Dr. Daisuke TAIRA

Daisuke Taira is a marine biologist who is particularly enthusiastic about coral reef fishes. His research interest spans across reef fish ecology, coral reef restoration, urban marine ecology as well as nature-based climate change adaptation.

He previously worked as a research assistant at Tropical Marine Science Institute, NUS (2014-2017) where he assessed the feasibility of in-situ coral nursery and transplantation techniques to restore coral reefs in Singapore’s urbanised seascape. His PhD research at Department of Biological Sciences, NUS (2017-2022), focused on how fish assemblages respond to ocean sprawl (the proliferation of ‘grey’ infrastructure) and explored whether greening of these coastal defences could enhance fish diversity. Following this, he undertook postdoctoral research at Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, NUS, where he used geospatial modelling to investigate the potential of coastal nature-based solutions, including green-grey (or hybrid) solutions for climate change adaptation in Southeast Asia.

His current research applies ecological engineering techniques to incorporate ‘green’ elements into ‘grey’ coastal defences for biodiversity enhancement without compromising structural integrity or protective function.

Research interests

Coral reef fish, restoration ecology, urban marine ecology, ecological engineering, coastal nature-based solutions

Editorial Activity

Associate Editor for Ecological Solutions and Evidence (2025 to present)