FISHY STORY HOOKS PRIZE

Embargoed until 11.30am Tuesday 31 October 2000

A story by James Cook University postgraduate student, Jacob Kritzer, about the age and breeding habits of coral reef fish today won the $1,000 CRC Reef Research Centre Ltd Marine Science Journalism Prize for 2000.

The yellow spotted surgeon fish will outlive an elephant and survive for up to 70 years on the reef, says Mr Kritzer in his story "How old is that fish? Biologists discover that the diversity of coral reef fish is more than skin deep."

"The tiny decorated goby which skirts about the base of coral reefs will be lucky to see its first birthday before becoming a meal for a lizard fish", says Mr Kritzer in his winning story. "Yet nearby the similarly-sized lemon damsel fish can live for a decade or more."

Marah Hardt, a JCU marine biology student, was highly commended for her story about sharks on the Great Barrier Reef. Sharks are about 450 million years old, there are over 350 species and yet little is known about which species and how many live in reef waters. Her story calls for more research to address this lack of information and better manage these ancient predators on the reef.

Michelle Bell, a JCU journalism student, was highly commended for her story about a mathematical wave model developed by JCU researcher, Dr Tom Hardy. The model predicts worst possible scenarios for waves on the reef. It will help locate pontoons on the reef to avoid wave damage.

The annual competition was open to JCU students and sponsored by CRC Reef Research Centre Ltd. It encourages professional communication by tertiary students about marine science issues. The stories were judged on their originality, newsworthiness, presentation, accuracy, research and style.

The prize was announced and presented by Ms Bernie Hobbs, broadcaster and online science writer with ABC Science Unit, at Reef HQ, Flinders St, Townsville at 11.00am on Tuesday 31 October. The Honourable Virginia Chadwick, Chair of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, and Dr Peter Isdale, Acting Director of the Australian Institute of Marine Science, both Board members of CRC Reef Research Centre Ltd spoke briefly.

A new fabric display by Christine Spain, local fabric artist, was also launched.

Interviews at 11.30am at Reef HQ on Tuesday 31 October. For more information: Dr Louise Goggin, Communication Coordinator, CRC Reef on 07 4729 8404 or 0402 243116