-coastal zone, Perth (Western Australia). Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science 61: 331-338
89) Goldberg, NA, Kendrick G A and Walker D I 2004 A test of higher taxonomic levels and dominant taxa as surrogates for species diversity in subtidal macroalgal assemblages. Aquatic Conservation (submitted)
90) Wyatt, ASJ, Hewitt, CL, Walker DI, and Ward, TJ 2004 Marine Introductions in the Shark Bay World Heritage Property, Western Australia: as preliminary assessment. Diversity and Distributions (in press).
91) Waddington, K, Melville-Smith, R, Walker DI, Knott, B 2004 Effect of reproductive state and sex on food consumption and movement of western rock lobster, Panulirus cygnus George in a tank environment. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research. (in press)
92) Pergent G, Pergent-Martini, C, Fernandez C, Pasqualini V, Walker D 2004 Morpho-chronological variations and primary production in Posidonia sea grass from Western Australia. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK 84: 895-899
93) Forbes, V and Walker, DI The trophic importance of benthic vegetation in the Ruppia megacarpa beds of two south-west Australian estuaries. Marine Ecology Progress Series in press
94) Forbes, V and Walker, DI Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia submitted

Funding received

1988-2005 $3.7 M

Memberships

Australasian Society for Phycology and Aquatic Botany (ASPAB)
Australian Marine Sciences Association
Royal Society of WA

Previous positions

January 1982-June 1984
Research Officer, Shark Bay Programme, Department of Botany,
The University of Western Australia. Funded by the University Development Fund.
July 1984-December 1987
Research Fellow, Department of Botany, UWA.
Funded by an Australian Marine Science and Technology Grant.
January 1988- December 1991
Lecturer in Marine Botany, UWA.
January 1992-March 1996
Senior Lecturer in Marine Botany, UWA
March 1995 - December 1997
Deputy Head of Department
April 1996-October 2000
Associate Professor

Jan 98-Dec2002
Head of Department

2002 Associate Dean Marine Science

CURRENT POSITION Professor, Associate Dean of Marine Science, School of Plant Biology, UWA

Teaching

Ph.D. Candidates and projectsTotal = 20
2004 Ms Antwanet Klostaglidis
2002-presentMs Kieryn Kilminster- SRFME scholarship Seagrass sediment biogeochemistry
2002-presentMs Nisse Goldberg- IPRS, SRFME scholarships – Surrogates for algal biodiversity
1999-presentMs V Forbes: Ecological interactions in southern estuaries (IPRS)
1997-2003Mr B Dudley: Nutrient cycling by Ruppia megacarpa and its epiphytes in Wilson Inlet (NEMP, LWRRDC funded) passed subject to corrections
1996-2001Dr N Goundar: Hydrodynamics and recruitment in Posidonia australis and sinuosa
(Best poster, ASPAB conference Sorrento 2000)
1997-2000Dr S Williams: Grazing in Marine Macrophytes
(winner Janice Klumpp Award 1998)
1996-2000Dr M Campey: Ecological significance ofthe seagrasses Heterozostera tasmanica and Posidonia coriacea (Funded by Cockburn Cement Ltd.) ASPAB HBS Womersley student prize for oral presentation 1997
1995-2001Dr B Hartman: Seagrass photosynthesis/biochemistry
Dr C SimRecruitment Ecology of Crustose Coralline algae (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) passed 1999. Present position: Senior Environmental Officer, Department of Environmental Protection
Dr E Connell:Biogeochemical cycling by Halophila ovalis in the Swan River (Northcote (UK) Scholarship) passed 1999. Present position: Research Scientist AWT, Victoria
Dr T Carruthers:Wilson Inlet seagrass and epiphyte studies (Funded by Water and Rivers Commision) passed 1999. Present position: Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama
Dr K BenjaminSalinity responses of Halophila ovalis R.Br. Hook. f. and the role of osmoregulatory compounds in southwest Australian seagrasses - passed 1998 . Present position: Family responsibilities
Dr J Verduin (OPRS): Interactions of the seagrass Amphibolis antarctica with the hydrodynamic environment and their impolications for pollination ecology. - Passed 1997. Present position: Research Fellow, Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
Dr A Brearley:Isopod burrowing in seagrasses Passed 1997
(awarded Ron Kenny Prize for best Student presentation, AMSA, 1992;WA AMSA scholarship to attend Abrolhos Marine Biology Workshop 1994. Present position: Research Associate, UWA, funded by Ernest Hodgkin Trust for estuary education and research.
Dr M WaycottGenetic Variation and Evolution in Australian Seagrasses
(ASPAB student prize for best student oral presentation, 1994)
Passed June 1996. Present position: Lecturer, James Cook University, Queensland.
Dr G KendrickThe role of dispersal and recruitment processes in structuring mixed species beds of Sargassum at Rottnest island, Western Australia -
passed 1992 (winner Janice Klumpp Award 1990, ASPAB student prize for best oral presentation 1991). Present position: Senior Lecturer, UWA, after 3 years at CSIRO.
Co-supervisor with Prof A J McComb:
Dr E PalingThe relationship between nitrogen cycling and productivity in macroalgal stands and seagrass meadows" - passed 1992. Present position: Senior Lecturer, Environmental Science, Murdoch University.
Dr R MasiniThe Ecological Significance of Benthic Microalgae in Western Australian Aquatic Ecosystems" - passed 1991. Present position: Senior Environmental Officer, WA Department of Environmental Protection
Dr P LaveryFactors controlling the abundance and dominance of macroalgal species in eutrophic estuaries" - passed 1990 (special commendation). Present position: Associate Professor, Environmental Management, Edith Cowan University.
M.Sc. Candidates Total = 5

Ms K RyanRole of sanctuary areas in marine biodiversity conservation

Ms J PatronOverseas postgraduate student Dinoflagellate cysts in The Swan River Estuary. Passed 1999
Mr T CarruthersLight and canopy effects on productivity in Amphibolis griffithii.
Passed 1995
Ms J RouxMicrobial mats in hypersaline environments at Dampier Salt, Dampier,
Western Australia. Passed 1992
Mr T McAuliffeFactors affecting nutrient release from the sediments of a shallow estuary in south-Western Australia. Passed 1991
Post-graduate Diploma (Biotechnology) project
1996Jay-sen PhangCultivation of a local species of the red marine alga Gracilaria
1995Mohammed FaizScreening of microalgae for antimicrobial production
Foong Abdullah
1989Ms S RevintariniFungal contaminants of a commercial microalgal culture
Honours projects Total = 29
2003-2004
Ms Sarah Coote
Mr Kris Waddington
2002
Ms Amy WillottNutrient cycling in Shark Bay
2001-2002
Mr Alex WyattThe Risk of Marine Introductions to the Shark Bay World Heritage Property and its Values
2000-2001
Ms Samantha LeeThe relative effects of grazing by herbivorous fishes and sea urchins on the recruitment of macroalgae on a subtidal reef at Mewstone Island, Western Australia
Ms Nicole HarmanUse of surrogates for the rapid assessment of marine biodiversity.
1999-2000
Ms Anna GahnstromNitrogen dynamics of Ruppia megacarpa and its epiphytes in Wilson Inlet
1998
Ms Naomi TelfordKimberley Algal Biogeography
Ms Lisa ChandlerRhizome growth patterns in Posidonia coriacea
Ms Susie WilliamsSeagrass-invertebrate interactions
Ms Kiera AppelhansMacrophyte growth in the Northam Pool, Avon River
1997
Ms G CouplandRhizome responses to burial in Amphibolis
Ms K CrawleyGrazer-epiphyte interactions
Ms C WoodPopulation genetics studies of Posidonia sinuosa
1996
Ms J WilshawEpiphytes on Ruppia in Wilson Inlet
1995
Mr S MontgomerySpatial and temporal variability in the reef communities adjacent to the Dawesville Channel in the Mandurah-Cape Bouvard area (Funded by the WA Department of Transport). Winner 1996 AMSA (WA Branch) Honours Award
Mr J CosgrovePeriphyton in Perth Coastal Waters (Funded by Kinhill Engineers)
Winner Jennifer Arnold Award 1995; Neville Stanley Scholarship1995
Mr M FullerHabitat mapping of the Ningaloo Marine Park using GIS
(Joint Geography/Botany)
1994
Ms M DelvalSeagrass invertebrate studies
Ms K McMahonSeagrass and water quality investigations in Geographe Bay (Funded by the Water Authority of Western Australia)
Winner Jennifer Arnold Award 1994, AMSA (WA) Honours Award 1995
Mr B HartmanSeagrass biochemistry studies (co-supervised by Prof CA Atkins)
1993-94
Mr M JuryResponse of algal epiphytes to density manipulations of stems of Amphibolis griffithii (Black) den Hartog
Winner AMSA (WA) Honours Student Award 1994
1993
Ms F KeastThe response of Posidonia australisHook f. to nutrient addition
1991-1992
Ms B KiplingSand patches in seagrass meadows, Shark Bay, Western Australia. (Pg Dip. Sci. - part-time)
1991
Ms A BrearleyAn investigation of leaf burrowing isopods in WA seagrasses
Winner Janice Klumpp Award 1991
Mr C SimAn investigation of calcium carbonate production by epiphytes of Amphibolis antarctica
1990
Mr T CarruthersMorphological plasticity in Caulerpa (Chlorophyta)
1988
Ms K BlytheProgress towards seagrass biosystematics using allozyme electrophoresis
Ms L PalmerInteractions between seagrasses and sediment accumulation
First Year – Biology 131 – Evolution of the biosphere
approximately 290 students, 6 point unit
12 lectures, 6x3-hour practical classes, 3 tutorials
Second year - Botany 203 Course – Aquatic Botany
26 lectures, 13x3 hour practical classes 28 students, a 6 point unit
-Introduction to Marine Science 202 – 6 point unit 28 students
26 lectures, 6x2hour practical classes
Third Year - Botany 314/324 Course - Marine Systems and Processes.
26 students, 6 point unit.
13 week course of 26 lectures, 13x3 hour practical classes.
Marine Science 304 -Marine Science
28 students, a 6 point course, Field based

Current external positions

Secretary of the Council of the St. Catherine’s College 2002
Chair of the Shark Bay World Heritage Scientific Advisory Committee and Shark Bay Heritage Property Community Consultative Committee 1997-present.
Inaugural member of the Marine Parks and Reserves Authority 1997-present

Research profile

Research profile and publications