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Funded by the Sea World Research and Rescue Foundation 

Recent human gut research has revealed the fundamental importance of microorganisms to human health, with differences in gut microbiota linking strongly with diet, diseases, and overall performance. In comparison, far less is known about the relationships between gut microbiomes and host health in non-human vertebrates.

This project focuses on the structure of gut microbiomes associated with the largest group of vertebrates: marine fishes. In particular, this project will test whether range-shifting tropical fishes acquire new microbial taxa to assist in the digestion of food sources when they move into temperate waters. If confirmed, such acquisition would be a significant example of assisted evolution that may accelerate environmental adaptation in fish and the tropicalisation of temperate reefs. 

People

Professor | Director of the Centre for Marine Science and Innovation Adriana Verges
Professor | Director of the Centre for Marine Science and Innovation
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Associate Professor | Postgraduate Coordinator Suhelen Egan
Associate Professor | Postgraduate Coordinator
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Related

Coastal microbial observatories

Our large-scale coastal microbial observatory program investigates the temporal and spatial dynamics of microbial communities in the water column. We observe sediments and coral, seaweeds, sponges and seagrasses.

Functional diversity and redundancy of marine communities

In this important project, we aim to define the assembly of microbial communities by functional properties rather than by the species. 

Microbial contribution to life in the deep sea

Despite the lack of sunlight and nutrients, many deep-sea environments are full of coral reefs and sponge gardens. We’re aiming to understand how the metabolic capacity and versatility of symbiotic bacteria support their growth.