Uncovering Turtle Histories: Jaiden’s Honours Research in Shark Bay

Last week, we were proud to see our Sequeira Lab Honours student Jaiden deliver his final seminar at the Research School of Biology! This seminar wraps up a year of hard work, curiosity, and commitment, while Jaiden was completing his Honours research under the supervision of Prof Rod Peakall and Assoc Prof Ana Sequeira.

Working with turtle samples collected through the GAT project in the world heritage area Shark Bay in Western Australia - called Gathaagudu in the language of the Malgana Peoples (the Traditional Custodians of the region), Jaiden explored the use of nanopore sequencing to construct full mitochondrial genomes of sea turtles. This emerging method offers faster, cost-effective insights into genetic structure, with important conservation applications. He focused on improving existing molecular markers to help build a better framework for future studies.

In his seminar, Jaiden discussed how understanding gene flow and diversity across populations supports long-term conservation. Shark Bay is home to both green and loggerhead turtles and offers a unique environment to explore evolutionary history and genetic diversity. His work on the phylogeography of green turtle regional management units (RMUs) may guide strategies to protect migratory pathways and preserve genetic health.

Jaiden’s project is a great step toward integrating genetics into marine conservation. Congratulations, Jaiden, on a fantastic seminar and a meaningful Honours year!