Themes in motion

Some of our current projects include building an understanding of conditions limiting the recovery of Australian sea lions and assessing the status of southern right and pygmy blue whale populations. 

Australian sea lions

There is a lack of evidence of recovery (and apparent decline) of the population since commercial harvesting in the 1800’s. The species is currently listed as endangered on the IUCN ‘Red List’. This project will investigate why there is a lack of recovery and provide information for future management strategies.

Southern right whales

Southern right whales were considered the ‘right whale’ to hunt during 19th and 20th century whaling. As a result of severely depleted populations in the early 1900’s, their capture was banned. We are tracking their status to ensure they continue to recover.

Pygmy blue whales

This species was reduced to between 70 and 90% of its global population due to whaling over the last century. We are working in collaboration with our colleagues to determine progress in the species’ recovery as it largely remains unknown.