Ocean microbiology

Research themes

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• Microbial oceanography

  We examine how the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of different oceanic provinces influence, and are influenced by, the composition and function of marine microbial assemblages. To achieve this, we use ecogenomic approaches and physiological measurements to characterize microbial communities in samples collected from oceanographic time-series and ocean voyages, often as part of large collaborative projects (e.g. the Australian Microbiome Initiative).

• Coastal microbiology and water quality

  We develop and apply novel microbial source-tracking approaches to examine the causes and sources of water contamination and identify the occurrence of microbial hazards, including antibiotic resistance, within coastal ecosystems. We also examine the dynamics of endemic marine pathogens (e.g. Vibrios), which pose threats to human and ecosystem health.  This research often targets regions where water quality issues threatening public health have been identified by our research partners from government agencies (e.g. Beachwatch, Opens an external site) and coastal councils.

• Marine microbial ecology

  We perform laboratory and field-based studies to decipher the often complex ecological interactions among different marine microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, viruses and phytoplankton. One of our major research interests in this area involves the ecological relationships among marine bacteria and phytoplankton, whereby we examine the microbial behaviours and metabolic exchanges involved in the often symbiotic interactions between these groups.

• Marine microbe-animal interactions

  We examine how marine microorganisms influence the health of key marine animal species, including corals, and important aquaculture species, including oysters. We couple molecular microbiological approaches with marine ecology to identify the host-microbe interactions that can have both positive and negative (e.g. disease) implications for the host animal.

• Marine microbiology in a changing ocean

  We examine the impacts of shifting environmental conditions, often linked to climate change, on ocean and coastal microbial communities, by studying environmental events (e.g. Marine Heat Waves and shifting oceanographic processes) and performing experimental manipulations. These studies provide us with insights into how the function (e.g. productivity and chemical cycling) and potential impacts (e.g. disease outbreaks) of marine microorganisms might change in a future ocean scenarios. 

• Approaches

  Our research considers processes taking place from the microscale to the global-scale and utilises an array of sophisticated tools and techniques including:

  • ecogenomics (amplicon sequencing, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics)
  • microbial source tracking
  • microfluidics, microsensors and microbial physiological assays

  We apply these approaches in a range of marine environments including open ocean habitats, coastal ecosystems, coral reefs, estuaries and within the lab, with the ultimate goal of understanding the role of the ocean’s smallest, but arguably most important, inhabitants.