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Sapphire Coast NSWEver wondered about the implication of the southward migration of sea urchins, whether you can find a pearl in that oyster, or if oysters can measure up to the myth about their potency? The answers are just a week away.

The ‘Food for Thought’ Marine Science Forum (March 26-27) is open to anyone who has pondered these questions and others, such as how oceans affect the atmosphere, how fisheries scientists assess fish stocks for management strategies and what the bottom of the ocean really looks like.

Over the weekend of March 26-27, at the Eden Marine High School Hall on the Sapphire Coast of NSW, leading marine scientists from around Australia will pass on their knowledge and thoughts about sea creatures great and small, and ways to maintain a healthy and sustainable fishing industry.

Among delegates who have already booked a seat are fishing professionals, scientists and researchers in the field, oyster growers and local community members – including children – who want to learn more about a business that makes a huge contribution to the local economy.

The speakers and their subjects are:

Dr Alan Jordan, Senior Environmental Scientist, Waters and Coastal Science, NSW Dept of Environment, Climate Change and Water: ‘Mapping the seabed habitats and biodiversity of the south coast continental shelf – new insights from recent surveys’.

  • Dr John Stewart, Senior Research Scientist, Wild Fisheries Unit, NSW Dept of Industry and Investment: ‘Australians on the rise – assessing the east coast salmon and sardine fisheries’.
  • Dr Kevin Rowling, Principal Fisheries Scientist, NSW Dept of Industry and Investment: ‘Assessing fish stocks using fisheries catch data’.
  • Professor Ross Griffiths FAA, Research School of Earth Sciences, ANU: ‘The sun, the moon and the oceans – pieces of the energy puzzle’.
  • Dr Jane Williamson, Macquarie University: ‘Should we eat asylum seekers – sea urchin encroachment in south-eastern Australia’, and
  • Dr Ana M. Rubio-Zuazo, PhD MSc (Fisheries and Aquaculture): ‘Ins and outs of oysters’.

Registrations close on Wednesday, March 24. Cost is $30 per person per day for the general public and $60 per day for government agency employees; children and students are free. Full details are available on the Discovery Centre website:  www.sapphirecoastdiscovery.com.au

The Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre (SCMDC) is a multi-purpose marine education and research centre for specialists and the general public. Based at Eden on the far south coast of NSW, its programs and activities stretch from the Victorian border to Bermagui.

It aims to promote understanding of oceans and coasts and sustainable ways to use them by offering learning and knowledge experiences for ‘students’ of all ages, as well as facilitating research into the temperate marine environment.

About Sapphire Coast Tourism

From the clear blue waters and endless golden beaches to the lush green of rainforests, rolling hills and valleys. The Sapphire Coast is perfectly located midway between Sydney and Melbourne, and only a short drive from Canberra. From the Victorian border to Bermagui in the north and westward to Brown Mountain, the Sapphire Coast in the Bega Valley welcomes you.

For those wanting to book in for the Forum, there are details on accommodation as well as more information on fishing and other activities in the region on the Sapphire Coast website (www.sapphirecoast.com.au) or by calling toll-free on 1800 150 457.

For more media information or to arrange an interview with one of the speakers, please contact Liz Swanton, 0417 232 643 // lizswanton@hotkey.net.au