Science, Technology and Engineering

School of Life Sciences

Department of Environmental Management & Ecology

Marine Ornithology Group (MOG)

Established in 1995 by Dr Catherine Meathrel, the La Trobe University Marine Ornithology Group aims to undertake targeted, strategic research that will gain and communicate an understanding of south-eastern Australia’s seabirds. Specifically, the group conducts studies on the breeding biology and ecology of various seabirds in temperate Australia. This information is vital for the effective conservation and management of these species. MOG attracts research funds from governments and industry and attracts researchers and postgraduate students from around the world.

Researchers from other organisations, such as the University of Tasmania, the University of New South Wales (Australian Defence Force Academy), Murdoch University, the National Institute of Polar Research (Japan), the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Hokkaido University and the British Antarctic Survey all collaborate on specific projects. The researchers involved in the group have a wealth of experience of working on a wide variety of seabirds that is not found in any other Victorian institution.

Current research is wide-ranging and includes long-term studies on Short-tailed Shearwaters, the energetics and behaviour of Little Penguins, the breeding biology, nest site selection, conservation status and genetics of Pacific Gulls across Australia and the breeding biology, blood and egg chemistry, and foraging ecology of Silver Gulls.

This website contains information on:

- current members;
- research grants;
- publication list;
- potential, current and past post-graduate projects.

MOG welcomes any organisation or researcher seeking collaboration with its members.

For further information on email: c.meathrel@latrobe.edu.au or deme.aw@latrobe.edu.au