Alastair Birtles

Alastair Birtles is affiliated with James Cook University, contributing to marine science and conservation research. His work focuses on cetaceans (e.g., dwarf minke whales), coral reef ecosystems, and ecotourism management. He has led projects on whale behavior, conservation strategies, and sustainable tourism practices in the Great Barrier Reef region. His interdisciplinary research spans ecology, technology (e.g., AI applications for marine monitoring), and socio-economic aspects of conservation.

Key projects include developing protocols for whale population studies, assessing impacts of tourism on marine wildlife, and evaluating coral restoration success. He collaborates with government agencies like the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and contributes to policy frameworks for marine protected areas.

His research emphasizes the intersection of biodiversity conservation and human activities, with publications addressing river management, climate change impacts, and Indigenous knowledge integration in protected area planning.