Distinguished Dugongs

James Cook University’s Dean of Graduate Research Studies and Professor of Environmental Science, Helene Marsh is a recipient of a 2008 Distinguished Service Award from the Society of Conservation Biology for her work in dugong conservation.

Professor Marsh has been working on the conservation biology of the dugong for more than 30 years. The dugong is a threatened species of high cultural value to Indigenous Australians. Her work has investigated many aspects of the challenge of dugong conservation in collaboration with researchers and research students in disciplines ranging from anthropology to zoology.

She has advised the governments of 11 countries and three Australian states about dugong conservation and in October 2007 was expert advisor to the Third meeting on Dugong Conservation and Management in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

“I was surprised and honoured to receive this award, as I did not know I had been nominated.

“The dugong is a threatened species with high cultural value to Indigenous Australians, so protecting the existing populations is important,” Professor Marsh said.

Professor Marsh is one of only five researchers in the world to be honoured with this award in 2008. The Society of Conservation Biology recognises organisations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing the science and practice of conserving the Earth’s biological diversity.

The award ceremony will be held in Tennessee, United States, in July as a part of the Society’s Annual General Meeting. Professor Marsh will be presenting some results from her research to her international colleagues at the meeting. Her presentation will discuss options for addressing the mismatch between the ecological and geopolitical scales of natural resource management,

Professor Marsh will also contribute to the Society’s newsletter with an article titled ‘Making a difference: bridging the gap between conservation science and real world outcomes’.

Issued: January 21, 2007

For more information please contact Jo Meehan, JCU Media on 47814586 or 0422543757