Top of page
Global Site Navigation

School of Science

Local Section Navigation
You are here: Main Content

Genetic diversity and ecological connectivity of seagrasses in NW, WA

The ability of marine communities to withstand and recover from natural disturbance and human impacts, defined as resilience, is dependent on the genetic diversity of, and migration among populations. Understanding these factors in marine species like seagrasses is essential for effective conservation and management, yet our understanding is generally poor. This project will examine genetic diversity and connectivity of three significant marine seagrass species across the NW of WA, an environment exposed to extreme events and with significant human development. The focal species are Halophila ovalis, Halodule uninervis and Thalassia hemprichii. This information will inform large-scale developments such as dredging in this region and is funded in part by the Western Australian Marine Science Institution Dredging Science Program.

Funding agency

  • Western Australian Marine Science Institution
  • Edith Cowan University
  • CSIRO

Project duration

June 2013 to June 2016.


Researchers

Mr Udhi Hernawan
Dr Kathyn McMahon
University of Adelaide, Prof Michelle Waycott
University of Adelaide, Dr Kor-Jent van Dijk

Skip to top of page