Alexandre Bernier-Graveline
Qualifications
B.Sc. (Biology and Ecology), 2017, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Canada
M.Sc. (Biology), 2020, Université du Québec à Montréal, Canada
Research interests and expertise
Marine Mammals, Anthropogenic Impacts, Ecophysiology, Ecotoxicology
Thesis title
Investigating the Role of Cetacean Energy Reserves on the Lipophilic Contaminants Body Burden
Project description
Humpback whales rely on a highly lipid-rich diet to endure the energetic cost of migrations. As long-lived consumers, they can accumulate significant burdens of persistent and lipophilic contaminants. Fluctuations in lipid reserves, such as those experienced during fasting, are known to affect the toxicokinetic of lipophilic compounds. This project will investigate the role of energy reserves when assessing toxicological risk posed by lipophilic chemical burdens on cetaceans, as well as the cost of the humpback whale’s migration between their breeding and feeding grounds.
To do so, this project will employ non-lethal techniques, such as the adipocyte index, the chemical concentration index, and body measurements obtained from unmanned aerial vehicle overhead photos to quantify and monitor the adiposity of southern hemisphere humpback whales. Adiposity represents a core sentinel parameter under the Humpback Whale Sentinel Programme which will facilitate this research.
Supervisors
Associate Professor Susan Bengtson Nash - Principal Supervisor
Dr. Alison Peel – Associate Supervisor
Assistant Professor Fredrik Christiansen – External Supervisor at Aarhus University, Denmark
Email address:
Erika Oteri
Qualifications
BSc (Environmental Science), 2016, University of Genoa (Liguria, Italy)
MSc (Environmental Biology), 2019, University of Pavia (Lombardy, Italy)
Research interests and expertise
Ecotoxicology, Marine Mammals, Marine Biology, Molecular Biology
Thesis title
Application of 'Omic approaches for the identification of new biomarkers of toxicological and metabolic response in fasting humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae).
Project description
Southern hemisphere humpback whales undertake the longest known migration of any mammal, between Antarctic feeding grounds and equatorial breeding grounds. Their lipid-rich diet ensures effective uptake and storage of lipophilic contaminants that accumulate in the whales’ extensive fat stores.
During migration and breeding, individuals rely on stored fat reserves acquired through summer feeding. Consequently, the winter migration results in dramatic individual weight-loss, associated with chemical mobilisation from fat stores into circulation. This represents a time of elevated toxicological risk.
This project aims to apply ‘omics approaches to elucidate the physiological impacts of seasonal fasting and chemical mobilisation in humpback whales. Project outcomes are expected to advance understanding of extreme mammalian fasting physiology, as well as the effects of chemical exposure in this species.
Supervisors
Associate Professor Susan Bengtson Nash – Principal Supervisor
Dr. Ido Bar – Associate Supervisor
Dr. Eleanor Raffan – External Supervisor
Md. Hafiz All Hosen
Qualifications
BSc (Fisheries), 2010 Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (Dinajpur, Bangladesh)
MSc (Fisheries Management), 2012, Bangladesh Agricultural University (Mymensingh, Bangladesh)
Research interests and expertise
Ecotoxicology, Fisheries Biology, Ecology and Management
Thesis title
Linking Humpback Whale Chemical Exposure to Effect: Taxon-Specific In-Vitro Toxicity Assessment
Project description
Cetaceans are at the greatest risk of accumulating lipophilic chemicals due to their longevity and high proportion of body fat. Despite this, taxa-specific toxicological effect data is lacking due to the logistical constraints of working with large, free swimming species. Mammals in negative energy balance are particularly vulnerable to the toxicological effects of lipophilic contaminant burdens as fat store depletion merely remobilises and concentrates the associated chemical burden. In this context, humpback whales, which fast seasonally for extended periods, may be at elevated risk. This project will deliver taxa-specific chemical effect data using a ‘tool-box’ of in-vitro approaches, thus facilitating improved cetacean chemical risk assessment.
Supervisors
Associate Professor Susan Bengtson Nash - Principal Advisor
Professor Fred Leusch - Associate Advisor
Raphael Mayaud
Qualifications
BSc (Marine Biology), 2014, University of Liverpool, UK
MSc (Ocean Science), 2016, University of Southampton, UK
Research interests and expertise
Marine Biology, Marine Megafauna, Anthropogenic Impacts
Thesis title
Assessing the increasing cost of maritime disturbance to migrating humpback whales
Project description
Collision between maritime vessels and whales can cause serious injury and mortality to cetaceans and has been identified as a leading threat to whale populations worldwide.
Knowledge gaps surround the seasonal distribution and habitat utilisation of coastal waters, by humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), in high marine traffic areas of Australia. Moreton Bay, which forms the entry to the Port of Brisbane, has been identified by the Australian Department of the Environment and Energy as an area of concern due to the high co-occurrence of vessel traffic and seasonally high whale numbers. This project seeks to quantify inter-annual humpback whale distribution and habitat use of Moreton Bay, and produce a detailed risk assessment of the threat of vessel strike.
Furthermore, maritime traffic can lead to an increase in chronic disturbance. For nursing calves, such disturbances could have lifetime fitness consequences. As such, the project will investigate the ecological significance of Moreton Bay as a nursing ground, as well as the costs of chronic disturbance.
Project outcomes will inform the development of effective mitigation strategies for the region.
Supervisors
Associate Professor Susan Bengtson Nash - Principal Supervisor
Dr. Tim Stevens - Associate Supervisor
Dr David Peel, Dr Joshua Smith - External Supervisors
Jane Hall
Qualifications
BSc (Ecology/Zoology), 1999, University of New England (Australia)
GradDipSci (Biomedical), 2008, University of New England (Australia)
Churchill Fellow, 2016
Research interests and expertise
Biology, Ecology, Pathology, Disease Ecology, Information management, One Health, Conservation
Thesis title
Understanding the impact of disease and pollution on New Zealand Fur Seals (Arctocephalus forsteri)
Project description
The least studied of Australia’s endemic pinniped species, the New Zealand fur seal (Long-nosed fur seal; Arctocephalus forsteri) presents multiple knowledge gaps with regards to management and conservation, especially in NSW. One of the key knowledge gaps, incorporates the impact of disease, pollution, and poor water quality on population health. Several well characterised infectious diseases are known to affect seals worldwide; however, the extent to which these impact wild New Zealand fur seal populations is uncertain. Comprehensive surveillance of these pathogens has never been undertaken. Similarly, toxic trace elements and persistent organic pollutants have all been implicated as potential threatening processes in pinnipeds worldwide, including Australian pinniped species, however, data on the New Zealand fur seal is lacking.
This study will be a critical first step in understanding how land and water use, and resource management practices have enduring ecosystem-wide effects on this species. Identifying historic and current disease processes and population level threats will better prepare us in responding to unusual mortality events in Australian pinniped species, and to mitigate the threat of future catastrophic population declines.
The first target of this research will be to utilise collections of samples and health data from deceased New Zealand fur seals collected over the past 20 years to identify threats of concern. This information will then be used to guide contemporary population surveillance efforts and help inform clinical approaches to managing pinnipeds both in the wild, and at rehabilitation centres nationally and give wildlife managers science-based decision support for intervention, rehabilitation, and management of wild individuals and populations.
Supervisors
Associate Professor Susan Bengtson Nash - Principal Supervisor
Professor Hamish McCallum - Associate Supervisor