E-MISA November 2011
A word from our Chair....
It is with great pleasure that I announce the formal opening on 15 November 2011 of the MISA initiated South Australian Aquatic Biosecurity Centre (SAABC), located at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy Campus.
The $2.4 million facility, the final key MISA infrastructure project, is soon to receive PC2 certification. The SAABC provides the capability to study aquatic pathogens and pests in large scale secure tanks, allowing us to rapidly respond to new threats, as well as conduct long term research aimed at safeguarding our aquatic environment and seafood industries.
The SAABC’s co-location within the University’s School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences embodies the collaborative culture of MISA, strengthening partnerships and enhancing the quality of South Australian marine research.
The SAABC was officially opened by Tony Piccolo MP, Member for Light. Other speakers highlighted the achievement of establishing the centre and spoke with enthusiasm and optimism about the benefits of the centre not only to South Australia, but nationally. A technically focused presentation from Professor Mehdi Doroudi, Executive Director, PIRSA Fisheries & Aquaculture highlighted the aquatic biosecurity challenges currently faced in South Australia. Professor James McWha, Vice-Chancellor, University of Adelaide highlighted the centre’s potential as a resource to enhance higher education and industry training. Mr Brian Jeffriess, Executive Director, Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association welcomed its potential benefits in helping to protect the seafood industry.
The formal ceremony was followed by researcher led guided tours of the SAABC and complementary School of Veterinary Sciences facilities and systems.
Professor Rob Lewis, Chair MISA Steering Committee
Above: Tony Piccolo MP, Member for Light formally opening the SA Aquatic Biosecurity Centre.
Our Research
SA Aquatic Biosecurity Centre Opens
The $2.4 million facility, to be jointly operated by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and the University, was officially opened by Tony Piccolo (MP for Light) on 15 November 2011. Photos, media release and articles on the SA Aquatic Biosecurity Centre.
Setting the TREND at WOMAD
TREND - transects for Environmental Monitoring and Decision Making launched its long-term environmental monitoring program at the recent WOMAD Earth Station held in Belair National Park.
The innovative program brings together research partners and the public to record information on Australian ecosystems and key species, improving our understanding of the impact of potential climatic and environmental shifts.
MISA scientists, Prof. Corey Bradshaw and Dr Jason Tanner are leading the Marine Ecosystems research, focused on predicting how potential environmental changes could alter the distribution and abundance of marine invertebrates. Further information on TREND, including the latest news is available on their website (external website).
Prawn fishery awarded Marine Stewardship Certification
The Spencer Gulf King Prawn fishery in South Australia is the first King Prawn fishery in the world to achieve the prestigious Marine Stewardship Council certification for sustainability. The fishery works closely with SARDI scientists in using real-time management harvest strategies. The strategy is a world leading example of the benefits of industry, scientists and fishery managers working together. More information on the prawn industry's achievements.
Upcoming Events
Getting published (successfully)
An interactive publishing seminar for students is being held at 2 - 3:30pm, 2 December 2011, Benham Lecture Theatre, The University of Adelaide, SA. Presented by Prof. Andrew Boulton (Editor of Marine and Freshwater Research), the seminar focuses on improving publications, including preparing thesis' for submission, choosing appropriate journals, dealing with referees' comments and rejections and more.
2011 Aquatic Surveillance Workshop
A five day FRDC/DAFF Aquatic Surveillance Workshop is being held 12-16 December 2011 at School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, SA. A panel of 4 experts with international, national and local perspective will instruct the workshop. Registration details & further information on the 2011 Aquatic Surveillance Workshop (external website).
SARDI seminar series
Dr Jason Nicol, SARDI Inland Waters, will be talking about current inland waters research at 1pm, 1 December 2011, SARDI Lecture Theatre, SARDI, 2 Hamra Ave, West Beach, SA.
The final presentation for the year will be by Dr Andy Lowther, SARDI Environment and Ecology, on the 'Population structure and fine scale foraging site fidelity of adult female sea lions', at 1pm, 8 December, SARDI Lecture Theatre, SARDI, 2 Hamra Ave, West Beach, SA.
The David Syme Research Prize 2011
Applications are sought for the David Syme Research Prize 2011. The annual prize awards the best original research in Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Geology. Preference is given to work of value to the industrial and commercial interests of Australia. Application deadlines and further information for the David Syme Research Prize (PDF 335KB).
AMSA - NZMSS 2012 Joint Conference
Proposals are being sought for the upcoming joint Australian Marine Sciences Association and New Zealand Marine Sciences Society member organisations conference, relevant to the theme Marine Extremes - and Everything In Between, 1-5 July 2012. Full details of the AMSA-NZMSS conference are available on their website (external website).
Algae for the Future Conference - Call for abstracts
Abstracts are being sought for this upcoming conference, 9-12 July 2012, co-organised by MISA participants: Flinders University, SARDI and the University of Adelaide, who along with PIRSA Fisheries & Aquaculture are also sponsors. Further information on the algal biotechnology conference (external website).
Adelaide hosts the Australian Society for Fish Biology and Oceania Chondrichthyan Society Conference
The upcoming joint conference will be held at the Sebel Playford Hotel, 15-18 July 2012. The theme for the symposium component of the meeting is 'Addressing the challenges of understanding the movement patterns of aquatic animals and their significance'. General information, including a list of key note speakers is available on the conference website (external website).
Australian Maritime & Fisheries Academy 2012 courses
The timetable for Australian Maritime & Fisheries Academy courses in now available for semester one 2012 (external website). Early bookings are encouraged as places are limited.
Important dates
International Abalone Symposium: 8th IAS 2012, Hobart, Tasmania, 6-11 May 2012 (external website).