An international ecologist, author and academic is visiting UWA Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource Management in Albany throughout February and March

Professor Robert Naiman presented a public lecture as part of the UWA Albany Skywest Lecture Series on his research examining ecological processes in rivers and floodplains of the North American coastal rainforests and the savannas of southern Africa.

While at CENRM Professor Naiman has also presented to UWA students enrolled in the Ecosystem Restoration class who were in Albany for ten days of intensive classes and field work.

CENRM academic staff will work with Professor Naiman to develop ideas around the broad theme of developing adaptation strategies for southwestern Australia's unique biodiversity under impact from climate change.

Professor Naiman is a professor in the College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences and the UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Rivers at the University of Washington.

His current research interests revolve around marine-derived nutrients delivered via migrating Pacific salmon and their effects on riparian vegetation, as well as the environmental consequences of changing water regimes. His underlying philosophy is that effective decisions are founded on a balance of environmental and cultural principles.

"It is very exciting for CENRM staff to be able to engage directly with a leading academic such as Professor Naiman", said Professor Peter Davies, Director of CENRM.

"We hope to be able to have Bob regularly visit UWA and Albany over the next few years", he said.

Media references

Randall Jasper (Centre of Excellence in NRM) (+61 8) 9842 0848