Queenscliff Marine Science Centre $3.5million revamp to support healthy ocean research

Deakin is a global leader in research on the impact of ocean warming, increased temperatures on fish physiology, developing tools to restore threatened kelp ecosystems, and oceanographic modelling.

The project includes a $1million investment from the Victorian Government through the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund (VHESIF).

Improvements include two new state-of-the-art seawater aquarium rooms, a large, refurbished tank area, and a new high-performance computing lab.

Deakin Marine Research and Innovation Centre Director, Professor John Donald said the new facilities would enhance Deakin's national and international reputation in marine science.

"We are very proud of the research efforts of our internationally renowned marine research scientists who are addressing important issues such as ocean warming, fish growth, kelp restoration and plastics pollution, which significantly impact ocean health," Professor Donald said.

"The new facilities at Queenscliff will increase the quality and quantity of our research to benefit the region and Australia and train the next generation of ocean scientists.

"We are excited to provide our undergraduate students with rooms and equipment that deliver the best hands-on educational experience and practical skills for marine, environmental or conservation sciences careers."

Bachelor of Marine Science students will use the facilities for experiential learning in marine biology, aquaculture and oceanography.

Deakin University has a long-standing strategic partnership with the Victorian Fisheries Authority and collaborates on research projects related to fisheries management in Victoria.

The project's final stage includes installing a high-speed AARNET cable later this year, delivering high-level computing capability for ocean modelling research.

Deakin's VHESIF program represents one of the largest investments in Deakin research in a decade, with $133 million in combined funding from Deakin University and the Victorian Government to support eleven major projects across five locations.

For more information about Deakin University's Queenscliff Marine Science Centre project, visit deakin.au/QMSC

Research projects at Queenscliff Marine Science Centre

Increased water temperature impacts on fish physiology

Associate Professor Timothy Clark

Associate Professor Clark and his team at Deakin University's Queenscliff Marine Science Centre are leading the way in understanding the effects of global warming, ocean acidity and oxygen levels on fish stocks. Their groundbreaking research aims to shed light on why fish grow smaller as the climate warms.

Extensive data collection significantly contributes to predicting climate change's future impacts on fishing and fish farming. The research has already revealed that the decline in fish body sizes is not connected with low oxygen uptake through their gills, challenging previous ideas.

This research is important for both the ocean and the economy. More sustainable practices can be implemented by understanding how warmer oceans may alter the types of fish and the most suitable locations for fish farming. This knowledge contributes to the preservation of fish populations.

Associate Professor Clark's team is at the forefront of international fish physiology and environmental change research. The team is exploring the connection between climate change and fish size and is the first laboratory to critically assess global theories on this topic.

Their findings will enhance understanding of ecological dynamics and assist decision-making in fisheries management and aquaculture practices.

Restoration of Golden Kelp

Dr Prue Francis and Dr Paul Carnell

Dr Prue Francis, Dr Paul Carnell, and their team at Deakin's Queenscliff Marine Science Centre have partnered with The University of Melbourne, Parks Victoria and The Nature Conservancy to collectively work towards restoring the biodiversity in Jawbone and Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuaries in Port Phillip Bay.

Funded by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, the project aims to enhance biodiversity by managing the Purple Sea Urchin population and restoring Golden Kelp numbers.

The kelp team use the new Queenscliff Marine Science Centre infrastructure to grow baby kelp, or 'kelplings'. The research at the Centre is looking into two different ways to grow kelp in the lab using special conditions and new techniques.

By promoting the recovery of Golden Kelp, the project seeks to restore balance within affected areas. It aims to develop successful and scalable kelp cultivation and restoration techniques and then transfer the 'kelplings' into Port Phillip Bay.

Restoration of seagrass habitats

Associate Professor Craig Sherman

Seagrasses make up some of the most important coastal marine habitats. However, they are vulnerable to damage due to their proximity to urban areas and the effects of climate change.

Associate Professor Sherman and his team at Deakin University have partnered with Melbourne Water to restore the seagrass habitats in Western Port Bay.

The collaboration has been developing the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools for restoration on a larger scale by combining field-based approaches and nursery reproduction of seagrass seedlings.

The team aims to mitigate the negative impacts on seagrass habitats and ensure long-term preservation.

Oceanographic Modelling

Dr Kay Critchell

Dr Kay Critchell is conducting oceanographic research at the Queenscliff Marine Science Centre using advanced computer models to better understand the dynamic marine environment.

Dr Critchell's investigations encompass a range of factors, including daily tides and the annual cycles of El Nino and La Nina, focusing on the accumulation patterns of natural and human-made objects.

Her work sheds light on "bad" accumulation, such as plastic pollution hot spots, and positive accumulations, like collections of fish larvae.

A significant aspect of Dr Critchell's research involves the movement of plastic pollution in the ocean. She tackles the practical challenges of accurately modelling the dynamics of plastic pollution, aiming to develop precise representations within the models.

In addition to her scientific findings, Dr Critchell emphasises the importance of effectively communicating her research to make it accessible to a wider audience.

By fostering a comprehensive understanding of the implications and potential solutions related to marine accumulation, Dr Critchell strives to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Ocean literacy in school-aged children

Dr Prue Francis

Dr Prue Francis and her team at the Queenscliff Marine Science Centre are at the forefront of exploring and enhancing ocean literacy in Australia.

Their research focuses on assessing the current state of ocean education and exploring innovative approaches to enhance students' understanding of marine science.

A notable finding was the effectiveness of ocean-themed picture books in educating school children about the ocean.

Dr Francis has since collaborated on a captivating children's book titled 'The Great Southern Reef', co-authored by Dr Paul Venzo and illustrated by Cate James. The book aims to promote ocean education in schools and raise awareness about Australia's Great Southern Reef, fostering a deeper understanding of the marine environment among young readers.

Dr Francis and her team's dedication to enhancing ocean literacy highlights the importance of educating future generations about the oceans and their ecological significance.

Through their research and creating educational materials like 'The Great Southern Reef', the team actively contributes to the advancement of ocean education in Australia.