Lawrence Scheele studies the behavior and ecology of cephalopods , other molluscs and cryptic species. He is available as a scientific consultant and for fieldwork, research collaborations, and media projects.
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Data collected by Lawrence Scheele and Oliver Scheele played a significant role in supporting the evidence base used to obtain Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) status for the southern coast of Magnetic Island, encompassing Cockle Bay, Nelly Bay, and Geoffrey Bay.
Through extensive sightings across the area, their visual records documented the presence and behaviour of key elasmobranch species within the site.
As a result, the Scheeles’ visual data contributed valuable supporting documentation that strengthened the scientific case for recognising the area as an ISRA within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Magnetic Island Designated Important Shark and Area(ISRA)
An observation confirming the geographic distribution of Noah’s giant clam Tridacna noae includes the Great Barrier Reef of Australia
Journal of Molluscan Studies, Volume 91, Issue 2, June 2025
Discovery of T. noae at Alma Bay, Magnetic Island, affirms that a review of past population assessments and demographic parameters for giant clams within the GBRMP is now required.
Aussie's daily swim leads to incredibly rare island discovery: 'Amazing'
A Field Guide To The Marine Life Of Magnetic Island, Great Barrier Reef by Lawrence Scheele
Thank you for helping us celebrate the incredible marine life of our island home. Your support means the world to our small, ocean-loving team.
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The world’s first field guide to the marine life of Magnetic Island and inshore Great Barrier Reef has been published by local author and marine biologist Lawrence Scheele.
The guide is the result of Lawrence’s years of photographing and researching the biodiversity of the waters around Magnetic Island, and it has been peer-reviewed by world-leading academics.
During his studies at James Cook University in Townsville, Lawrence noticed that despite its proximity to marine research centers, Magnetic Island and inshore sections of the Great Barrier Reef are not well studied. Many scientifically undescribed marine species occupy the island, and Lawrence set out to be first to catalogue and describe them.