Exploring life beneath Australia’s oceans
The Shelf Ecology Research Group isn’t just about data or discoveries – it’s about the stories beneath the waves.
We’re here to understand the marine life that depends on Australia’s continental shelf and what that means for all of us.
Stronger together
We partner with leading experts, institutions, and organisations to push the boundaries of marine research.
A team driven by curiosity & conservation
A team driven by conservation
The Shelf Ecology Research Group is made up of passionate marine scientists, engineers, and innovators who live for exploring the ocean floor. From designing and deploying cutting-edge underwater technology to poring over thousands of hours of imagery, our team is committed to understanding and protecting Australia’s shelf ecosystems.
Meet the minds behind the mission
Meet the minds
We don’t work alone. Our global network includes world-class research institutions, government bodies, NGOs, and local fishers who bring real-world knowledge and resources. Together, we’re tackling big questions about marine life in mesophotic ecosystems and finding real solutions for conservation.
Dr. Jacquomo Monk
Senior Research Fellow
Dr. Jacquomo Monk specialises in underwater imagery and mesophotic ecosystems, leading research from Tasmania to St Lucia. With over a decade as a spatial ecologist, he has advanced Australia’s marine monitoring and contributes to platforms like Seamap Australia and IMOS SQUIDLE+, driving data-driven marine conservation.
- Conservation & Biodiversity
- Marine and Estuarine Ecology
- Environmental Assessment & Monitoring
- Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Dr. Neville Barrett
Associate Professor
Neville is a coastal and shelf ecologist dedicated to understanding marine biodiversity and ensuring its future. With a PhD in Temperate Reef Fish Biology and Ecology from the University of Tasmania, Neville focuses on biodiversity inventory and long-term monitoring. His work directly informs sustainable management practices, including the design and implementation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
- Conservation & Biodiversity
- Marine and Estuarine Ecology
- Aquaculture & Fisheries Stock Assessment
- Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Ashlee Bastiaansen
Senior Technical Officer
After completing honours research on temperate mesophotic reef biodiversity using benthic imagery, Ashlee joined SERG to launch her marine science career. Passionate about exploring the ocean floor, she has gained expertise in handling technology and analysing extensive footage of Australia’s continental shelf.
- Natural Resource Management
- Marine and Estuarine Ecology
- Environmental Assessment & Monitoring
- Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Justin Hulls
Senior Technical Officer
Justin is the technical wizard on the team. Having started his career working in fisheries, he diverted to research with underwater vehicles on the continental shelf. He is often found tinkering with equipment, writing code to assist with annotations and doing a little dance flying the ROV.
- Conservation & Biodiversity
- Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
Dr. Nicholas Perkins
Senior Research Fellow
Nick, based at IMAS Taroona, uses image-based platforms like AUVs, ROVs, and BRUVs to monitor reef ecosystems, focusing on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and changes from fishing, climate impacts, and species shifts. He has experience with Australian Marine Parks and collaborates on California’s MPA network.
- Marine and Estuarine Ecology
- Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies
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our funders
Our research is made possible by the generous support of our funders, enabling us to explore, innovate, and advance marine science.
- WANT TO JOIN OUR TEAM?
Set sail on a new career adventure
Set sail on a new career adventure
Join our team to explore, innovate, and protect our oceans.
