Marine mammal science

The Australian Centre for Applied Marine Mammal Science, established at the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) last year, is Australia’s first major national research centre focused on understanding, protecting and conserving whales, dolphins, seals and dugongs. This national focus brings together mammals from tropical, temperate and Antarctic waters — an unusual mix for an Antarctic organisation, but critical to the AAD’s broader research and advisory role within the Department of the Environment and Water Resources. Of the 15 projects funded in the Centre’s first year, four involve dugongs, two involve sea lions and nine involve whales. The following three articles provide a snapshot of the projects being undertaken through the centre.

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