The Southern Ocean encompasses all the waters from Australia to the Antarctic continent, and is home to a diverse range of seabirds and marine mammals. These animals play a significant role in marine ecosystems in southern Australia and the Antarctic. The history of exploitation of the large whales in particular, is likely to be a major factor in the way this system functions today, and how it may respond to future environmental challenges. In this unit we explore the diversity of birds and mammals in the Southern Ocean, including their taxonomy, physiology and biogeography. We also investigate the important role that these animals play in the marine ecosystem and how physical oceanography and ocean productivity influences their distribution, feeding and reproductive biology. The course has particular emphasis on the conservation and management of seabirds and marine mammals, examining current issues such as fisheries by-catch, the potential for competition with fisheries and the current whaling controversy.

We are fortunate in having a range of internationally renowned Southern Ocean biologists in Hobart, and a key premise of this course is to ensure that you are given the most up to date information on each subject as possible. To this end we will draw on this expertise in both the practical and lecture components of course, and you will have a chance to interact with scientists from the Australian Antarctic Division, CSIRO and the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies.