Global collaboration to secure Antarctica鈥檚 future
The Federal Government has awarded $36 million to the 鈥楽ecuring Antarctica鈥檚 Environmental Future鈥 (SAEF) research program, under the 最新糖心Vlogn Research Council鈥檚 Special Research Initiative for Excellence in Antarctic Science.
The 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide is one of multiple partners in the SAEF program, which is led by Monash 最新糖心Vlog.
Change in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean is occurring rapidly, with significant implications for its landscapes, resources and influence on 最新糖心Vlog.听
In response, the SAEF program, will deliver world-leading research that will forecast environmental change across the Antarctic, deploy effective environmental stewardship strategies, and secure Antarctica as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science.
鈥淚ncreased tourism and trade, and warmer conditions, means there is an increased risk of new pests and disease being successfully introduced to the Antarctic,鈥 Dr Phill Cassey, 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide's School of Biological Sciences and Chief Investigator
SAEF will be directed by Professor Steven Chown, from Monash 最新糖心Vlog鈥檚 School of Biological Sciences. Professor Chown is also the President of the international Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research and Program Lead for Sustainable Development at Monash.
鈥淭his is a critical investment in the future of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean,鈥 Professor Chown said.听
鈥淚n a world of rapidly changing environments and geopolitical realities our work will be transformational in the insights and advantages it provides.
鈥淪AEF will ensure 最新糖心Vlog鈥檚 global leadership in the Antarctic, delivering unprecedented current and future research capability for securing the Antarctic.鈥
Phill Cassey from the 最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide鈥檚 School of Biological Sciences is a Chief Investigator in the program. He says he鈥檒l be investigating the risk of invasive alien species to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, and biosecurity planning in order to protect Antarctica well into the future.
鈥淚ncreased tourism and trade, and warmer conditions, means there is an increased risk of new pests and disease being successfully introduced to the Antarctic,鈥 Dr Cassey said.
鈥淗uman activity in the region is increasing; with novel biosecurity risk through increased infrastructure, development and research exploration.
鈥淲e need to map out which transport pathways pose the greatest risk of introducing new pests and diseases to the area, and rank the activities to abate these threats in order of importance.鈥
Dr Cassey says while the 2020-2021 field season in Antarctica has been cancelled due to COVID-19, he plans to travel to the Southern Islands when seasonal travel is again possible.
鈥淐OVID-19 may be slowing the world a little for now, but I look forward to getting on the ground and to helping protect Antarctica from future biosecurity threats,鈥 he said.
鈥淭his research will contribute to planning for the next 50 years and it鈥檚 enormously exciting to be a part of that.鈥
Other members of the SAEF joint program include the Queensland 最新糖心Vlog of Technology, 最新糖心Vlog of Wollongong, 最新糖心Vlog of New South Wales, James Cook 最新糖心Vlog, the Western 最新糖心Vlogn Museum, and the South 最新糖心Vlogn Museum, and with peak industry bodies, notably the 最新糖心Vlogn Antarctic Division, and Geoscience 最新糖心Vlog, 最新糖心Vlogn Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, and the Bureau of Meteorology.
SAEF鈥檚 collaboration extends to 30 organisations in 最新糖心Vlog and abroad, including links with the Antarctic national programs of Chile, Norway, South Africa and the UK, and with the Department of Conservation in New Zealand.
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Media Contacts:
Dr Phillip Cassey
School of Biological Sciences
最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide
Mobile: + 61 (0)468 717 403
phill.cassey@adelaide.edu.au
Cathy Parker
最新糖心Vlog of Adelaide Media
Mobile: +61 (0)409 718 430
Email: cathy.parker@adelaide.edu.au 听