Forthcoming events
AMSA Conference
Sunday 5th until Thursday 9th of July 2009
Adelaide Convention Centre
Adelaide, South Australia
Several symposiums will be taking place during the AMSA Conference including one on high trophic level predators:
Marine connectivity and high trophic level predators Description of the symposium
High trophic level predator species (marine mammals, seabirds, reptiles, sharks and fish) often range over broad areas or are migratory and therefore have the potential to interact with many different types of marine ecosystems (coastal, shelf, oceanic). Their distribution, abundance and foraging behaviour is often tightly associated with proximity to oceanographic hot-spots such as upwelling regions and frontal zones. Advances in tracking technology are increasing our understanding of the foraging behaviour and habitats of these predator species. In addition, increased knowledge of the diets of these species has also improved our understanding of their functional role in marine ecosystems and the top-down affects they may have on lower trophic levels. The broad distribution of many of these predator species mean they often occur over multiple jurisdictions, can be impacted by a range of human activities; predisposing them to cumulative impacts. Collectively, these factors pose significant challenges for scientists and protected species managers. This symposium aims to bring together marine scientists who share similar challenges with marine connectivity and high trophic level predators, particularly in the areas of foraging behaviour, trophodynamics and conservation and management.
Please got to the AMSA website www.amsaconference.com.au for confrence information and registration.