Jacob JB Bowtell Australian Marine Sciences Association 2025 Conference

Jacob JB Bowtell

Jacob holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science from the University of Queensland and a Master of Marine Science and Management from the National Marine Science Centre (Southern Cross University). He has worked in wildlife rehabilitation for over a decade and currently leads the sea turtle and sea snake rehabilitation program at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital (AZWH). Throughout his career, Jacob has encountered a wide range of diseases affecting sea turtles. Over the past three years, AZWH has experienced a significant increase in sea turtle admissions, largely due to an emerging disease outbreak known as Soft-Shell Syndrome (SSS). This surge has deepened his interest in sea turtle health and the factors influencing it, motivating him to pursue further research. As part of his PhD, Jacob is now exploring lesser-known aspects of sea turtle ecology to better understand and address these complex health challenges.