Effects of the Kaikoura quakes on coastal marine systems

UC Connect public lecture on the effects of the Kaikoura quakes on coastal marine systems:

Cataclysm and resilience in marine ecosystems

Coastal marine systems are increasingly assaulted by multiple stressors, both natural and human-induced. Recent earthquakes have made major changes to marine ecosystems, as has been seen on the Kaikoura coastline of the South Island. How do marine systems respond and recover from cataclysmic upheaval and other impacts? How resilient are New Zealand marine ecosystems?

In the first free UC Connect public lecture of 2017, University of Canterbury Distinguished Professor David Schiel will share his perspectives on the research, science and problems surrounding management of the coastal zone, from kelp forests and microscopic scales, to ecological function and diversity.

Professor Schiel has studied the marine environment for decades and is widely acknowledged as one of New Zealand’s pre-eminent marine scientists. He has worked on a wide range of topics in marine science, with internationally recognised contributions in aquaculture, fisheries, kelp forest ecology and the functioning of nearshore ecosystems.

Professor Schiel is one of the architects of the New Zealand Government’s National Science Challenge Sustainable Seas, a long-term initiative to solve important marine management problems. Last year he was awarded the University of Canterbury’s 2016 Research Medal, presented annually for a sustained record of research of the highest quality.

UC Connect public lecture: Cataclysm and resilience in marine ecosystems, 7pm on Wednesday 1 March at the University of Canterbury.

Register to attend at: www.canterbury.ac.nz/ucconnect

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