Marine scientists from the new Arafua Timor Research Facility next to the Charles Darwin University campus will detail key research projects in a public forum on September 25.
The ATRF has become a major centre for research into marine life, fish stocks, the environmental impact of recreational fishing and even the effects of illegal fishing in Australian waters since it was officially opened last year.
Scientists are using a range of high-tech equipment in their projects, including a genetic sequencing analyzer which is used for mapping DNA.
A stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer, or SIRMS, is expected to come on stream later this year.
The SIRMS uses stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur to track the transfer of these elements in the environment.
ATRF is a joint venture between the Australian Institute of Marine Science in Townsville and the Australian National University in Canberra, with close collaborative and cooperative links with Charles Darwin University.
ATRF chief executive Stuart Fitch says the forum will be the first opportunity for scientists to talk publicly about their important marine science research.
“The facility plays host to a range of researchers, with an impressive array of high-tech analytical equipment now at their disposal,” he says.
“Such equipment means key research can be conducted in the Territory, rather than being sent south.”
Among the projects to be detailed will be research into the whale shark, the targeting of jewfish by local fishermen and shark catches by illegal fishermen.
The free forum is at the Mal Nairn lecture theatre on the Charles Darwin University from 9am. There will be Open House at ATRF next to the CDU campus from 4.45pm.
Media inquiries:
About the forum and the facilities: Stuart Fitch CEO ATRF 08 8920 9277.
About scientific research
Dr Mark Meekan, AIMS Scientist in Charge on 8920 9240.
Professor Karen Edyvane, Principal Scientist, Marine Group, Natural Resources Environment and The Arts on 8920 9261
Good visual material is available for television journalists.