The members of MUCRU work on both applied and empirical conservation-based research projects. We specialise in peer reviewed published research in the fields of marine mammal science and conservation.
About Murdoch Cetacean Research Unit (MUCRU)
Research Capabilities
Assessments of anthropogenic impacts on cetaceans, cetacean population biology and behavioural ecology, interactions between cetaceans and their ecosystems, marine mammal health, and development of novel methodological approaches.
Informing Management
MUCRU conducts research to improve the scientific basis for the conservation of cetaceans and enhance decision-making by industry, government, and the community.
Latest Blogs from the Field
Winter at Duke University, USA and Summer in Bunbury, Western Australia
April 12, 2013PhD candidate Kate Sprogis is taking habitat modeling courses at Duke University, USA while research associate Krista Nicholson continues to collect dolphin data for the SWMRP
Latest News, South West Marine Research Program
Theodolite, focal follows, acoustic loggers, supervisors, marine mammals a plenty … and it’s not over yet!
February 11, 2013My final field season saw the monthly intensive boat-based photo-identification surveys come to an end after two years of data collection. We now concentrate our efforts on collecting theodolite tracking data in both Kealakekua Bay and Kauhako Bay, increasing our focal follow data and continuing to collect more bioacoustic data from our bottom-mounted loggers.
Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin Project
Another begging dolphin: Backpack
December 5, 2012The Coastal and Estuarine Dolphin Project (CEDP) collects photo-identification, behavioural, and longitudinal data to support the long-term conservation of bottlenose dolphins in metropolitan waters of Perth, Western Australia. The beggars The illegal feeding of dolphins is a key conservation issue for dolphins in the Perth area. Finn et al. (2008) reported 14 dolphins resident in Cockburn [...]
Blogs from the field, Coastal and Estuarine Dolphin Project
Whales, flying fish, sea lions and dolphins galore
December 1, 2012During our spring field season (Sept-Nov) in Bunbury, Western Australia, we were on the water for over 130 hours and encountered 64 groups of dolphins. Spring is an exciting time to conduct fieldwork because humpback whales pass on their southern migration. During this time, mother and calves pass closer to shore than on their northern [...]
Blogs from the field, South West Marine Research Program
