Dominic Bravenboer

Master of Philosophy in Marine Science student

For his Master of Philosophy research, Dominic Bravenboer is exploring whether changes in fish behaviour could be an effective early warning sign of coral reef degradation.

“Coral reefs worldwide are under increasing pressure from climate change, ocean acidification, pollution and overfishing. As a result, reefs are increasingly experiencing dramatic shifts to habitats dominated by macroalgae, better known as seaweed, which support significantly lower biodiversity and productivity. Herbivorous fish have been identified as key species that help control the growth of fast-growing macroalgae, thereby playing a crucial role in maintaining coral reef resilience and preventing these shifts.

“For my research, I’m using underwater 3D video footage to analyse the feeding behaviours and movements of two herbivorous fish species on a reef in the Solomon Islands. The stretch of reefs studied provides us with a turbidity gradient that can be used as a proxy for coral-to-macroalgae dominated habitats. This scenario allows us to study some parts of the reef that are under stress, and some parts of the reef that are pristine. We then use sophisticated statistical, analytical and artificial intelligence tools to unravel fine-scale behaviour of the fish and how they could be used as indicators of reef health.”

Dominic says his research, which is supervised by Associate Professor Armagan Sabetian, has the potential to develop sensitive behavioural indicators of coral reef health.

“Through this research, we can model the complex behavioural responses of herbivorous fish to coral reef degradation. Once these responses are better understood, they could serve as valuable early warning signs, as behavioural changes often precede large-scale environmental impacts like fish stock declines and ecosystem phase shifts.”

A positive experience
Having always been passionate about marine life, Dominic realised that he wanted to contribute more directly to marine conservation after he spent several years working in the aquaculture industry. To help him achieve this goal, he soon enrolled in a Master of Philosophy in marine science; a decision he certainly hasn’t regretted.

“I had heard excellent things about AUT’s marine science programmes and had connected with a highly regarded AUT professor through my previous job, so I felt that AUT would be the ideal place to begin my research career. I’d definitely recommend a research master’s degree at AUT to anyone looking to get into research and further their science career. I really enjoy the passionate and supportive culture at AUT. Just having a chat with my supervisor, or the staff and other students in my department really helps me reignite my motivation. My experience has been nothing but positive.”

There are a few staff members whose guidance and support he has especially appreciated.

“My supervisor Associate Professor Armagan Sabetian has gone above and beyond to support me throughout my studies. His mentorship has been crucial in getting me to where I am now. He has given me guidance whenever I was struggling with my research, helped me get support from other AUT services when I needed it and assisted me in achieving a Coastal People: Southern Skies Postgraduate Scholarship. The counselling and mental health services at AUT have also given me tremendous support, particularly Hendon Stephens who helped me navigate my way through some very difficult times and helped me address some issues I was facing.”

Advice for other students
Dominic – who is expecting to complete his master’s degree at the end of the year and is planning to continue working and researching in marine science – has some great advice for other students.

“The journey through university can be a bumpy ride – life can throw you some big curveballs and the progress isn’t always linear. Some days you get a lot done, and on some days you feel like you’ve been set back weeks. As someone who has struggled with motivation, I know that it can be easy to feel like throwing in the towel on these days. I’ve found it incredibly helpful to take a step back and remind myself why I started this journey in the first place. There’s usually a deeper reason or driving motivation behind your studies, and reconnecting with that purpose can make life’s many distractions feel much more manageable.”

Make connections while you’re at university, he adds.

“Staying connected with others in your field is really important for cultivating your passion. Join the clubs and study groups, and don’t hesitate to bounce ideas and questions off your peers and professors. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it – struggling in silence is a recipe for disaster. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to help if you just ask.”