Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre

🌊 Celebrating SeaWeek and the vital role of Seaweeds 🌿 As we celebrate SeaWeek 2025 here at Deakin Marine it's the perfect time to spotlight the incredible work of the Seaweed Specialist Group (SWSG). The SWSG is dedicated to advancing the conservation of marine macroalgae (seaweeds), which includes over 10,000 species that play a vital role in marine ecosystems. These essential organisms are not only critical for biodiversity but also provide important ecosystem services, supporting both marine life and global climate health. 🌍 🌱 “Our mission is to drive conservation assessments, strategic planning, and actions that raise the global profile of these essential organisms. Seaweeds play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and providing important ecosystem services.” Dr Jacqui Pocklington The workshop participants included: Dr Jacqui Pocklington Pocklington (Australia) – Research fellow at Deakin University, working on marine forest restoration and marine conservation, co-chair of the Seaweed Specialist Group. Nur Arafeh-Dalmau (Spain/USA) – Postdoctoral researcher studying heatwave impacts on kelp forests, co-chair of the Seaweed Specialist Group. Loyiso Dunga (South Africa) – Director of Marine Systems at Parley for the Oceans, dedicated to kelp forest conservation, and Red List Coordinator for the Seaweed Specialist Group. Cayne Layton (Australia) – Director of Blue Conservation Services and adjunct researcher at the University of Tasmania, Seaweed Specialist Group Regional Red List Coordinator for Oceania. Ellyn Erlania (Indonesia) – Senior researcher at the Research Centre for Oceanography, focused on seaweed roles in carbon sequestration and climate change, Regional Red List Coordinator for Asia. Olivia Johnson (Australia) – PhD candidate at the University of Tasmania, researching conservation strategies for threatened reef species, including seaweeds. Read More: https://lnkd.in/gN4YjXDs #SeaWeek #Conservation #Seaweed #Sustainability #OceanConservation #MarineEcosystems #Biodiversity #ClimateAction #DeakinUniversity #DeakinMarine

Humans Have Been Swimming All Wrong: How Turtles, Penguins, and Whales Minimise Energy while swimming in the Ocean. A groundbreaking study led by Dr. Kimberley Stokes, Professor Graeme Hays, and Dr. Nicole Esteban Swansea University and Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre have found that Marine animals, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, travel at comparable relative depths in order to conserve energy. The study published in PNAS found that Turtles, Penguins, and Whales swim best at around 2-3 times their body diameter from the surface. This depth minimises the vertical distance travelled while avoiding surface wave drag. The study offers a fascinating look into the way these marine animals navigate the depths, giving us new insights into their incredible survival strategies. 🌍 Read more:  https://lnkd.in/dvJkE4Ub

A study by Deakin Marine PhD researcher, Saia Bartes reveals key insights into habitat selection and foraging success in marine top predators, which are essential for predicting their response to environmental change. Analysing 113 female Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) from Kanowna Island (2006-2021), the study found that seals preferred deep, muddy-sandy areas. However, they experienced the highest foraging success in shallow rocky reefs (<30m) and deeper zones (>50m) with moderate gravel and rock. As Bass Strait warms, shifts in benthic habitats may impact their ability to forage. This underscores the importance of monitoring environmental changes that affect key marine predators. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dgCxacFY #Deakinmarine #Deakinuniversity #MarineEcology #FurSeals

🌊 Exciting Collaboration in Marine Sponge Cultivation! 🧽 Researchers from Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre, in partnership with Seagen Aquaculture and Offshore Biotechnologies, are embarking on the largest rapid assessment of marine sponge cultivation in Australia! Read more: https://lnkd.in/d9Bxsghc

Today, we at Deakin University celebrate and acknowledge International Day of Women and Girls in Science! At Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre, we are proud to empower the next generation of female scientists to explore, discover, and protect our oceans. Together, we continue to break barriers, push boundaries, and inspire young women to pursue careers in science. Let’s celebrate the incredible contributions of women and girls in science and continue to support the innovators of tomorrow!    #DeakinUniversity #STEM #WomenInSTEM #InternationalDayOfWomenAndGirlsInScience #DeakinMarine 

Uncovering that Flathead that Stay Close to Home A recent study conducted by Deakin University on Rock Flathead in Victoria’s Corner Inlet fishery has uncovered surprising findings that will help improve fisheries management. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dd2n4Bp8

"Humanity has the ability to reverse biodiversity loss when we commit to concerted conservation efforts." New research by Deakin University's Distinguished Professor and Chair in Marine Science Graeme Hayes and Jacques Olivier Laloë, and researchers from the NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration has found that once severely impacted by overhunting and habitat loss, sea turtles have made a significant comeback due to conservation efforts and legal protections. https://lnkd.in/gSVaGD6P

Good News for Sea Turtles! 'Sea turtles are a beacon of marine conservation success, with many nesting populations showing remarkable recoveries,' says Deakin Distinguished Professor and Chair in Marine Science Graeme Hays. Once severely impacted by overhunting and habitat loss, sea turtles have made a significant comeback due to conservation efforts and legal protections according to a joint study between researchers from Deakin University and the NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, published in Nature Reviews Biodiversity. https://lnkd.in/dRKVeRaD #DeakinUniversity #Deakin #DeakinResearch #Conservation #SeaTurtles #MarineLife #EnvironmentalProtection #WildlifeRecovery

The Discovery Bay Marine National Park, located in the far west of Victoria, offers a glimpse into the unique biodiversity of the Great Southern Reef. Covering 2,830 hectares, the park encompasses a diverse range of marine habitats, from kelp-dominated shallow reefs to deep sponge and bryozoan-covered seascapes. Recently, Parks Victoria and Deakin University published an integrated monitoring report offering an in-depth analysis of the park’s ecological health, emerging threats, and priorities for future conservation efforts. By deploying baited cameras at various depths, researchers captured footage of marine life, offering valuable insights into species richness and habitat use across the park.

Marine #scientist Dr Prue Francis is supervising Kaylah Gawne’s PhD, whether it’s in the lab or doing fieldwork on the back of a ute. The pair’s commitment to ocean #sustainability has forged a supervisor/PhD student relationship that could hold the secret to restoring this vital underwater ecosystem. https://lnkd.in/gvRVnYz3