Image credit: Antonia Cooper
Welcome to the Centre for Ecology and Biodiversity, where our passion lies in exploring the intricate workings of marine ecosystems.
The Centre for Ecology and Biodiversity advances understanding of marine ecosystems, the pressures they face, and the actions needed to protect, restore and sustainably manage them.
Our research spans temperate, subantarctic and polar regions, with outcomes that contribute to global understanding of ocean change. We investigate how marine ecosystems function, how biodiversity is distributed, and how species and habitats respond to climate change, human use and environmental disturbance.
Our work brings together expertise in marine biology, ecology, oceanography, chemistry, spatial science, statistics and ecosystem modelling. This multidisciplinary approach supports research on marine habitat mapping, seaweed ecology and aquaculture, marine protected areas, endangered species recovery, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable use of marine resources.
We are committed to producing reliable, accessible and policy-relevant science that supports timely decision-making. Through our research, partnerships and data products, we aim to inform conservation, guide sustainable development, and contribute to the regeneration and resilience of marine ecosystems.
The Centre for Ecology and Biodiversity is led by Professor Vanessa Lucieer (Centre Head) and Professor Scott Ling (Deputy Centre Head).
Our research themes
Study with us
Build your knowledge and skills on marine ecosystems, conservation, sustainable management, restoration, and carbon sequestration.
We provide opportunities for graduates to develop careers in State and Federal governments, environmental organisations, industry, and research.
Our research partners
Our researchers contribute to Australia’s and global efforts on temperate and polar marine biology and ecology research, with a focus on biodiversity, sustainable use and development, conservation and restoration, and climate mitigation. Our national partners and collaborators include:
- Australian Antarctic Program
- Australian Antarctic Program Partnership
- Australian Centre for Excellence in Antarctic Science
- Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre
- CSIRO
- Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
- Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
- Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
- Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centre
- National Environmental Science Program Marine and Coastal Hub
- Parks Australia