Junior researcher receives award

Empire Bay resident Mr Steve Lindfield has received an award for his research into the distribution and diversity of reef fish in the Port Stephens marine park.

The 22-year-old received the Gilbert P Whitley memorial award at the Australian Society for Fish Biology national conference in Canberra last month.

He has provided useful data for other scientists on the abundance of fish species in the Port Stephens marine park.

"The research project came at a good time," Mr Lindfield said.

"I was in need of a research topic and the Port Stephens marine park was looking for somebody to carry out research in the area."

Mr Lindfield attended Brisbane Water Secondary Collage and recently completed a bachelor of science with honours in marine science at the University of Newcastle.

He now plans to continue his work on research projects across the country.

"The reason I got into marine science was because I loved the water," Mr Lindfield said.

"I love diving, fishing and surfing.

"I have been around water all of my life and want it to stay that way."

The award was one of only two given to junior researchers at the national conference.

Clare Graham, 25 Oct 2007