Rob has a long history translating research into effective management advice and policy. He was the founding secretary of the World Seagrass Association and has developed and implemented research and monitoring projects around the indo-Pacific. His recent work involves understanding the connectivity among marine plant habitats and their values to fisheries. He had major input to the Cairns region Trinity Inlet Management Plan and has continued that interest by contributing to the regional Wet Tropics Waterways report card. He initiated the consultation that resulted in the protection of Trinity Inlet mangroves under the Queensland government Fish Habitat Program. As well as working in a university environment Rob has worked for both the Queensland and Australian governments and has experience in dealing with administrative and policy development.