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Ecological connectivity of seagrasses in the Kimberley WA

We are investigating the patterns of genetic connectivity in two dominant seagrasses species in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The Kimberley coast in north-western Australia is a place of environmental extremes and of enormous natural and economic value.  It includes complex island archipelagos, a highly convoluted coastline, and experiences the world’s second largest tides. Owing to its remoteness, the Kimberley is the least scientifically understood coastal region in Western Australia, but there is increasing interest in exploiting the region’s natural resources. A combination of micro-satellite and genotype by sequencing approaches are being used to characterise connectivity based on a hierarchical sampling scheme. The focal seagrass species are Thalassia hemprichii and Halophila ovalis. This is a collaborative project funded through WAMSI working with researchers from CSIRO, Dept Fisheries, AIMS and WA Museum.

Funding agency

  • Western Australian Marine Science Institution.

Seeking students?

Student working on project Mr Udhi Hernawan.

Project duration

January 2014 to June 2016.


Researchers

Dr Kathyn McMahon
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Dr Oliver Berry
Department of Fisheries, Dr Mike Travers
Australian Institute of Marine Science, Dr Jim Underwood

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