July 27th 2006

Many species of marine life in our oceans are under threat or face extiction from commercial and recreational fishing. Yet millions of people daily rely on seafood just to survive. How will science, industry and government combine to ensure this rich source of life, food and income is preserved for future generations?

In this free public lecture, UTS marine researcher David Booth will give an urgent report card on the health of our marine species and discuss current debate on Australia's newest marine parks. Marine Stewardship Council co-presenter Duncan Leadbitter will share the significant progress being made to create a sustainable global seafood industry.

Professor David Booth
Marine ecologist David Booth has over 20 years experience researching temperate and tropical waters. His interests are in recruitment of young fishes into adult fist stocks, the ecology of threatened fishes, the role of ocean currents in fish distributions and the effects of pollutants on fish health. David is especially concerned with water catchment management and marine protected areas, and sits on the Port Stephens Marine Park Advisory Committee.

Duncan Leadbitter
Duncan Leadbitter's 20-year career has led him to create management plans for protected areas and initiatives for the protection and rehabilitation of important fish habitats such as mangroves and seagrasses in New South Wales. He has worked with fishermen to improve fishing methods and reduce impacts and in 2000 joined the Marine Stewardship Council - international fisheries certification and labeling body. He is today MSC Asia/Pacific Director.

Resources

• flyer (PDF 52k)
• presentation slides - David Booth (PDF 15.8MB)
• presentation slides - Duncan Leadbitter (PDF 384k)
• audio recording (MP3 28.5MB)

UTSPEAKS: is a free public lecture series presented by UTS experts discussing a range of important issues confronting contemporary Australia