ScienceNetwork WA

SCIENTISTS researching light stress indicators in seagrass have gathered and analysed international research in the field to narrow-down 119 variables to 19 robust bioindicators of light stress that can be incorporated into monitoring programs. 

A SIGNIGICANT freshwater fish kill 15km west of Albany earlier this month has been attributed to a large bloom of blue-green algae affecting the waterway.

A WESTERN Australian researcher has been recognised for a ground breaking invention that draws phosphorus out of water ways, preventing the growth of harmful algal blooms.

A NEW study has shown low levels of groundwater are a major cause of declining streamflow into reservoirs that supply Perth’s drinking water, worsening the effects of declining rainfall in south-western Australia.

MURDOCH University researchers have secured an $850,000 grant from the State Natural Resources Management (NRM) office to help research and conserve three endangered species of fresh water fish native to the South West.

DOLPHINS may endanger their own lives if they learn to beg, according to a recent study on 74 dolphins in Cockburn Sound.

UP to 35 full-time students could be attracted to the UWA’s Albany campus if plans go ahead to offer enrolments next year in a Masters in water management.

RESEARCH by the Department of Fisheries WA suggests detection rates of acoustic tracking tools are significantly reduced by environmental and technical factors.

RESEARCHERS at UWA Oceans Institute are now closer to understanding the how and why of shark attack and, more importantly, how to prevent them.

WA is now a part of the effort to reverse diminishing global tuna stocks.

PERTH university students are set to join the world of some of the best animators and developers helping to create a unique digital experience that allows users to explore the world’s oceans by downloading an app.

THE Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre (IA CRC) is looking to control the European carp (Cyprinus carpio) by exposing it to the koi herpes virus.

THE mystery surrounding the songs of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) has gotten deeper thanks to findings from researchers in the USA, Madagascar and Western Australia.

NEW research shows banded bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium punctatum) are able to sense predators while still in the embryonic state.

PERTH’S Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor) population is under threat, with recorded deaths quadrupling in the second half of 2011.

THE Western Australian State Government along with the Department of Fisheries has launched a new $9.4 million program targeting the protection of WA’s aquatic biosecurity.

Up to 25 per cent of temperate seaweed species in Australia could be headed for extinction as global warming heats up our oceans, a new study published in journal Current Biology suggests.

THE State Government has committed more than $13.65 million over the next five years to reduce the potential for shark attacks.

WITH aquaculture providing 50 per cent of the world demand for seafood, numerous challenges lie ahead to keep the industry sustainable.

EXPERTS say increasing global demands for food and energy resources could be met through smarter use of the planet’s oceans.