Michael Rasheed

Michael Rasheed is a Principal Research Scientist at James Cook University (JCU), based at the Cairns Nguma-bada campus since 2012. With over 29 years of experience, he specializes in seagrass ecology and marine habitat management, focusing on applied solutions for coastal development and conservation. His work bridges science and policy, emphasizing partnerships with industry, government, and communities to achieve real-world impacts. Key areas include seagrass restoration, Blue Carbon potential, and ecosystem services valuation.

His research spans tropical Australia and the Indo-Pacific, addressing seagrass recovery, loss drivers, and innovative assessment methods. Notable projects include restoring seagrass meadows in the Wet Tropics and Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and developing tools for monitoring coastal habitats. He leads a multidisciplinary team and collaborates with organizations like the North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation.

Rasheed’s publications (63+) and projects (17+) reflect expertise in ecological modeling, remote sensing, and community engagement. His work has informed port and shipping industry practices, regulatory frameworks, and conservation strategies. Despite no listed awards, his contributions are recognized through high-impact media coverage and policy influence.

Advising spans six current PhD/MPhil students exploring seagrass resilience, fisheries interactions, restoration frameworks, and infrastructure impacts. Grants and partnerships fund his projects, emphasizing long-term ecological monitoring and applied outcomes.

Labs/teams include the JCU & North Queensland Bulk Ports Research Partnership, focusing on seagrass and coral studies. Future work prioritizes scaling restoration efforts, climate resilience, and integrating technology for conservation.