How a local collaboration is adding new depth to marine science in WA
A glowing sea slug, a tiny crab species and hundreds of other marine species have all been discovered right here off the coast of Western Australia, thanks to a long-standing collaboration between Woodside, the WA Museum and the Foundation for the WA Museum.
Since 1998, this collaboration has led to the creation of the Woodside Collection, held at the WA Museum – providing a baseline for marine species in north Western Australia. More than 55,000 specimens have been added to the collection since its creation, equating to more than 8,500 species.
WA is home to one of the most diverse coastlines, and by bringing together scientific expertise and a shared commitment to environmental understanding, Woodside and the WA Museum have helped unlock some of the secrets of our marine biodiversity.
From the Dampier Archipelago to the remote Kimberley, the collaboration has enabled extensive scientific analysis of the far north coast. Now, with the continuation of the collaboration for five-more-years the focus will turn to the Gascoyne coastline, enabling a dedicated team of marine biologists to explore and study the abundant life below the waves in this area.
Among the more than 8,500 species identified in the Woodside Collection, over 700 are new to science. That's hundreds of living organisms which were, until recently, previously undiscovered, and as a result of the collaboration between the WA Museum and Woodside, they have been found in WA waters.
One of the most eye-catching finds is a previously unknown species of bioluminescent sea slug. These creatures use chemical reactions within their bodies to emit light, creating a glow-in-the-dark shimmer that helps them ward off predators.
Researchers have also identified several new crustacean species, including tiny amphipods with bizarre appendages and filter-feeding strategies that challenge existing biological classifications. Some of these organisms are just a few millimetres long, yet their discovery prompts new questions about how marine species evolve in isolated or extreme environments like those found in the Kimberley.
Several new sponge and coral species have been added to the collection, some of which have features so distinct that scientists have had to revise how they classify related species globally. Each discovery contributes not just to the Woodside Collection but also to the international scientific community, expanding what we know about how marine ecosystems function and adapt.
The collection provides critical insight into how marine life responds to changing environments. This research informs everything from conservation planning and climate resilience studies to community education and school programs across WA.
The Gascoyne Coast is arguably one of WA's most ecologically important marine regions. It's the next step in a research journey which has already reshaped how we think about our oceans.
What started as a WA-based initiative is now a global scientific resource putting WA at the forefront of marine biodiversity research.
Together with Western Australia Museum and the Foundation for the WA Museum, Woodside is helping to uncover and protect the extraordinary marine life found in WA's waters.
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3 days ago
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For almost three decades, a uniquely Western Australian collaboration has been transforming our understanding of the ocean. A glowing sea slug, a tiny crab species and hundreds of other marine species have all been discovered right here off the coast of Western Australia, thanks to a long-standing collaboration between Woodside, the WA Museum and the Foundation for the WA Museum. Since 1998, this collaboration has led to the creation of the Woodside Collection, held at the WA Museum – providing a baseline for marine species in north Western Australia. More than 55,000 specimens have been added to the collection since its creation, equating to more than 8,500 species. WA is home to one of the most diverse coastlines, and by bringing together scientific expertise and a shared commitment to environmental understanding, Woodside and the WA Museum have helped unlock some of the secrets of our marine biodiversity. From the Dampier Archipelago to the remote Kimberley, the collaboration has enabled extensive scientific analysis of the far north coast. Now, with the continuation of the collaboration for five-more-years the focus will turn to the Gascoyne coastline, enabling a dedicated team of marine biologists to explore and study the abundant life below the waves in this area. Among the more than 8,500 species identified in the Woodside Collection, over 700 are new to science. That's hundreds of living organisms which were, until recently, previously undiscovered, and as a result of the collaboration between the WA Museum and Woodside, they have been found in WA waters. One of the most eye-catching finds is a previously unknown species of bioluminescent sea slug. These creatures use chemical reactions within their bodies to emit light, creating a glow-in-the-dark shimmer that helps them ward off predators. Researchers have also identified several new crustacean species, including tiny amphipods with bizarre appendages and filter-feeding strategies that challenge existing biological classifications. Some of these organisms are just a few millimetres long, yet their discovery prompts new questions about how marine species evolve in isolated or extreme environments like those found in the Kimberley. Several new sponge and coral species have been added to the collection, some of which have features so distinct that scientists have had to revise how they classify related species globally. Each discovery contributes not just to the Woodside Collection but also to the international scientific community, expanding what we know about how marine ecosystems function and adapt. The collection provides critical insight into how marine life responds to changing environments. This research informs everything from conservation planning and climate resilience studies to community education and school programs across WA. The Gascoyne Coast is arguably one of WA's most ecologically important marine regions. It's the next step in a research journey which has already reshaped how we think about our oceans. What started as a WA-based initiative is now a global scientific resource putting WA at the forefront of marine biodiversity research. Together with Western Australia Museum and the Foundation for the WA Museum, Woodside is helping to uncover and protect the extraordinary marine life found in WA's waters. Visit the website to find out more.
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