Marine Biology

Scientists find eastern Australian humpback whales benefited from a reduction in human activity on the ocean during the first year of the pandemic, recording lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. 

With distinctive characteristics, Split Fin and Bent Tip are part of an orca family that has thrilled South Coast residents since being spotted more than 20 years ago.

A national research effort aimed at saving Australia's iconic sea lions will look at cat faeces, heavy metals, microplastics, and climate change as possible culprits for the species' continued decline.  

Reports of Charlotte's pregnancy in February puzzled experts, who questioned how the stingray could have become pregnant having not shared a tank with a male stingray for at least eight years.

In the wake of tensions between the federal and Tasmanian governments over the redevelopment of the RSV Nuyina's base in Hobart, WA says it's open to discussions about the future of the Australian Antarctic Program.

Nicholas Lubitz witnessed the remarkable emetic incident during a three-year project that saw hundreds of marine creatures tagged off the Queensland coast.

Australia's Reef Authority had $80 million to repair and refurbish its showpiece aquarium in Townsville, but scrapped the project for a grander design it knew it could not pay for.

Traditional owners and recreational anglers in North-East Arnhem Land have raised the alarm over the laying of gillnets in restricted intertidal waters.

Scientists are hoping young people in the Kimberley with an interest in conservation can help preserve one of Australia's healthiest remaining snubfin dolphin populations.

A newly released report shows Australia's icebreaker, the RSV Nuyina, is facing a $100 million cost blowout by 2030 due to rising crew, fuel and maintenance costs.

Marine scientists are buoyed to find two reefs off the Kimberley coast have escaped the brunt of excessive sea temperatures over summer, but are worried about what's around the corner.

Scott Gutterson formed a friendship with the animal based on trust, mutual intrigue and a lot of touchy-feely arms.

After three attempts and help from authorities, the juvenile dolphin returned to the water after beaching itself near Bunbury. 

Scientists in the Australian Antarctic Division have discovered how to house and monitor krill for first time.

Vaguely military in appearance — garish blue and green paint scheme notwithstanding — the vessel bristles with radar, sonar and other monitoring equipment. The object of its scrutiny has scientists worried.

Swordfish are rarely seen on beaches, let alone South Australian ones. Mark Drummond, a fisherman, says it's the kind of find that will only come "once in a lifetime".

The former head of the SA Museum's whale research team says the collection of specimens and the performing of necropsies have ceased due to a lack of funding and staff.

Scientists last year raised the alarm — twice — about the fate of Tasmania's endangered Maugean skate after its population was found to have declined by 47 per cent. But while the salmon industry maintains that all's well, it has also asked for a shift in goal posts to redefine a 'healthy' harbour to a 'viable' one.

Two weeks have passed since the latest mass stranding event in Western Australia in which 31 pilot whales died, but marine experts want to see the conversation around these events change.

A Senate inquiry into funding issues at the Australian Antarctic Division releases its final report, which calls for Australia to consider a second resupply vessel to ensure the significant scientific capabilities of the nation's trouble-plagued icebreaker are not wasted.

Having waited years for a new calf at Ningaloo Reef, researchers say the sight of a new baby killer whale is especially good news after several calves were lost on WA's northern coast.

They've been gently coaxed out of the plastic bag and into the big, bad underwater world where they are exposed to the elements. Now, researchers have big hopes this small group of red handfish will not only survive, but thrive — the species is depending on it.

Many Australians prefer to be as far from a shark as possible, but scientists are concerned that some people are getting too close to critically endangered species.

Scientists have undertaken seven voyages totalling more than 100,000 kilometres and eight months at sea to build the most up-to-date snapshot of Antarctic blue whale distribution.

Australia's zero greenhouse gas ambitions could be at risk if a vast reserve of carbon stored beneath the gin-clear waters off WA is released to the atmosphere, says a leading marine ecologist.