Dept. Biological Sciences, Macquarie University , Sydney , NSW 2109.

Phone: (02) 9850 8205

Fax: (02) 9850 8245

knewton@bio.mq.edu.au

 

My project combines traditional marine survey methods with modern genetic analysis techniques to study ascidian populations in marine parks of NSW. The information obtained in this study will be useful for the design and management of marine protected areas in Australia . Using genomic DNA microsattelite analysis I am studying large scale population connectivity patterns in the colonial ascidian species, Botrylloides leachi , on Australia 's eastern coastline. Samples have been obtained from Hastings Point in northern NSW to Beauty Point in Tasmania . Microgeographic patterns of dispersal within Port Stephens will also be investigated. This data will increase our understanding of population connectivity and dispersal abilities of colonial marine invertebrates. In addition, bi-annual surveys of ascidian biodiversity in sheltered estuarine and exposed coastal subtidal rocky reefs of the Port Stephens – Great Lakes Marine Park are being undertaken. These will provide important baseline data on an important group of marine invertebrates in a newly declared marine park. This baseline information is crucial for the zonation, assessment and ongoing management of the area.

	Botrylloides leachi, Port stephens, NSW
	Ascidians survey, Port stephens, NSW
	Herdmania momus (Cabbage Tree Is., NSW)