About Us

The Oceania Chondrichthyan Society (OCS) was founded in 2005 and is a joint venture between Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands (American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna Islands).

The OCS is an international non-profit organisation created ‘To promote and facilitate the advancement of the scientific study of chondrichthyan fishes (sharks, skates, rays, and chimaeras), the promotion of education, conservation, and sustainable utilisation of natural resources, and to provide a medium for the exchange of information and ideas among those studying chondrichthyan fishes.’

To achieve the above charter, the OCS will:

• Define the study of chondrichthyan fishes to include fields of research (including biology, ecology, physiology, taxonomy and systematics, genetics, habitats and fisheries), management or education relating to Chondrichthyes;
• Promote global study of Chondrichthyes, with particular focus on Oceania nations;
• Promote a friendly, relaxed, egalitarian and welcoming atmosphere for members and those interested in the study of Chondrichthyes;
• Promote discussion and workshops on topics of relevance and interest to enhance excellence in chondrichthyan studies;
• Encompass the professional interests of all members;
• Promote the profile of chondrichthyan fish research to relevant agencies an the wider community;
• Provide independent advice and information on relevant issues;
• Promote the use of fish research in sustainable natural resource management;
• Provide links to other relevant organisations; and
• Provide access to expertise on chondrichthyan fishes and their fisheries, facilitate professional networks and assist with career development.

The current Exectuive Council is composed of:

President	Dr. Will White	CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research	Email
Vice-President	Dr. Michelle Heupel	James Cook University	Email
Secretary	Ms. Lindsay Marshall	University of Queensland	Email
Treasurer	Dr. Susan Theiss	University of Queensland	Email

The current Council is composed of the Excutive Council and:
- Andrew Chin
- Dave Ebert
- Malcolm Francis
- Christine Dudgeon
- Lorenz Frick
- Adrian Gutteridge
- Al Harry
- Charlie Huveneers
- Sarah Irvine
- Lenore Litherland
- Pete Kyne
- Kathy Townsend
- Michelle Treloar

The OCS promotes exchange of information and ideas through a regular Newsletter and conference, the OCS website and an electronic discussion list.

All available information about the OCS can be found within these web pages. Please do not hesitate to contact the Secretary if you have any further enquiries.

The OCS constitution can be found here