Lobster Taste Test: experimentally testing the preference of Southern Rock Lobster on different sea urchin species

Supervisory Team:

Primary supervisor: Jennifer Smith

Co-supervisor: Dr John Keane

Brief project description:

This project aims to use experimental feeding trials to determine the reasons behind lobster preference for native Tasmanian Shortspined Sea Urchin (Heliocidaris erythrogramma) over the range-extending Longspined Sea Urchin (Centrostephanus rodgersii). We know that lobsters prefer the native species, but we want to know if this is due to attractiveness (taste) or physical handling challenges (long spines vs. short spines). This research will be part of a wider project looking into the use of Southern Rock Lobster as a predatory control of the Longspined Sea Urchin on Tasmania’s east coast.

Suitable for mid-year start only.

Contact Jennie Smith for more information.

Skills students will develop during this research project:

Experimental design; project management; critical thinking; animal handling;