Original story by Matthew Kelly, Newcastle Herald
OUT OF WATER: Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson and research scientist Dr Nick Otway examine a whaler shark at Port Stephens Fisheries Institute. Photo: Natalie Grono
A $1.2 MILLION extension to Port Stephens Fisheries Institute's tank and aquaria system will allow it to expand its world-leading marine research projects.
The new works were officially opened yesterday.
The institute is a multi-disciplinary centre with staff from five divisions in primary industries.
Its units include science and research, aquaculture, conservation and marine parks, fisheries compliance and biosecurity.
Current research projects are being undertaken in the habitat of the Eastern King prawn, Sydney rock oysters and threatened sharks.
Three of the four fisheries research leaders are based at Port Stephens, as well as the Director of Fisheries Research, Bob Creese, and the executive director of Fisheries NSW, Geoff Allan.
"This enhancement of the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute is great news for the region and the international marine community," Port Stephens MP Craig Baumann said.
Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson said Fisheries NSW now had a critical mass of scientists and managers based at Port Stephens.
"These staff are leading the field and specialising in aquaculture and aquatic ecosystems research and aquatic biosecurity," she said.
"Scientists at the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute are involved in a number of internationally renowned research projects and enjoy a stand-alone reputation as the best in their field."
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