Australian sea lion research

RESEARCH OVERVIEW

Our research on antimicrobial resistance Strategy extends to investigating the occurrence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the Australian sea lion (Neophoca cinerea) and other Australian pinniped species. We are particularly interested in using antibiotic resistance determinants as genetic markers for studying transmission of terrestrial bacteria into marine wildlife. We aim to determine the impacts of colonization by human-derived bacteria to the health of Australian sea lion pups.

Our research on the Australian sea lion also extends to examining protozoan parasites and interactions between the endemic microbiota.

Collaborators: Mariel Fulham (PhD Student), Dr Rachael Gray (University of Sydney) and Scott Lindsay (University of Adelaide).