Molecular Systematics, Biogeography, Ecology and Evolution of Marine Plants (Phycology)

Fred Gurgel | Bob Baldock | Maria Marklund | Carolyn Ricci | Nuttanum Soisup | Sarah Tolhurst

Our researchers use the latest technology to investigate evolutionary and ecological questions in phycology, that is the study of algae and seagrasses (marine botany, if you will). Our results help inform pressing marine and conservation issues (e.g. biodiversity, invasive and endangered species, design of marine protected areas). This is facilitated through a strong and continuous partnership with the SA Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH), the State Herbarium of SA, and the South Australian Research and Development Institute Aquatic Sciences (SARDI - Aquatic Sciences).

Major research areas include:

• Invasive species biology, ecology and genetics
• Biogeography and biome assembly
• Climate change
• Phylogeography and population genetics
• DNA barcoding and taxonomy
• Biodiversity and ecosystem science
• Floristic surveys
• Genetic resources
• Applied phycology (e.g. aquaculture)

Major Collaborators:

• Sean Connell, University of Adelaide (marine ecology)
• Corey Bradshaw, University of Adelaide (modelling and mathematical ecology)
• John Runcie, University of Sydney (photosynthesis and plant physiology)
• Marty Deveney, SARDI (marine invasive species biology)
• Julian Caley, AIMS (coral reef ecology and evolutionary biology)
• John Huisman, Murdoch University (phycology)