The Marine Biology Program
is Australia’s leading scientific research group for temperate marine environments
in Australia and has made major new discoveries through long-term, continental-scale
studies.
They undertake research on the ecology of fish, invertebrates and plants in
estuaries and reef systems. The research of the Centre is focused on understanding
the connectivity and ecology of marine environments, with research projects often
spanning hundreds to thousands of kilometres of Australian coast. The researchers
in this Centre are recognised for their ability and willingness to respond to
national and international research priorities for management.
Two of the leading researchers in this Program,
Sean Connell and Bronwyn Gillanders, edited the Marine Ecology textbook described
by reviewers as a seminal volume in Australasian marine science.
Our Unique Coast
The world's longest east-west coastline runs through South Australia. This
coast is a global 'hot spot' for marine biodiversity. Our students get to swim
with some of the planets most awesome creatures; seadragons, spawning aggregations
of giant-cuttlefish, singing whales and expect to visits from playful seals & dolphins.
Southern Seas
The Southern Ocean controls world climate, shapes our extensive rocky cliffs & sandy
beaches, and is contrasted by gulfs that provide shelter for creatures dependent
on mangroves, saltmarsh &
mudflats. This coast is awe inspiring.
Creatures
Our coasts contain an astonishing variety of creatures. For example, we find
up to 300 species of invertebrates (small 'insect-like' animals) in the holdfasts
of kelp the size of your fist. We have more species of marine plants than all
the world's species of corals. We have a remarkable opportunity to test some
of the world's most important ideas about global biodiversity.
Our Laboratories
Our labs are situated in Adelaide, on the southern coast-line of Australia,
which is the largest east-west expanse of coastline in the world. This coast
faces the Southern Ocean and is home to the Great Australian Bight, which has
120 islands, two massive gulfs, and an astonishing diversity of marine life. |
