Marine scientists from the new Arafura Timor Research Facility on
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 Charles Darwin University, the
Australian Institute of Marine Science in Townsville and the
Australian National University in Canberra.
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, shark catches by
illegal fishermen and the impact of the expansion of the Gove alumina
refinery on fish stocks.
The free forum is at the Mal Nairn lecture theatre on the Charles
Darwin University from 9am. There will be 0pen House at ATRF on the
CDU campus from 4.45pm.
Media Contacts:
About the forum and the facilities:
Stuart Fitch, CEO ATRF
Phone:
08 8920 9277
About scientific research:
Dr Mark Meekan, scientist in charge
Phone:
08 8920 9240
Good visual material is available for television journalists.
