Setting the limits: Ecological and genetic tests of the status of marine populations at species borders. The wide dispersion of Australia's population along our coastal fringe combined with global climate change poses severe threats to marine biodiversity and necessitates urgent conservation measures. Our study will use ecological and genetic approaches to contribute to our understanding of the roles of reproduction and dispersal in maintaining biodiversity. We will determine whether some loca ....Setting the limits: Ecological and genetic tests of the status of marine populations at species borders. The wide dispersion of Australia's population along our coastal fringe combined with global climate change poses severe threats to marine biodiversity and necessitates urgent conservation measures. Our study will use ecological and genetic approaches to contribute to our understanding of the roles of reproduction and dispersal in maintaining biodiversity. We will determine whether some locations are highly productive sources of larval colonists, whereas others are unproductive and dependent on other sources of recruits, and we will inform management practices such as the creation of marine protected areas.Read moreRead less
Ontogeny of Behaviour and Sensory Abilities in Larvae of Marine Fishes. This project examines development of swimming performance, other behaviours and sensory abilities relevant to dispersal in larvae of a variety of marine fish species. Both laboratory and field methods will provide an overview of larval behaviour and sensory abilities throughout ontogeny. The extent to which morphological development explains these developmental differences in behaviour and sensory ability will be examined ....Ontogeny of Behaviour and Sensory Abilities in Larvae of Marine Fishes. This project examines development of swimming performance, other behaviours and sensory abilities relevant to dispersal in larvae of a variety of marine fish species. Both laboratory and field methods will provide an overview of larval behaviour and sensory abilities throughout ontogeny. The extent to which morphological development explains these developmental differences in behaviour and sensory ability will be examined in reared and wild individuals. This will provide direct evidence of when during the larval phase that fishes are able to actively modify dispersal patterns. This is important information for management of marine living resources and design of marine reserves.Read moreRead less