outhern right whales at Point Ann, Fitzgerald River National Park. Photo by Peter Nicholas/DBCA

Whales and dolphins - Photo by Peter Nicholas/DBCA

About Marine Science 

The Marine Science Program undertakes and facilitates marine research and monitoring to improve the scientific basis for the conservation and management of Western Australia's State-wide system of marine threatened and protected marine fauna and marine biodiversity.  

The program also coordinates and delivers environmental offsets and has previously hosted leadership of Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) nodes focused on Ningaloo Marine Park and the Kimberley Region.

Staff are skilled in the collection, analysis and interpretation of marine ecological data and possess expertise across a range of ecological, biological and conservation topics.  

The research and monitoring undertaken by the Marine Science Program is prioritised based on knowledge gaps and pressures that act upon ecological values identified in protected area management plans and threatened species recovery and management plans. 

Our people 

Thomas Holmes
Marine Science Program Leader

Scott Whiting 
Principal Research Scientist (Northwest Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program)

Kelly Waples 
Principal Research Scientist  

Richard Evans 
Marine Monitoring Coordinator

Holly Raudino 
Senior Research Scientist (Marine Fauna)  

Sabrina Fossette-Halot  
Senior Research Scientist  (Northwest Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program)

Anton Tucker  
Senior Research Scientist (Northwest Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program) 

Tristan Simpson 
Senior Environmental Officer (Knowledge Exchange)  

Will Robbins 
Research Scientist (Kimberley Marine Reserves) 

Claire Ross 
Research Scientist (Corals)

Jordan Goetze 
Research Scientist (Fish)

Simone Strydom 
Research Scientist (Seagrass)

Ines Leal 
Research Scientist (Invertebrates) 

Kevin Crook 
Research Scientist (Kimberley Marine Reserves) 

Malindi Gammon 
Research Scientist (Exmouth Gulf)

Sahira Bell      
Research Scientist (Ngari Capes) 

Molly Moustaka
Research Scientist (Dampier)

Clodagh Guildea
Project Officer (Science Communication and Education)

Natasha Samuelraj
Administrative Assistant

Kiehana Carter 
Technical Officer

Daisy Church
Technical Officer

James Gee
Technical Officer

Related

Dunnart at Julimar State Forest. Photo by G Anderson
Animal Science Program

Research program to understand the factors and processes critical to the conservation of WA’s unique native fauna.

Murchison Gorge, Kalbarri National Park. Photo by H.Ensikat
Biodiversity Information Office

Making Western Australian biodiversity data more discoverable, accessible, and usable.

100 Year Forest_Michael Pez_DBCA
Ecosystem Science Program

Research program to understand the environmental, ecological and biogeographical processes that determine the conservation values, health and productivity of the lands and inland waters managed by the department.

An experimental burn moving slowly through the understory of an open forest
Fire Science Program

Research to inform fire management and biodiversity conservation in Western Australia.

A scientist sitting in an arid landscape with surverying equipment to their right
Kings Park Science Program

Research program in native plant biology and ecology, ex situ conservation, and ecological restoration, informing the conservation and management of Western Australia's biodiversity and ecosystems.

A small turtle hatchling curled up on a hand
Perth Zoo Science Program

Research program to support the breed-for-release programs for six threatened species.

Verticordia insignis subsp. insignis. Photo by Kevin Thiele/DBCA
Plant Science and Herbarium Program

Research, collections management and biodiversity knowledge program to create and disseminate new knowledge on the diversity, distribution, evolution and ecology of the state’s flora. 

False colour images showing how the same landscape is imaged by different sensors from a drone.
Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis Program

Research program to integrate the science and application of remote sensing and spatial analysis into departmental programs.

Dolphin and pelican
Rivers and Estuaries Science Program

Research program to undertake and support research across a wide range of disciplines to address knowledge gaps and inform management of the Swan Canning Riverpark. 

Close up of a small black triangular seed in the dirty palm of a researcher
Species and Communities Program

Species and Communities Program coordinates the listing, management and recovery of threatened species, ecological communities and wetlands.

Acknowledgement of Country

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.