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

An overview of recent research on marine natural products by Australian and New Zealand scientists is presented. The review is not intended to be ency clopaedic, but rather illustrative of the great variety of research at pres ent being carried out. Information is provided about the main research grou ps and their research activities. Recent findings on the natural products i n marine microalgae, macroalgae, microorganisms, ascidians, bryozoans, cora ls and sponges are summarized. More detailed information on some specific t opics is provided: these include unusual marine lipids, fish oils, chemical inhibitors of marine biofouling, natural sunscreens, and coral sperm attra ctants.