Department of Primary Industries News Release - Wednesday 21 August 2002

World Aquatic Protected Area Congress Draws Closer

Cairns will be the capital of fish and fisheries management and scientific expertise later this month, as two significant events uniting world research leaders get underway. 

The Australian Society for Fish Biology is hosting the World Aquatic Protected Areas Congress from August 14 to 17. As well as the Congress, the 500 members of the Society for Fish Biology will run its annual conference concurrently in a packed program. Both events will be held at the Cairns Convention Centre.

The Congress will be officially opened by Queensland Primary Industries minister Henry Palaszczuk.

Congress delegates will hear how unique and sensitive aquatic areas are being managed and protected around the globe, as well as how scientists are determining their importance and influencing the survival of these ecosystems.

Australian Society for Fish Biology president John Koehn said topics raised at the Congress would provide some of the world’s best science in management of Aquatic Protected Areas both in marine and freshwaters.

“The Society is the principal professional society for researchers, managers and students interested in the fish and fisheries of the Australasian region. The Society was founded in 1971 with the intention of promoting fish studies and exchange of information between fish biologists in a relaxed but effective manner.

“The Society also sees real value in hosting a Congress which brings together the various parties – government, industry and community groups – that have an interest in declaration and management of Aquatic Protected Areas.

“This year’s annual ASFB conference promises to be a special one because of the many international delegates who will be presenting their studies at the Congress. These are sure to provide food for thought and fodder for discussion,” he said.

“The Society’s conference will cover a wide range of topics fundamental fish biology and these will complement the Congress Theme of ‘What works best and How do we know?” The combination of the national conference with the international congress provides and excellent opportunity for Australian researchers, students and managers to interact with keynote international experts from around the world.  This will make a major contribution to our natural resource management in these areas.”

Department of Primary Industries Media Unit

For More Information:

Geoff Donaghy
Managing Director
Cairns Convention Centre
Telephone: 07-4042 4200
Facsimile: 07-4052 1152
Email:  gdonaghy@cairnsconvention.com.au