Research proposals on Rottnest Island
Call for research proposals on Rottnest Island – 2009 and beyond
The Rottnest Island Authority is inviting proposals from interested parties to conduct research within the Rottnest Island Marine and Terrestrial Reserve. Priority will be given to research which is in line with the current RIA Research Strategy, and which will assist the RIA in making informed decisions on its management of an ‘A’ Class Reserve.
Proposals are welcomed for potential projects, including Honours and Postgraduate student projects. Support offered by RIA for proposed projects may be both financial and in-kind (e.g. RIA staff time, terrestrial / marine transport, accommodation), up to the value of $5000.
Priority topics of interest to the RIA include but are not limited to:
- Environmental Planning – Effects of climate change on RIA assets, climate change adaptability,
- Ecotourism – Investigate current status, and opportunities for, Ecotourism and Ecotourism products.
- Visitor impacts on Rottnest Terrestrial / Marine Reserve
- Visitor risk management, fire management.
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS) – Investigation, mapping and recommendations for track and trail management within the RI Terrestrial Reserve.
- Park Services – Increase understanding of diversity of user / stakeholder groups, review / audit access and facility requirements in bays with a high concentration of moorings, develop an ecological asset management and works system.
- Habitat Protection
- Terrestrial – woodland restoration and effects on ground water recharge, native vegetation / weed distribution, re-establishment of damaged ecological processes.
- Inland Aquatic – wetland rehabilitation, effects of climate change on aquatic systems.
- Marine – impacts of new marine sanctuary zones, usage / impacts at dive and snorkel sites, monitoring and assessment of seagrass, impacts of moorings on seagrass, hyper-saline discharge from desalination plant.
- Flora / fauna – fauna population dynamics, fauna / flora relationships.
- Volunteer and Community Contribution
- Historic and Cultural Heritage Conservation.
The application closing date for a mid-year 2009 start is Friday 5th June 2009. Proposals for a Semester One 2010 start will be accepted until Friday October 30th 2009.
If you would like more information:
- please see the attached Rottnest Island Research Strategy
- contact Rosie Smith, Volunteer Coordinator on the details provided below for an informal discussion regarding your proposed research area of interest. Expressions of interest are to be submitted via email on the form attached.
Rottnest Island Research Studies application form (pdf 67.0KB)
For further information or to submit an application please contact:
Rian Caccianiga
+61 8 9372 9774
rian.caccianiga@rottnestisland.com