Our Aims
This project aims to determine what lives in and on fish, such as flathead, in Port Phillip Bay and whether the microbiome differs between specimens found in different areas around the bay.
Fish microbiomes play an important role in the function and health of fish. They can be used as indicators of stress and poor health. Stressors, such as pollution, can alter the health of fish, causing rapid changes to fish microbial communities. These factors can have consequences upon growth, reproduction, health and vulnerability of fish to diseases.
This study aims to assess whether fish microbiomes are a good indicator of stress, potentially providing a useful non-lethal tool to assess fish health.
Why Flathead?
Flathead were chosen for this study as they are found throughout Port Phillip Bay, generally stay within a small home range, and are highly prized by anglers. Fish populations within Port Phillip Bay are declining and under threat from natural and anthropogenic pressures.
Current methods to assess fish health often are lethal and involve invasive sampling methods. Having recreational fishers to collect mucous and gill swabs from flathead will greatly reduce the impact on the fish
Hooked On Microbes 