Below the surface: what a micro-pollutant study reveals about bay health

Please join Dr Jackie Myers from RMIT and Dr Morgan Ellis from Deakin, talking about the results from a recently completed baseline micro-pollutant study of sediment in Port Phillip Bay. The program was conducted across four regions within the bay, including Hobsons Bay, Werribee, Geelong Arm and Mud Island and provides baseline levels for heavy metals, hydrocarbons and pesticides. A microbiome composition of PPB sediment and its relationship to pollution was also investigated. Come and find out what was discovered and discuss what this means in a practical sense for management and users of the bay.

Dr. Jackie Myers is an Aquatic Ecotoxicologist at RMIT University’s AQUEST research group, with over 17 years’ experience focusing on understanding pollution issues in marine, estuarine and freshwater environments.

Dr. Morgan Ellis is as molecular ecologist at Deakin University’s EcoGenetics Lab, with a particular focus on using eDNA to improve marine biosecurity and better understand marine biodiversity.

 Kathryn Hassell and Kate Tuohey collecting sediment samples using a grab sampler for chemical analysis and eDNA assessments. PHOTO: Sam Wines

Morgan Ellis at Point Cooke Marine Sanctuary