Professor Ian Potter

Room: BioSc/2.011

Research

The Biology of Lampreys

The taxonomy, life cycles, ecology, bioenergetics and respiratory and vascular physiology of larval and adult lampreys. These studies are aimed at elucidating the inter-relationships of the extant genera and families of lampreys and their relationship to other lower vertebrates. They are also orientated towards examining the adaptations exhibited by larval and adult lampreys to their divergent modes of life.

Estuarine Fishes and Crustaceans

The work on fish and crustaceans in estuaries has concentrated on the Peel-Harvey, Swan-Avon estuaries and Wilson Inlet. These studies have provided life cycle and ecological data on many of the most abundant teleosts, crabs and prawns in these systems. They have also elucidated the role played by different habitats within these systems and the effect of eutrophication on the fish and fisheries of the Peel-Harvey Estuary. This work is now being extended into inshore marine waters.

Projects

Honours projects are available in the Centre for Fish and Fisheries Research at Murdoch University as part of the Strategic Research Fund for the Marine Environment/CSIRO project in the recently-introduced Jurien Bay Marine Park. These projects will be aimed at broadening our understanding of the use of marine protected areas for sustaining and enhancing biodiversity in Western Australian marine waters. The students will collect baseline data on the fish faunas of the Jurien Bay Marine Park. Specifically, the projects will involve determining (1) the fish faunas of seagrass habitats, (2) the fish faunas of nearshore unvegetated habitats and (3) trophic interactions of selected species. The projects will commence in either mid-2005 or early 2006.

For further information contact David Fairclough on Telephone 9360 2229 or email D.Fairclough@murdoch.edu.au

 

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