FACULTY OF SCIENCE
AND ENGINEERING
Mapping a decade of widespread movements of our iconic sea species
A new study led by researchers at the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) and Macquarie University (Biological Sciences)
has tracked the whereabouts of 117 marine species, ranging from sharks and saltwater crocs all the way to sea turtles and dugongs.
The research, published in Scientific Data, is helping to unravel the widespread movements of Australian marine species, and
provide insight into the natural habitats, distributions and changing behaviours of these animals in the face of climate change.
“The data gives an in-depth picture of the behaviour of these animals over the 10 years of the study enabling us to predict how
behaviour might change in the future,” explains Macquarie University’s Rob Harcourt, who is also the leader of the Animal Tracking
Facility at IMOS.
“For example, in the case of bull sharks—a species we tracked that is known to be potentially dangerous—research has shown
that they move within warmer waters, meaning it is important that we understand how they modify their movements in response
to changes in ocean conditions and processes.”
Find out more
Photo by amanderson2.
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
AND ENGINEERING
Tracing lead contamination in NSW bees and their honey
A new study, published in Environmental Science & Technology last month, is the first Australian research of its kind to trace the
source of contaminating metals, including lead, in honey bees and their products.
Specifically, the researchers used an isotopic source tracing method to analyse contaminating metals in soil and dust in Sydney
and in Broken Hill, and for the first time, in bees, as well as their honey and wax.
“The results were unequivocal—they showed clearly the different sources and origins of lead across the study areas,” says Macquarie
University’s Mark Taylor (Environmental Sciences), who led the team.
“The lead isotopes showed that background honey bees and their products contained natural lead levels, whereas those from
Sydney and Broken Hill were clearly contaminated by legacy petrol sources and ongoing mining emissions, respectively.”
Find out more
Photo by Fotoworkshop4You.
— 6 —