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 HolmesMarine Science Program Leader
Scott WhitingPrincipal Research Scientist (Northwest Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program)
Kelly WaplesPrincipal Research Scientist
Richard EvansMarine Monitoring Coordinator
Holly RaudinoSenior Research Scientist (Marine Fauna)
Osmar LuizSenior Research Scientist (Marine Ecosystems)
Sabrina Fossette-HalotSenior Research Scientist (Northwest Shelf Flatback Turtle Conservation Program)
Tristan SimpsonSenior Environmental Officer (Knowledge Exchange)
Will RobbinsResearch Scientist (Kimberley Marine Reserves)
Claire RossResearch Scientist (Corals)
Tahlia BassettResearch Scientist (Corals)
Jordan GoetzeResearch Scientist (Fish)
Simone StrydomResearch Scientist (Seagrass)
Julian TyneResearch Scientist (Marine Fauna)
Ines LealResearch Scientist (Invertebrates)
Kevin CrookResearch Scientist (Kimberley Marine Reserves)
Tanika ShaldersResearch Scientist (Ngari Capes)
Iain ParnumResearch Officer (Marine Remote Sensing)
Molly MoustakaResearch Scientist (Dampier)
Clodagh GuildeaProject Officer (Science Communication and Education)
Natasha SamuelrajAdministrative Assistant
James GeeSenior Technical Officer
Damon DriessenSenior Technical Officer
Kiehana CarterTechnical Officer
Daisy ChurchTechnical Officer
Kate LivingstonTechnical Officer
Cydney Williamson-SmithTechnical Officer
Shannon PughTechnical Officer
Belle MullinsTechnical Officer
Eleanor WiseTechnical Officer
Eva RobinsonTechnical Officer
Nidhi MenonTechnical Officer
Mike TaylorTechnical Officer

Related

Animal Science Program

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

Biodiversity Information Office

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

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.

Fire Science Program

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

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.

Perth Zoo Science Program

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

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. 

Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis Program

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

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. 

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.