Scubaism

The University of Queensland’s Centre for Marine Studies this month welcomes 12 scholarship winners from Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Fiji, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines to study sustainable reef management.

Chair of the Centre of Excellence, Professor Hoegh-Guldberg said the scholarship program, which is part of a global initiative aimed at developing solutions to the problems facing the world’s reefs, would teach the South-East Asian and Pacific Islander participants skills they could take back to their countries.

“Despite their importance, reefs face threats from a range of sources – many of which can be addressed through management of reef systems,” Professor Hoegh-Guldberg said.

“The problem, however, is that most of these countries do not have the resources to train the next generation of reef scientists and managers.

“This event is important in that it brings together young scientists, coral reef managers and students to train with young Australians to better understand coral reefs and hence prepare to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

During the scholarship program, participants will learn about tropical marine invertebrates, marine neurobiology and coastal resource management and include topics such as climate change and the health of coral reefs.

Participants will study in UQ’s world-class teaching facilities, and will be given the opportunity to spend time at the University’s premier research stations in Moreton Bay and the Great Barrier Reef as well as form networks with marine experts.