Ian Michael McLeod

Ian Michael McLeod is a Research Fellow at James Cook University's College of Science and Engineering, specializing in marine ecosystem restoration. His work bridges ecological science and practical application through leadership in Australia's national restoration initiatives including the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP) and UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration efforts.

His research focuses on developing scalable coral and oyster reef restoration techniques resilient to climate change. Key projects include:

• Macroalgae removal protocols enhancing coral recruitment (Journal of Applied Ecology 2023)
• National restoration database development for Australia and New Zealand
• Socio-ecological assessments of community-led oyster garden initiatives
• International standardization of coral restoration terminologies

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications shows dominant research themes in intervention ecology (62%), restoration policy (28%), and socio-ecological systems (10%), with increasing emphasis on climate adaptation since 2022. His work consistently demonstrates practical pathways for scaling restoration from pilot projects to national programs.

Key recognitions include:

• Architect of Australia's National Restoration Roadmap (2024)
• Lead contributor to UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Darwin Agreement
• Development of international coral restoration terminology standards

McLeod actively supervises HDR students through collaborative projects with Traditional Owners and government agencies. His research is funded through the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program, National Environmental Science Program, and partnerships with The Nature Conservancy. Current initiatives focus on developing climate-resilient restoration techniques and policy frameworks for national-scale implementation across Australia's marine environments.