Guest Speakers - An evening with the Australian Marine Science Association

Interested in hearing from some of WA’s leading marine scientists? Prepare to be inspired, surprised and educated by a range of guest speakers at AQWA's Evening With the Australian Marine Science Association (AMSA).

Please arrive at main entrance. Doors open at 5pm to browse the aquarium and Guest speakers begin at 6pm SHARP

Guest speakers include;

James Gilmour- The state of Western Australia’s coral reefs

'Western Australia’s coral reefs are similar in size and diversity to those on the Great Barrier Reef. Our reefs have escaped much of the pollution and overfishing that has degraded other reefs around the world. However, rising ocean temperatures and coral bleaching are now threatening many of our reefs. In this talk, I will show how in the last 20 years coral bleaching has increasingly affected WA reefs, discuss the different patterns of bleaching between the north and the south of the state, and which of our reefs are healthiest and most degraded. I’ll also discuss some of the research aimed at helping reefs survive and adapt to climate change, and what is ultimately needed to save WA’s incredible coral reefs.'

Krista Nicholson- Peel-Harvey Estuary dolphins

‘The Peel-Harvey Estuary is identified as a dolphin live stranding hotspot in Western Australia. The estuary is occupied year-round by a socially, spatially and ecologically distinct community of dolphins. In this talk I will introduce you to these dolphins and their spectacular social and foraging behaviour. Among other things, you will learn about orphaned dolphins, the sinister consequence of wildlife entanglement and even a fascinating incident of mortuary practice.’

Jessica Kolbusz- Finding Lobster: the western rock lobster and where they go on in their first year of life

The western rock lobster is the most economically valuable single-species fishery in the whole of Australia. Decades of research on the species contributed to it becoming the first species in the world to achieve the international gold standard in sustainability with accreditation from the Marine Stewardship Council. Research has shown that the first 9 to 11 months of its life as a tiny phyllosoma, is spent thousands of kilometres offshore at the mercy of the open ocean. I’ll be discussing this early life-cycle, with a focus on the physical environment of the south-east Indian ocean and how it affects the lobster phyllosoma. I’ll also touch on what we still need to understand about this important species.

*AQWA Annual Membership Holders are FREE but must book a ticket to secure their seat and MUST show their valid membership card on the night. RAC discount does not apply to this event.

More about AMSA:

The Australian Marine Sciences Association Inc. (AMSA) is Australia's peak professional body for marine scientists from all disciplines and for over 50 years has promoted all aspects of marine science in Australia. AMSA operates with a membership network of individuals and corporate affiliates as a not-for-profit organisation. As well as operating nationally, AMSA has active branches in most States and Territories. Membership is open to professional marine scientists, students and corporate bodies engaged in marine research, policy or management. AMSA's mission is advancing marine science in Australia.