Students study marine environment

Albany’s coastline was an underwater classroom for a large group of Perth marine science students during an annual field trip last week.

Some 65 University of WA students spent the week studying contemporary coastal issues as part of their undergraduate studies.

UWA lecturer Dr Renae Hovey said the field trip, which has been coming to Albany since 2009, offered students hands-on experience in field research techniques.

Groups examined fish populations in Albany port waters, invasive marine species on artificial structures in Princess Royal Harbour and learnt how water quality affected oyster and mussel farming operations.

Students also assessed the impact of different kinds of anchors on three types of seagrass meadows in Princess Royal Harbour, and evaluated the buffering effect seagrass had on wave energy, which could be used to protect the coastline from erosion.

Dr Hovey said Albany was the “perfect place” to study marine ecosystems.

“It has nice sheltered harbours where it’s safe for lots of students to work and the community in general in Albany are very welcoming,” she said.

“The fact that Albany has such a rich maritime history — it’s quite nice to get the students down there to see that.

“We always have lots of interaction with people and a lot of knowledge is retained in the community.”