Marine Profiles
Ross Coleman
Ross Coleman researches the fierce and often strategic life-death struggle of predator-prey relationships. Associate Professor Coleman, a University of Sydney marine ecologist, is currently studying ecosystems in and around Sydney, using experimental evidence to understand how and why organisms defend themselves.
This "ecology of defence", as he describes it, closely relates to his second research area involving understanding patterns of diversity in marine systems. Professor Coleman is on the board of SHIMS and was instrumental in cementing the partnership with the University. Accessing SHIMS unique aquarium will allow him to conduct manipulative experiments examining organisms' defence mechanisms.
Rosalind Hinde
Marine biologist, Rosalind Hinde, studies the utopian relationship of the coral/alga symbiosis, where the animal and alga live together in a mutually beneficial arrangement. All reef-building corals have symbiotic algae that live inside their cells, and Associate Professor Hinde, from the University of Sydney, examines the ways in which the species coexist. These algae are essential to the reefs because they photosynthesise, converting carbon dioxide to sugars and other organic compounds which provides the coral - colonies of tiny sea anemone-like polyps - with food. In return, the algae exist in a stable, protected environment, away from excessive light and herbivores.
According to Professor Hinde, SHIMS will encourage marine research in Sydney by bringing together researchers from diverse tertiary institutions.
Michael Hughes
Australia's legendary Bondi Beach has a highly dynamic coastline with many rip currents, and there have been over 12,000 rescues by the local surf life saving club since 1906. Dr Michael Hughes, senior lecturer in the University of Sydney's School of Geosciences, contributes to our knowledge of Sydney's beaches by examining their behaviour and determining their mobility and stability. Using instruments including current meters and pressure sensors, he conducts detailed experiments of beaches and surf zones.
According to Dr Hughes, SHIMS will offer the opportunity for local businesses to make an investment into research that develops an understanding of Sydney Harbour for businesses and residents.
Dietmar Müller
Knowledge of the seafloor - often elusive to researchers - is imperative for the sustainable management of marine resources. Earth scientist, Dietmar Müller, is leading a team from the Marine Geophysics and Geodynamics Group at the University of Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences in developing advanced methods for seabed mapping. By using a multi-beam sonar and acoustic remote sensing, the researchers can illuminate a whole swath of seafloor several tens of metres wide. As well as providing a hazard assessment of cable routes and other marine planning and management concerns, Associate Professor Müller's work will help in understanding the processes of environmental change, sedimentary processes, seabed instability, and the nature of marine habitats.
Adele Pile
As a deep-sea researcher, Adele Pile has studied what few others have even seen: the ocean at 3000 metres deep. The University of Sydney marine biologist has discovered new species, including a squid with huge ears and long arms, and has lived on oil rigs out at sea with hundreds of burly men.
Her latest research has her concentrating closer to shore and closer to home.
Collaborating with the University's Clare McArthur, also in biological sciences, Dr Pile is currently studying how the oceanic environment around Sydney affects local marine organisms. As the project continues, she hopes to utilise SHIMS facilities at Chowder Bay.