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The science of oceanography - comparatively young in Australia - is undertaking a significant educational initiative bringing important oceanographic research findings to Western Australian schoolchildren.
A half day seminar on November 2 (part of professional development training for Western Australian biology, physics and geography teachers) will be taken by one of Australia's senior oceanographers, Mr Alan Pearce.
Mr Pearce, from the CSIRO Division of Oceanography based at the Marmion Marine Laboratories in Perth, said the seminar will introduce teachers to achievements by Australian oceanographers in understanding the ocean environment off Western Australia and its role in recruitment to some important commercial fisheries.
"Oceanography is a relatively new science in Australia and it is only in the last two decades with the aid of satellites that have we made considerable progress in understanding the relevance of currents and eddies to the fisheries of our State.
"For example, the Leeuwin Current (the dominant ocean current off Western Australia) plays an important role in recruitment to the rock lobster fishery, and there appear to be links with El Nino/Southern Oscillation phenomena as well.
"Essentially, the time has arrived where, with the assistance of science teachers, we can take these advances in our oceanographic research out to Australian schoolchildren" he said.
Mr Pearce has been a primary investigator of the Leeuwin Current since the early 1980's and his work, in collaboration with other oceanographic and fisheries researchers, has contributed to a bank of information about the Western Australian rock lobster fishery much envied by other Australian and international fisheries biologists.
He said teachers would be introduced to advances in understanding the uniqueness of the Leeuwin Current, the importance of satellite remote sensing for modern oceanographic studies, and the El Nino/Southern Oscillation phenomena.
The seminar is being co-ordinated by the Science Teachers Association of Western Australia (STAWA) as part of the Professional Development Program for secondary school science teachers.
For additional information, contact:
Mr Alan Pearce, CSIRO Oceanography
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