Our research informs wildlife management within Phillip Island Nature Parks and helps us understand and respond to threats to Phillip Island’s wildlife.


Phillip Island Nature Parks’ research team is an authority on little penguins, seals and other seabirds. We also work closely with universities and other research organisations and supervise numerous Honours, Masters and PhD students each year.

Our research objectives are:

1. Assess the population status of fauna and flora of Phillip Island Nature Parks, to identify threats to these populations and to plan management strategies and priorities for their protection.

2. Establish and maintain the status of Phillip Island Nature Parks as a recognised world authority on penguins, other aquatic birds and seals.

3. Give priority to maintaining a world class facility for research into aquatic birds (particularly seabirds) and seals.

4. Encourage integrated research on environmental matters with priority given to those matters which may affect Phillip Island Nature Parks.

5. Encourage and participate in co-operative research programs with universities, industry, government and non-government organisations and encourage public involvement when appropriate. 

How your visit helps:
Phillip Island Nature Parks is a not-for-profit organisation. Your visit directly contributes to the research of wildlife and ecosystems within Phillip Island Nature Parks.

One penguin satellite tracker = $2000]

One microchip = $10

Meet our research team or discover more about the research we conduct on penguins, seals and coastal birds including the rare hooded plover. Visit our publications page to view a list of our research papers.