Physiology, Ecology and Conservation Lab | marine research

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Current & alumni members of PEAC Lab getting the job done on Yawuru nagulagun 🤙🐢 Epic effort Rosie & Oli!

Current & alumni members of PEAC Lab getting the job done on Yawuru nagulagun 🤙🐢 Epic effort Rosie & Oli!

New shark science from PEAC Lab! 🦈📈📉🏝️

Published last week in the leading journal Ecology and led by PEAC Lab alumni Dr Evan Byrnes, this novel work on lemon sharks in Bimini, Bahamas, reveals how the relationship between metabolic rate & home range size is more complex than we originally thought. This demonstrates the value of contemporary tagging technologies for better understanding species spatial ecology, and highlights the importance of empirically testing existing theory. Head to story highlights for a link to the paper & our blog!

Congratulations Evan & team!

All work on animals conducted under research permits. 📸 Sophie Hart & Michael Scholl. Funding from Save Our Seas Foundation.

@uniofexeter @murdochuniversity @biminisharklab @saveourseasfoundation @universityofbasel

New shark science from PEAC Lab! 🦈📈📉🏝️

Published last week in the leading journal Ecology and led by PEAC Lab alumni Dr Evan Byrnes, this novel work on lemon sharks in Bimini, Bahamas, reveals how the relationship between metabolic rate & home range size is more complex than we originally thought. This demonstrates the value of contemporary tagging technologies for better understanding species spatial ecology, and highlights the importance of empirically testing existing theory. Head to story highlights for a link to the paper & our blog!

Congratulations Evan & team!

All work on animals conducted under research permits. 📸 Sophie Hart & Michael Scholl. Funding from Save Our Seas Foundation.

@uniofexeter @murdochuniversity @biminisharklab @saveourseasfoundation @universityofbasel

🚨🦈 New shark science! 🦈🚨 We observed a sexually mature male whale shark biting the caudal fin of a (likely juvenile) female whale shark. Biting is a pre-copulatory behaviour for many shark species, so this observation provides possible insights into the mating behaviours of this endangered species 🌊 Link to research article in our science highlights 👆

🚨🦈 New shark science! 🦈🚨 We observed a sexually mature male whale shark biting the caudal fin of a (likely juvenile) female whale shark. Biting is a pre-copulatory behaviour for many shark species, so this observation provides possible insights into the mating behaviours of this endangered species 🌊 Link to research article in our science highlights 👆

¡Hola a todos! 😊 I’m Elena, I’m pursuing a Ph.D. in Biodiversity at the Institut de Ciències del Mar (Barcelona, Spain), where I study various aspects of the ecology of swordfish, blue, and mako sharks. This year, I got a scholarship from the Spanish Ministry of Science to visit a lab of my choice for three months, anywhere in the world! I’ve been wanting to come to Australia for a while, especially to the West Coast after hearing wonderful things about the landscapes and wildlife.

Although my background is mainly in trophic ecology, I’m also interested in movement ecology, so when I found out about the PEAC LAB I thought it was the perfect fit. During these three months, I’ve been exploring the world of diving behavior and learning how to analyse vertical profiles obtained from satellite tags. I also had the opportunity to do some fieldwork in the astonishing Ningaloo reef, where I worked on a ghost crab predation experiment together with Eva and Dani from the Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions (DBCA). While being up North, I was offered to fly to Thevenard Island to help in the monitoring and tagging of flatback turtles for the DBCA’s Northwest Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program, and I couldn’t say no to that! 🐢🐢🐢

I’m really thankful to everyone in the lab for hosting me, and especially to Adrian for giving me this great opportunity. I got to learn new data analysis methodologies and go to the field, but also to work with a wonderful team of researchers, explore Western Australia, and get a taste of the Aussie life! I’m heading back to Spain with my batteries charged to finish my last year of Ph.D. and hopefully coming back soon! 🦈🦈🦈

¡Hola a todos! 😊 I’m Elena, I’m pursuing a Ph.D. in Biodiversity at the Institut de Ciències del Mar (Barcelona, Spain), where I study various aspects of the ecology of swordfish, blue, and mako sharks. This year, I got a scholarship from the Spanish Ministry of Science to visit a lab of my choice for three months, anywhere in the world! I’ve been wanting to come to Australia for a while, especially to the West Coast after hearing wonderful things about the landscapes and wildlife.

Although my background is mainly in trophic ecology, I’m also interested in movement ecology, so when I found out about the PEAC LAB I thought it was the perfect fit. During these three months, I’ve been exploring the world of diving behavior and learning how to analyse vertical profiles obtained from satellite tags. I also had the opportunity to do some fieldwork in the astonishing Ningaloo reef, where I worked on a ghost crab predation experiment together with Eva and Dani from the Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions (DBCA). While being up North, I was offered to fly to Thevenard Island to help in the monitoring and tagging of flatback turtles for the DBCA’s Northwest Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program, and I couldn’t say no to that! 🐢🐢🐢

I’m really thankful to everyone in the lab for hosting me, and especially to Adrian for giving me this great opportunity. I got to learn new data analysis methodologies and go to the field, but also to work with a wonderful team of researchers, explore Western Australia, and get a taste of the Aussie life! I’m heading back to Spain with my batteries charged to finish my last year of Ph.D. and hopefully coming back soon! 🦈🦈🦈

A very lucky encounter with a juvenile sawfish 🪚🐟

A very lucky encounter with a juvenile sawfish 🪚🐟

A busy week at the lab with Christine and Jenna attending the 20th @murdochuniversity colloquium on philosophy and Indigenous Knowledges 😊 As well as Jenna presenting at the end of year event hosted by the Australian Academy of Technological Services and Engineering! 👩‍💻🥼🐢

A busy week at the lab with Christine and Jenna attending the 20th @murdochuniversity colloquium on philosophy and Indigenous Knowledges 😊 As well as Jenna presenting at the end of year event hosted by the Australian Academy of Technological Services and Engineering! 👩‍💻🥼🐢

Highlights from #SMM2024 where our Dugong star, Renae, presented her research in poster and symposium format ⭐️🐋🦭🐬

Highlights from #SMM2024 where our Dugong star, Renae, presented her research in poster and symposium format ⭐️🐋🦭🐬

Update from Marie's PhD! 😊 First surgery (supervised by our wildlife vet of course) on a green sawfish (Pristis zijsron) with the full support and attention of the KTLA team. A short moment of intense focus and absolute magic! It takes just a few minutes to implant an acoustic transmitter in the ventral cavity of a sawfish. Packed with pressure and acceleration sensors, these small tags (less than 4cm long) will reveal the movements of this critically endangered species on Karajarri Sea Country. Special thanks to KTLA, DPIRD, the Forrest Research Foundation, the Royal Society of Western Australia and the Ecological Society of Australia for supporting this project!

All procedures performed under relevant research permits and approvals from Murdoch University Animal Ethics Committee, the Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development)

Update from Marie's PhD! 😊 First surgery (supervised by our wildlife vet of course) on a green sawfish (Pristis zijsron) with the full support and attention of the KTLA team. A short moment of intense focus and absolute magic! It takes just a few minutes to implant an acoustic transmitter in the ventral cavity of a sawfish. Packed with pressure and acceleration sensors, these small tags (less than 4cm long) will reveal the movements of this critically endangered species on Karajarri Sea Country. Special thanks to KTLA, DPIRD, the Forrest Research Foundation, the Royal Society of Western Australia and the Ecological Society of Australia for supporting this project!

All procedures performed under relevant research permits and approvals from Murdoch University Animal Ethics Committee, the Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development)

An ethereal clip from Christine’s field work showing a whale shark wearing a biologging device that collects multi-sensor data - similar to a Fitbit, but for sharks - and video footage!🦈🎥

📸 Michael Doane

An ethereal clip from Christine’s field work showing a whale shark wearing a biologging device that collects multi-sensor data - similar to a Fitbit, but for sharks - and video footage!🦈🎥

📸 Michael Doane

Rosie has just wrapped up the first field trip of her PhD! 🐢

📸: Tristan Simpson

She’s investigating how the dynamic environment at Yawuru Nagulagun Roebuck bay influences the diet, nutritional status and habitat use of foraging flatback turtles, in collaboration with DBCA’s North West Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program (NWSFTCP).

This project involves various methods, including stable isotope analysis (of skin and blood samples), eDNA (from cloacal swabs), morphometrics, visual body condition assessments, ultrasonography (to assess fat depth and reproductive status), and biologging (using CATS cams and diaries).

This trip brought calm, ideal conditions - quite the contrast to her February training! It also allowed Rosie to receive hands-on training in blood collection from her co-supervisor, Dr Karina Jones.

Swipe to see exciting ultrasonography footage and the happy faces on board after a successful tag retrieval!

A *huge* thanks to everyone involved: NWSFTCP (DBCA), Tristan Simpson (DBCA), co-supervisor Dr Karina Jones (Murdoch University), skippers Jas and Todd (DBCA Broome), Yawuru country managers, and Gise from the Warrmijala Murrgurlayi program.

#FlatbackTurtles #RoebuckBay #PhD #Fieldwork #NWSFTCP

Rosie has just wrapped up the first field trip of her PhD! 🐢

📸: Tristan Simpson

She’s investigating how the dynamic environment at Yawuru Nagulagun Roebuck bay influences the diet, nutritional status and habitat use of foraging flatback turtles, in collaboration with DBCA’s North West Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program (NWSFTCP).

This project involves various methods, including stable isotope analysis (of skin and blood samples), eDNA (from cloacal swabs), morphometrics, visual body condition assessments, ultrasonography (to assess fat depth and reproductive status), and biologging (using CATS cams and diaries).

This trip brought calm, ideal conditions - quite the contrast to her February training! It also allowed Rosie to receive hands-on training in blood collection from her co-supervisor, Dr Karina Jones.

Swipe to see exciting ultrasonography footage and the happy faces on board after a successful tag retrieval!

A *huge* thanks to everyone involved: NWSFTCP (DBCA), Tristan Simpson (DBCA), co-supervisor Dr Karina Jones (Murdoch University), skippers Jas and Todd (DBCA Broome), Yawuru country managers, and Gise from the Warrmijala Murrgurlayi program.

#FlatbackTurtles #RoebuckBay #PhD #Fieldwork #NWSFTCP

Teaser! 😊

PEAC Lab have been working on Yawuru Nagula Buru (Saltwater country of the Yawuru people) on an exciting new collaborative project this week. The 9.3m high tide allowed brief access into the beautiful creeks and mangrove systems.

Sound on for mangrove music 🍃🍃🍃

Teaser! 😊

PEAC Lab have been working on Yawuru Nagula Buru (Saltwater country of the Yawuru people) on an exciting new collaborative project this week. The 9.3m high tide allowed brief access into the beautiful creeks and mangrove systems.

Sound on for mangrove music 🍃🍃🍃

Congratulations to Mela on a great confirmation of candidature presentation! 👏 Her research will consider foraging ecology and its implications for heterogeneity in the nutritional status of green turtles 🐢🐢

Congratulations to Mela on a great confirmation of candidature presentation! 👏 Her research will consider foraging ecology and its implications for heterogeneity in the nutritional status of green turtles 🐢🐢

Updates from Marie’s PhD! 😊 Deploying our first acoustic receiver in Lagrange Bay with the support of the Karajarri Rangers. Safety first, followed by equipment and fun! The receivers we are deploying in the intertidal zone are mounted on custom made screw anchors designed to withstand the dynamic conditions of our study site. This acoustic array will count 24 receivers lent by DPIRD and will collect data on the whereabouts of two globally threatened species of sawfish and two culturally important species of stingray. Special thanks to KTLA, DPIRD and the Forrest Research Foundation for supporting this project! ☀️

Updates from Marie’s PhD! 😊 Deploying our first acoustic receiver in Lagrange Bay with the support of the Karajarri Rangers. Safety first, followed by equipment and fun! The receivers we are deploying in the intertidal zone are mounted on custom made screw anchors designed to withstand the dynamic conditions of our study site. This acoustic array will count 24 receivers lent by DPIRD and will collect data on the whereabouts of two globally threatened species of sawfish and two culturally important species of stingray. Special thanks to KTLA, DPIRD and the Forrest Research Foundation for supporting this project! ☀️

It’s our please to introduce you to our newest lab member, Mela! 👏☀️ Mela is here to investigate the foraging ecology of green turtles and how it relates to their nutritional status and heterogeneity 🐢😊

It’s our please to introduce you to our newest lab member, Mela! 👏☀️ Mela is here to investigate the foraging ecology of green turtles and how it relates to their nutritional status and heterogeneity 🐢😊

Rachel recently had an exceptional 10 days working in Nyinggulu with these beautiful manta rays! 🌞🌞 @saveourseasfoundation @ecolsocaus @mantatrust @minderoofoundation

Rachel recently had an exceptional 10 days working in Nyinggulu with these beautiful manta rays! 🌞🌞 @saveourseasfoundation @ecolsocaus @mantatrust @minderoofoundation

Our lab had a great day out at the @murdochuniversity ECS HDR showcase! 😊 Congratulations to PhD Candidate, Rosie, for winning best poster 🏆🐢

Our lab had a great day out at the @murdochuniversity ECS HDR showcase! 😊 Congratulations to PhD Candidate, Rosie, for winning best poster 🏆🐢

Our fantastic PhD candidate, Marie Windstein, hosting Dr Jane Goodall as part of her ‘Reasons for hope tour’, with the Jane Goodall Institute Australia and Forrest Research Foundation. Proud lab moment!! 👏🐠🐵

Our fantastic PhD candidate, Marie Windstein, hosting Dr Jane Goodall as part of her ‘Reasons for hope tour’, with the Jane Goodall Institute Australia and Forrest Research Foundation. Proud lab moment!! 👏🐠🐵

Magic May at Ningaloo Reef 🦈🦈

Magic May at Ningaloo Reef 🦈🦈

A big day for the lab! Rosie became a PhD candidate and Zara presented her honours seminar 🐢🦈👏

A big day for the lab! Rosie became a PhD candidate and Zara presented her honours seminar 🐢🦈👏

🚨🚨 New white shark research hot off the press 🦈🦈 Congratulations Dr @oliver.jewell and collaborators 👏👏

🚨🚨 New white shark research hot off the press 🦈🦈 Congratulations Dr @oliver.jewell and collaborators 👏👏

The 8th International Biologging Conference 🇯🇵😊 It was great to catch up with old friends, PEAC Lab alumni, and see excellent new research! 🐟🦅🦁🦭🦈 Highlights include Jenna presenting on behalf of CATS and Christine winning one of three student poster prizes 🗻🐰👏
#bls8tokyo

The 8th International Biologging Conference 🇯🇵😊 It was great to catch up with old friends, PEAC Lab alumni, and see excellent new research! 🐟🦅🦁🦭🦈 Highlights include Jenna presenting on behalf of CATS and Christine winning one of three student poster prizes 🗻🐰👏
#bls8tokyo

Our PhD student and @saveourseasfoundation Project Leader @rachel_newsome is currently just over halfway through her first PhD field trip at the @darrosresearchcentre trialling tag attachments to put biologging devices on reef manta rays. This exciting project puts her here on the remote D’Arros Island 🏝️

📷 @nicofassbender and @rachel_newsome for @darrosresearchcentre @saveourseasfoundation

#saveourseasfoundation
#saveourseas

Our PhD student and @saveourseasfoundation Project Leader @rachel_newsome is currently just over halfway through her first PhD field trip at the @darrosresearchcentre trialling tag attachments to put biologging devices on reef manta rays. This exciting project puts her here on the remote D’Arros Island 🏝️

📷 @nicofassbender and @rachel_newsome for @darrosresearchcentre @saveourseasfoundation

#saveourseasfoundation
#saveourseas

Introducing our newest PhD student: Rosie! 😊 Rosie’s PhD will be focused on the foraging ecology of flatback turtles in Roebuck Bay, WA in collaboration with the Department of Biodiversity Conservation & Attractions. Rosie has spent the last 3 years working in the Maldives with green and hawksbill turtles and can’t wait to get back into academia and contribute to the incredible work that is being done to protect such a highly cryptic species 🐢🐢

Introducing our newest PhD student: Rosie! 😊 Rosie’s PhD will be focused on the foraging ecology of flatback turtles in Roebuck Bay, WA in collaboration with the Department of Biodiversity Conservation & Attractions. Rosie has spent the last 3 years working in the Maldives with green and hawksbill turtles and can’t wait to get back into academia and contribute to the incredible work that is being done to protect such a highly cryptic species 🐢🐢

Jenna and Adrian from PEAC Lab with friends and colleagues at the Biodiversity Conference 2023 ☀️🐢 New blog post on our website! 📸: Viewfinder Photography

Jenna and Adrian from PEAC Lab with friends and colleagues at the Biodiversity Conference 2023 ☀️🐢 New blog post on our website! 📸: Viewfinder Photography

New science 🚨🦈 Lab alumni, Dr Sammy Andrzejacek and co-authors document the stomach eversion and retraction by a captured and tagged tiger shark! Link in our science highlights ⬆️

New science 🚨🦈 Lab alumni, Dr Sammy Andrzejacek and co-authors document the stomach eversion and retraction by a captured and tagged tiger shark! Link in our science highlights ⬆️

Proud lab moment 🎓🐢📉

Proud lab moment 🎓🐢📉

A day to celebrate Dr Hounslow 🎓📊👏

A day to celebrate Dr Hounslow 🎓📊👏

New science! 🦈 Predation of baitfishes associated with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef 🐠 @murdochuniversity @australianmarinescience @naomirosephoto Read more by finding the link in our science highlights 🧪

New science! 🦈 Predation of baitfishes associated with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef 🐠 @murdochuniversity @australianmarinescience @naomirosephoto Read more by finding the link in our science highlights 🧪

🚨 Two new PhD opportunities! 🚨 1. Ecology of green turtles on Yawuru Nagulagun 🐢 2. Coastal and marine social values to inform co-management of marine parks 🤝 Full descriptions linked in our opportunities highlight 😊
📸: @victorhuertas_photo

🚨 Two new PhD opportunities! 🚨 1. Ecology of green turtles on Yawuru Nagulagun 🐢 2. Coastal and marine social values to inform co-management of marine parks 🤝 Full descriptions linked in our opportunities highlight 😊
📸: @victorhuertas_photo

For her PhD, Marie uses acoustic telemetry to study the movement and behaviour of sharks and rays in coastal northern Western Australia. The goal of her work is to identify the critical habitats of sawfish and stingrays on Karajarri Sea Country to inform the next Karajarri Healthy Country Plan and help protect these globally threatened and culturally important species. 🦈🐢🐠

For her PhD, Marie uses acoustic telemetry to study the movement and behaviour of sharks and rays in coastal northern Western Australia. The goal of her work is to identify the critical habitats of sawfish and stingrays on Karajarri Sea Country to inform the next Karajarri Healthy Country Plan and help protect these globally threatened and culturally important species. 🦈🐢🐠

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WHO WE ARE

PEAC LAB is a research group within the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems and the Harry Butler Institute at Murdoch University in Perth, Western Australia.

GET IN TOUCH

Murdoch University, 90 South St, Perth, WA 6150, Australia

a.gleiss@murdoch.edu.au

+61 (08) 9360 1667

NEW SHARK SCIENCE!

NEW SHARK SCIENCE!

NEW SHARK SCIENCE!

New shark science published!

GUEST BLOG: Visiting researcher, Elena, spent 3 months at PEAC LAB!

GUEST BLOG: Visiting researcher, Elena, spent 3 months at PEAC LAB!

GUEST BLOG: Visiting researcher, Elena, spent 3 months at PEAC LAB!

Elena ¡Hola a todos! I’m Elena, I’m pursuing a Ph.D. in Biodiversity at the Institut de Ciències del Mar (Barcelona, Spain), where I...

PhD Opportunity: Fish and fisheries ecology of culturally important ‘Saltwater’ resources in the Kimberley region of Western Australia (2 x positions)

PhD Opportunity: Fish and fisheries ecology of culturally important ‘Saltwater’ resources in the Kimberley region of Western Australia (2 x positions)

PhD Opportunity: Fish and fisheries ecology of culturally important ‘Saltwater’ resources in the Kimberley region of Western Australia (2 x positions)

Supervisors Adrian Gleiss – Murdoch University, Perth, AUS (Principal) Jenna Hounslow – Murdoch University, Perth, AUS Alastair Harry –...

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