David Booth

David Booth is a Professor of Marine Ecology at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), leading the UTS Fish Ecology Lab. His research focuses on marine ecosystems, climate change impacts on fisheries, and seadragon conservation. He has published over 180 papers and collaborates with institutions like the Sydney Institute of Marine Science and the University of the Virgin Islands. His work spans reef-fish ecology, pollution effects, and sustainable fisheries advocacy, with a particular emphasis on tropical fish migration along the East Australian Current and seadragon conservation. He actively engages in citizen science initiatives and media commentary on marine conservation issues.

Booth’s research interests include the early life history of reef fish, climate-driven range expansions, and the physiological adaptations of tropical species in temperate waters. He has secured grants for projects like 'Coral proliferation in SE Australia' and 'Climate-proof fisheries species.' His teaching covers coral reef ecosystems, ecological modeling, and coastal resource management. As a Team Leader, he mentors a dynamic postdoctoral and graduate student group, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations with government agencies and NGOs.

His funded research explores topics such as coral reef fish interactions, pollution monitoring, and herbivore roles in reef ecosystems. Recent studies highlight the physiological traits enabling tropical fish survival in cooler waters and the impacts of ocean warming on marine communities. Booth’s work bridges academic research with practical conservation, emphasizing sustainable fisheries management and marine park advocacy.