Research
Discover how the Deakin Centre for Marine Science is making a real-world impact by reviving habitats, innovating aquaculture and building climate-resilient oceans.
Our research areas
From restoring vital ecosystems to advancing sustainable seafood, our research strengthens marine resilience, safeguards biodiversity and informs responses to climate and coastal change across Victoria’s oceans and waterways.
Restoring lost populations and habitats
We develop innovative research solutions and practices in coastal and freshwater ecosystems to boost populations of threatened species, and restore lost habitats, such as mangroves, seagrass, oysters and seaweed.
Innovating sustainable seafood
We work closely with the dynamic aquaculture industry to develop techniques and technologies for production that improve environmental sustainability and secure animal welfare.
Climate resilience
We research the effects of environmental variability and human activities on the physiology, ecology, behaviour and demography of marine organisms. This knowledge informs ways to manage and adapt to climate change, human-induced change and biosecurity threats.
Coastal and ocean processes
We seek to understand coastal processes and the effects of climate change. Our extensive coastal observations and monitoring program is an integral part of the national Integrated Marine Observing System network and the Victorian Coastal Monitoring Program.
A sustainable aquaculture industry is dependent on getting the balance right – it’s always a trade-off between animal welfare and environmental effects.
Director, Deakin Centre for Marine Science
Integrating Indigenous knowledge into our research
At the Deakin Centre for Marine Science, we are committed to integrating Indigenous knowledge into our research by engaging with First Nations communities. This collaboration supports the self-determination and management of Sea Country, honouring the deep connections that Indigenous peoples have with the land, sea and ecosystems. By working alongside Traditional Owner groups, we actively participate in marine data collection and join forces to close knowledge gaps on vital marine flora and fauna.
Featured research projects
Explore ’s latest projects, from mapping giant crab migrations and restoring kelp forests to cutting-edge aquaculture innovation, driving real ocean health outcomes.
Mapping giant crab migrations
Dr Elodie Camprasse, a marine ecologist and research fellow at Deakin, specialising in the study of giant spider crabs (Leptomithrax gaimardii) and their annual aggregations in Port Phillip Bay. Her research aims to uncover the ecological significance of these gatherings, which occur each winter when thousands of crabs converge in shallow waters to malt.
Restoring kelp forests
The Port Phillip Bay Golden Kelp Restoration Project is leading important efforts to restore kelp forests in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. The project, launched in 2022, is a partnership between Deakin and The Nature Conservancy Australia, the University of Melbourne and Parks Victoria. Researchers have developed innovative techniques to cultivate golden kelp from microscopic spores, growing them on substrates like twine and gravel before out planting over 100,000 juvenile kelp onto rocky reefs in marine sanctuaries.
Sea Floor Mapping
The Deakin Marine Mapping research group is dedicated to advancing our understanding of ocean ecosystems. Utilising cutting-edge oceanographic systems capable of collecting thousands of soundings per minute, the team creates detailed seafloor maps, as well as monitoring coastal environments.
Contact us
Whether you’re interested in our research, want to collaborate or wish to stay updated on the latest developments at the Deakin Centre for Marine Science, get in touch.
