Maria Beger

Dr. Maria Beger is an Honorary Associate Professor at the School of the Environment, University of Queensland. Her work bridges marine conservation, spatial planning, and climate change adaptation, with a focus on coral reef resilience and biodiversity. She employs interdisciplinary approaches, including environmental DNA and trait-based ecology, to address global marine challenges.

Research Focus

Beger's research integrates ecological, genetic, and socioeconomic dimensions to enhance conservation outcomes. Key themes include:

• Marine Spatial Planning: Designing connected reserve networks for climate resilience.
• Coral Reef Dynamics: Assessing impacts of warming, bleaching, and species range shifts.
• Innovative Monitoring: Using eDNA and functional traits to track biodiversity.
• Policy Integration: Linking customary governance with conservation frameworks in Indo-Pacific regions.

Publication Trends

Her recent articles (2023–2025) emphasize climate adaptation, conservation technology, and reef fisheries sustainability. Studies frequently analyze trait-based resilience, connectivity, and human impacts across tropical-to-temperate gradients, reflecting a focus on actionable science for policy.

Collaborations

Beger leads international teams on projects spanning Australia, Indonesia, and the Pacific. Notable collaborations include IUCN initiatives and multidisciplinary consortia like the SEA-UNICORN COST Action for marine connectivity.