Students lead discussions on Ningaloo
23 March 2009
The spotlight will be on students from Western Australian universities next week when they attend a forum to discuss their research into Ningaloo Marine Park and its surrounding areas.
The Ningaloo Research Day for Students will be jointly led by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC), the CSIRO Wealth from Oceans Flagship: Ningaloo Collaboration Cluster and the Western Australian Marine Science Institution. The event will be held at CSIRO in Floreat on Monday 30 March 2009.
DEC Scientist Dr Kelly Waples said the forum provided students with a great opportunity to present their research, network with others and to understand how their research could assist with future developments in marine science.
“Students from all disciplines with an interest in marine science are welcome to attend the forum and exchange their ideas,” Dr Waples said.
“The student presentations will provide a good overview of projects underway at Ningaloo which may in turn feed into ongoing research and new leads.
“We hope the forum will also encourage and motivate other students to continue with their projects and to pursue their interest in marine science. It is also an excellent way for scientists to witness first-hand the work being undertaken by students.”
Dr Waples said during the forum one student representative would be selected to attend and present at the third annual Ningaloo Research Symposium, which is to be held in Exmouth in May.
“The focus of the Symposium will be on integrating science into management and it will be a once in a lifetime experience for a student to present and participate in discussions with leading scientists in marine conservation, marine park managers and other stakeholders,” she said.
“It will be a valuable opportunity to experience how scientists and managers work together to make a difference.”
For more information visit www.dec.wa.gov.au or www.wamsi.org.au.
Media Contacts: DEC Media 6467 5555
DEC Scientist Dr Kelly Waples will be available for interviews today and Monday, 30 March, between 12 and 1.30pm.
CSIRO Marine Ecologist Dr Mat Vanderklift will also be available for interviews on 9333 6569.
Pictured above is postdoctoral student Emily Twiggs, who is studying Ningaloo Reef's geomorphology.