Australasian research on marine natural products: chemistry, bioactivity and ecology

Abstract

An overview of recent research on marine natural products by Australian and New Zealand scientists is presented. The review is not intended to be encyclopaedic, but rather illustrative of the great variety of research at present being carried out. Information is provided about the main research groups and their research activities. Recent findings on the natural products in marine microalgae, macroalgae, microorganisms, ascidians, bryozoans, corals and sponges are summarized. More detailed information on some specific topics is provided: these include unusual marine lipids, fish oils, chemical inhibitors of marine biofouling, natural sunscreens, and coral sperm attractants.