Kimberley quest continues – better science, better decisions
30 July 2008
The Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI), in partnership with Kimberley Whales, embarks on its third research expedition in the Kimberley today. The seven-day expedition’s purpose is to further explore the magnificent coastal environment and marine biodiversity, little of which has been studied.
“This is the third expedition this year,” WAMSI Chief Executive Officer, Dr Steve Blake, who will be on the team, said.
“The previous two expeditions have helped identify the arrival and population of humpback whales in the Kimberley region, hundreds of which will migrate to Camden Sound – 450 kilometres north of Broome – in the next few months.
“We’re particularly interested in their migration to Camden Sound because it’s their maternity ward and nursery ground.”
Dr Blake said the first expeditions had discovered fantastic fringing reefs which had been filmed using drop cameras and remotely operated vehicles (operated by an umbilical cord from the vessel).
“Hard and soft coral gardens abound with prolific filter feeding communities including sponges being discovered 50 metres beneath the water’s surface,” he said.
Expedition scientists are from WAMSI partner organisations, local naturalists, indigenous communities and local residents.
“It is an investment of people’s time and equipment and we acknowledge the generosity of Pearl Sea Coastal Cruises for donating the vessel for the first three cruises,” he said.
“We are only beginning to scratch the surface with our understanding of the extraordinary marine life of the offshore Kimberley.
“The Regional Development Council meeting which starts in Broome today is timely, as clearly we are on the verge of unprecedented developments in the North-West of Australia,” he said.
He added groups such as WAMSI brought an unbiased and peer-reviewed understanding of the natural marine world to all Australians.
“Better science means better decisions,” he said.
Contacts: Dr Steve Blake 0409 183 277
Sue McKenna (08) 6488 4574 or 0424 196 771
Dr Blake will be in Broome from 12.30pm to 3pm on 30 July 2008 before travelling to the beach to load the vessel, which leaves at 6pm.