In the lead up to our Annual Marine Science Forum on the 2nd and 3rd of May, we will feature a post about each of the scientists presenting this year.

This week we would like to introduce you to:

Prof Natalie Moltschaniwskyj

Associate Professor Marine Science, University of Newcastle

Forum presentation: Climate Change in the Marine Environment: Moving home in a huff

Most fish just want to live a comfy life. Each has a range of conditions, such as water temperatures and pH, in which they prefer to live. So it’s no surprise when studies show some fish are packing up shop and migrating towards the poles – to cooler waters – in response to warming oceans. What the available research is showing – along with observations from fishers and divers – is that some marine species are extending their distributions into cooler waters; while others simply disappear from a region when things get too hot at home.

Bio

Prof Natalie Moltschaniwskyj is an Associate Professor of Marine Science at the University of Newcastle. She has more than 20 years research experience in the field of marine ecology, with research expertise in the biology and ecology of shellfish, squid and fish.  Prof Moltschaniwskyj has worked in a range of marine environments from the warm tropical waters of the northern Great Barrier Reef to the cold waters of Antarctic.  She has a strong track record of collaborative research with aquaculture and wild harvest industries, with a demonstrated impact on management and policy.  Evidence of an impact of research is provided by more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and 15 industry focused publications supported by more than a $2 million in competitive research funding, including Fisheries Research Development Council and Australian Research Council (Industry Linked) funding.