A collaborative research project between scientists from the WA Museum and University of Colorado Boulder (UCB) into marine bivalves is taking centre stage this World Ocean Day.    

The research project, led by WA Museum and UCB marine scientists, focusses on the evolution and adaptations of marine bivalves in the Gathaagudu/Shark Bay World Heritage area.  

Home to a significant number of marine bivalve populations, the world heritage site spans more than two million hectares across WA’s coast, making it the perfect natural research laboratory. 

During a recent fieldtrip to the site, the team of global experts explored a thriving population of live Coquina Clam’s along Shell Beach, to investigate how changes to the marine environment might impact photosymbiotic relationships.  

The fieldtrip also presented an opportunity for the WA Museum to establish a deeper working relationship with Malgana Traditional Owners, Rangers and community members. 

Prior to beginning the field work, WA Museum Head of Aquatic Zoology Dr. Lisa Kirkendale spent time and shared knowledge with Malgana Elders and Senior Ranger Denise Mitchell to understand mutual goals and concerns.   

“I valued this time before starting the field work. It helped me gain a much deeper understanding of the history of the world heritage site and the significance of the area to Traditional Owners,” she said.  

Dr Lisa Kirkendale also met with students from Carnarvon Community College at Gwoonwardu Mia to teach them about the field trip, the research and the work of the WA Museum.  

“It was so rewarding seeing the enthusiasm and excitement of the Year 5 Carnarvon Community College students as they learned about photosymbiosis and used microscopes to look at symbionts inside the clams,” she said.   

UCB Museum of Natural History Curator and WAM Research Associate Dr. Jingchun Li, said exploring the rich marine ecosystem of Shark Bay, alongside a passionate team of incredible scientists, was an unforgettable journey. 

“I have been at the WA Museum on sabbatical since January, and found this recent field trip has, not only deepened our understanding of these vital species, but also highlighted the importance of preserving such unique and vibrant habitats for future generations,” she said.   

World Ocean Day is an internationally celebrated day that takes place annually on 8 June and aims to catalyse collective action for a healthy ocean and a stable climate. 

The collaborative research project between WA Museum and UCB is focussed on other evolutionarily significant marine bivalves, with more results to be shared as the research progresses. 

The team of experts working on the marine bivalves research includes, WA Museum Head of Aquatic Zoology, Dr Lisa Kirkendale, UCB Museum of Natural History Curator and WAM Research Associate Dr. Jingchun Li and UCB researchers Dr. Ruiqi Li and Andy Tan from the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology 

Longer term marine research projects focussed on biodiversity surveys with Malgana Traditional Owners through the Ranger program and the Aquatic Zoology team at the WA Museum are currently in the planning stages.  

All collections will reside in Collections and Research Centre at the WA Museum and metadata will be made publicly available through future upload to Atlas of Living Australia portal. 

Bivalve mollusks (e.g., clams, oysters, mussels, scallops) have an external covering that is a two-part hinged shell that contains a soft-bodied invertebrate. - source

Photosymbiosis whereby microalgae live within a heterotrophic host organism. - source