Research

Ecology & Biodiversity

250
eggs
can be carried under the tail of a male weedy seadragon
3700
kg
average weight of a male southern elephant seal
$10
billion AUD
the great southern reef's contribution to the economy
3.1
metres
average wingspan of the wandering albatross

Our Ecology & Biodiversity Centre is broadly concerned with understanding the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems. Our research has a particular emphasis on temperate systems, though has global outlook and capacity.  

Major lines of research include impacts of climate change and other aspects of global environmental change; determining patterns of biodiversity in marine systems and the underlying drivers; identifying the nature and roles of key species or functional groups from phytoplankton and seaweeds, to top predators on reefs and in pelagic systems; and conservation ecology, including the roles of measures such as marine protected areas.

Much of this work integrates biology, ecology, ocean physics and chemistry, and statistics, mathematics, modelling, management and policy.

Authorised by the Executive Director, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies
1 October, 2019