Professor Shauna Murray

I am a marine biologist researching ecology and evolution, using molecular genetic techniques. Marine biotoxins produced by phytoplankton, single-celled marine protists, are amongst the most toxic substances yet recorded. They can have severe detrimental impacts on a diverse range of marine species and ecosystems. In particular, poor water quality from harmful algae and pathogenic bacteria impact fisheries and aquaculture industries, both in Australia and worldwide. Phytoplankton are increasingly impacted by climate change, and their toxins are changing their distribution as a result. Many important harmful algal species are little known, and we frequently discover species new to science, and investigate their phylogenetics and evolution. I lead the Seafood Safety: Marine Algal Biotoxins research program. In our program, we are developing novel genetic tools for the monitoring of marine water quality, and implementing them across important aquaculture and fishing industries. We work closely with industries and government such as shellfish aquaculture, fisheries, food safety regulators, and the environmental biotechnology sector.