Ecotoxicology of filter-feeding megafauna in the Indian Ocean
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) and reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) are facing population declines in response to increasing anthropogenic threats including vessel strikes, unregulated tourism, plastic pollution, climate change, and contamination from toxins. There are now major concerns for the risk pollutants such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), often referred to as “forever chemicals”, and emerging contaminants (ECs), such as phthalate esters, pose to the health of marine organisms, the environment, and humans. Toxins accumulate on/in plastic debris and at the surface of the water column where both whale sharks and reef manta rays filter-feed, meaning they may be especially susceptible to this type of pollution. At Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, aggregations of these sharks and rays provide a unique opportunity to investigate the threat of pollutant contamination to these species. This research utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach to assess POP and EC contamination loads and subsequent health effects in both whale sharks and reef manta rays. Findings will provide the first baseline data on contamination loads in populations in the eastern Indian Ocean, identify ecological drivers of exposure, and deliver insights into the health impacts of toxins to these iconic keystone species.
About Me
I grew up in Canada and completed my Honours Bachelor of Science at the University of Western Ontario. In 2022, I traded the Great Lakes for the Australian coast to pursue my master’s at the University of Western Australia. After a rewarding year as a research assistant with the Marine Ecology Group, I began my PhD in 2025.
Supervisors
Dr. Tim Langlois, Dr. Greg Skrzypek, Dr. Mark Meekan
Contact
Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre
School of Biological Sciences (M470)
35 Stirling Highway, Crawley WA 6009
brianna.beaulieu@research.uwa.edu.au
