Michael Rasheed

Michael Rasheed is a Principal Research Scientist at James Cook University (JCU), specializing in seagrass ecology and coastal management. Based at JCU’s Cairns Nguma-bada campus since 2012, he leads a team focused on marine habitat restoration and sustainable coastal development. His career spans over 29 years, with prior roles as Principal Scientist at Queensland’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (1994–2012). He co-directs the JCU & North Queensland Bulk Ports Research Partnership, emphasizing applied research to inform policy and industry practices.

• Research Focus: Seagrass restoration, blue carbon, ecosystem services, and marine management.
• Key Projects: Tropical Seagrass Management Project, Cocos Islands seagrass restoration, and Great Barrier Reef habitat mapping.

His work bridges academia and industry, with projects in tropical Australia and the Indo-Pacific. Research interests include seagrass resilience, climate impacts, and community-driven conservation. Collaborations with governments, NGOs, and ports ensure practical outcomes for marine protection.

Notable achievements include pioneering seagrass recovery frameworks and advancing remote sensing tools for blue carbon assessment. Over 63 publications and 17 active projects highlight his global contributions to marine science.