CURRENTLY FUNDED PROJECTS
With so many pressures on ocean ecosystems, we need to understand more about the stressors driving the decline in Australian Sea Lion numbers. With support and investment in vital research programs, we can see the species survive and thrive into the future.
PUP SHELTER TRIAL
Australian Sea Lion Recovery Foundation are funding an innovative pup shelter trial, in partnership with DEW, Sea Shepherd, SARDI, Flinders University and Zoos SA. Many Australian sea lion pups are simply not making it to adulthood, impacted by heat stress (influenced by climate change) and physical trauma from overcrowding (due to habitat loss).
Dirk and his team are designing, building and testing the deployment of pup shelters to give precious sea lion pups protection from the heat and overcrowding. We look forward to sharing updates as this project is rolled out in 2025.
Australian Sea Lion Recovery Foundation are funding an innovative pup shelter trial, in partnership with DEW, Sea Shepherd, SARDI, Flinders University and Zoos SA. Many Australian sea lion pups are simply not making it to adulthood, impacted by heat stress (influenced by climate change) and physical trauma from overcrowding (due to habitat loss).
Dirk and his team are designing, building and testing the deployment of pup shelters to give precious sea lion pups protection from the heat and overcrowding. We look forward to sharing updates as this project is rolled out in 2025.
DNA SEQUENCING OF ALBROHOS COLONY
Collaborating with Macquarie University and the French National Centre of Scientific Research, Australian Sea Lion Foundation has funded the DNA sequencing of tissue samples by Vanessa Morris. The aim is to learn about how the animals are breeding and interacting with each other and their landscape. This project addresses the need for more knowledge on sea lions' behaviour, in order to inform solutions that stop their decline.
Currently, there is a knowledge gap when it comes to the Abrolhos Islands colony, one of the most isolated populations in Australia. Geographically, this colony is assumed to be at the thermal limit of temperatures that the species can live, being the most north-westerly fringe of the species' range. Research is needed to fill this gap and provide knowledge about how the animals are breeding and interacting with each other and their landscape.
Collaborating with Macquarie University and the French National Centre of Scientific Research, Australian Sea Lion Foundation has funded the DNA sequencing of tissue samples by Vanessa Morris. The aim is to learn about how the animals are breeding and interacting with each other and their landscape. This project addresses the need for more knowledge on sea lions' behaviour, in order to inform solutions that stop their decline.
Currently, there is a knowledge gap when it comes to the Abrolhos Islands colony, one of the most isolated populations in Australia. Geographically, this colony is assumed to be at the thermal limit of temperatures that the species can live, being the most north-westerly fringe of the species' range. Research is needed to fill this gap and provide knowledge about how the animals are breeding and interacting with each other and their landscape.
SEA LION CAMERAS AND GPS TAGGING
In partnership with South Australian Research and Development Institute – SARDI (Aquatic Sciences), we are funding the purchase and deployment of state-of-the-art Sea Lion Cameras and GPS Tags. After a successful pilot project funded through NESP, 80 hours of footage covering 560 km of seabed enabled mapping over 5,000 square km of sea lion habitat.
Through the support of the Australian Sea Lion Recovery Foundation grant Simon Goldsworthy and his team at SARDI are now expanding the camera employment to address critical knowledge gaps, better understand threats to the species, and enhance conservation and management strategies.
The core aims for this camera research include:
In partnership with South Australian Research and Development Institute – SARDI (Aquatic Sciences), we are funding the purchase and deployment of state-of-the-art Sea Lion Cameras and GPS Tags. After a successful pilot project funded through NESP, 80 hours of footage covering 560 km of seabed enabled mapping over 5,000 square km of sea lion habitat.
Through the support of the Australian Sea Lion Recovery Foundation grant Simon Goldsworthy and his team at SARDI are now expanding the camera employment to address critical knowledge gaps, better understand threats to the species, and enhance conservation and management strategies.
The core aims for this camera research include:
- Habitat Mapping
- Critical Habitat Identification
- Diet, trophic ecology and fisheries interactions
The Research and Monitoring Focus
Our continued focus and objectives for research and monitoring projects into the future is informed by key findings from the Australian Sea Lion National Recovery Team. These scientific objectives are as follows:
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1. Population Surveys
Improve time series and capacity to evaluate trends in abundance in colonies across the entire range of the species. This will help detect colonies which are continuing to decline, and those which may be recovering. From there, research efforts can be targeted to identify threats common to declining colonies. Traditional ground counts via boat, helicopter & land (Bunda Cliffs) as well as the use of UAVs where suitable. 2. Satellite Tracking Devices
Foraging ecology via satellite tracking – at risk / declining colonies would have several cohorts of animals (adult females / adult males / juveniles) fitted with satellite tracking devices. This would help identify areas of importance to each colony. These spatial areas could then be overlaid with other data to identify potential causes of decline, and to measure potential behavioural adaptations in response to our changing oceans, and the impacts these are having on the population trend. 3. Habitat evaluation (Underwater cameras/GPS) › Identify and map their critical habitats. › Identify key prey species and feeding strategies. › Use imagery generated as engagement / education materials in schools or for interested members of the public i.e. conservation groups. |
4. Drone Technology – Used to assess body condition with UAV technology.
Assess emerging LiDAR and photogrammetry technology to measure and compare body condition of animals between colonies – particularly colonies with declining pup production. This will provide an insight into the health of each population by developing body condition indices. New technology / sensors on UAVs allows for more rapid & accurate measurements of animals without creating disturbance. 5. Ecotourism
Assess the impacts of ‘swim with’ ecotourism on Australian sea lions. “Swim with’ tours, identified as a threat in the ASL Recovery Plan, interact with animals at “haul-out” locations (not breeding colonies) where animals have come ashore to rest during or after a foraging trip. Behavioural and / or physiological studies could be undertaken to quantify the effects of these activities on the animals’ energy budget and behavioural responses to these activities (reduced resting time, increased vigilance, increased avoidance strategies), and if this leads to short, medium and / or long-term effects on their energy budget, and ultimately overall health and breeding success. 6. Disease and Parasites
Continue to research known causes of mortality and health parameters from parasites (hookworm, toxoplasmosis, Escherichia coli), disease (tuberculosis) and pollutants (heavy metals, PFAS). › Continue and expand research conducted by Dr Rachael Gray from The University of Sydney. › Broaden the research to investigate the prevalence of the above diseases in a wider range of colonies in SA & WA. Correlate the colony health (body condition & pup production) with the presence / absence of diseases and pollutants. |
Are you leading a research & monitoring project?
Australian Sea Lion Recovery Foundation accepts ongoing Expressions of Interest for our grant scheme.
Please email [email protected] for more details.
Please email [email protected] for more details.
THIS WOULDN'T BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE GENEROSITY OF OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS, EVENT COLLABORATORS AND IN-KIND SUPPORTERS.
