Carnarvon SHS recognised for preserving the marine environment

17/3/97

Students from Carnarvon Senior High School were today officially recognised for their ongoing contribution to preserving the marine environment.

The school's marine science project, which commenced in August 1995 and involved an extensive study of in-shore fish communities in the Carnarvon-Shark Bay area, was hailed as a benchmark study and today received further funding.

The Carnarvon project is a demonstration project of the National Fishcare Program (soon to replaced by the Fisheries Action Program).

The $7,500 additional funding was announced by Federal Resources Minister Senator Warwick Parer and WA Fisheries Minister Monty House in Perth today (Monday March 17).

Senator Parer was in Perth to launch the new $9.75 million national Fisheries Action Program and present $104,500 in Fishcare funding for Western Australian fisheries protection initiatives.

Mr House said initiatives such as the Carnarvon High School project were playing a key part in the enhancement and protection of WA's fisheries and marine habitats.

"The award-winning Carnarvon High School project is a shining example of how the community can directly contribute to the protection and enhancement of the marine habitat," Mr House said.

The project was initiated by teachers Duncan and Tracey Brothers.

To date the students have identified, weighed and measured thousands of local fish, with one of the most important scientific outcomes from the project being the discovery of the first juvenile tailor in Shark Bay. Prior to the project there was no data available on the growth or abundance of tailor in the State's north.

The students also identified more than 80 species of marine organisms and collated 12 months of biological and environmental data.

The Minister said the project provided students with an invaluable opportunity to practise a range of scientific procedures, including the construction of project equipment.

Results will continue to be presented to the local community, with students travelling to Perth to share their findings with the Fisheries Department of WA. Students have also established an Internet Web site to help share their new-found knowledge.

The Minister said up to 200 people were expected to be directly involved in the 10 projects, from high school and tertiary students to Aboriginal communities, universities, environmental groups, scientific representatives and Government agencies.

"The State Government believes that community involvement is one of the most effective ways of ensuring both the care and responsible long-term use of fish stocks and the preservation of natural habitats," the Minister said.

"For this to be achieved and for our fisheries to remain the envy of much of the world, it is essential that we as a community take a practical and proactive approach to the management of this valuable resource for present and future generations."

The new national program builds on Fishcare WA which was launched by Mr House in December 1995.

The Fishcare WA program works with smaller community-based initiatives while the national program broadens to include a variety of major research and development projects.

To date, 17 projects throughout the State have been funded by the Fishcare WA program.

The Minister said the State and national fisheries protection programs had already generated an excellent response and he welcomed further community support and involvement with the programs.

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell (09) 481 2044