Standard Presentation Australian Marine Sciences Association Annual Meeting 2023

How public aquaria can assist in scientific research to achieve a greater understanding of a multitude of species leading to greater conservation and scientific outcomes   (#120)

Siobhan Houlihan 1
  1. Sea World, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia

Shark Bay houses an array of marine taxa ranging from invertebrates, fish and marine turtle species and also includes Sea Worlds marine reptile rescue facility. The knowledge, skill and experience in animal handling, transport, behaviour and husbandry held by the staff is expansive and unique, coupled with state of the art aquarium facilities and resources which can accommodate countless research opportunities for the scientific community. Reviewing the past year of collaborative research at Sea Worlds aquarium facilities has seen many institutions begin to utilise these valuable resources and has included advances in many scientific fields of research and wider involvement in education and larger conservation initiatives.