Dr. Dirk Zeller, lead of the Sea Around Us – Indian Ocean node. Photo by Valentina Ruiz Leotaud
We are proud to announce that Dr. Dirk Zeller, Senior Scientist and the Executive Director of the Sea Around Us has been appointed as Professor of Marine Conservation at the University of Western Australia (UWA), a new position created at the UWA School of Biological Sciences and the UWA Oceans Institute. Dr. Zeller’s appointment supports the establishment of the Sea Around Us – Indian Ocean node at UWA.
Establishment of a Sea Around Us – Indian Ocean node at UWA reflects the importance of this region to global ocean conservation. Indian Ocean Rim countries are home to approximately 30 per cent of the world’s population with many of their citizens highly dependent on the ocean for their livelihoods and wellbeing. Dr. Zeller joins a growing group of UWA marine and ocean scientists focusing on the Indian Ocean.
UWA’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Robyn Owens said Dr. Zeller’s appointment strengthened UWA’s partnership with the University of British Columbia.
“This role will create exciting opportunities for global collaboration, exchange, training, and capacity-building between our two universities,” Professor Owens said.
The Sea Around Us Principal Investigator, Dr. Daniel Pauly, said marine conservation issues within the Indian Ocean are often poorly understood.
“The new node elevates fisheries and marine conservation issues and expands and enhances Sea Around Us activities globally,” Professor Pauly added.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Canada: Valentina Ruiz Leotaud (v.ruizleotaud@oceans.ubc.ca); Sea Around Us Media and Outreach Officer | +1-604.827.3164
Australia: David Stacey (david.stacey@uwa.edu.au) UWA Media and PR Manager | +618.6488 3229 / +61 432 637 716