June 2005
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Making sense of science - sensitively
To communicate research results effectively in the Torres Strait, CRC Torres Strait researchers need to be prepared to use techniques not normally used by academics. Ms Bryony Barnett and Dr Annabel Jones reviewed different protocols and guidelines for researchers working in the Torres Strait at a workshop on Thursday Island in March. It was agreed that specific protocols need to be identified and respected for each island community before researchers visit. Each research task has to be treated on a case-by-case basis, depending on the sensitivities of the research. Workshop participants included CRC Torres Strait researchers, Traditional Owners from Hammond Island, and representatives from Torres Strait Regional Authority, Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and James Cook University. They compared the merits of different communication tools, such as workshops, interactive activities, printed feedback sheets, brochures and posters, to communicate with Torres Strait Islanders, managers and other interested parties. Case studies from current research projects showed that researchers are already ‘thinking outside the square’, adopting some innovative techniques to communicate their science. After the workshop, Annabel and Bryony met with staff from AFMA and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service to hear about successful communication and education tools used by resource managers working in the Torres Strait. After the visit to Thursday Island, Bryony and Annabel flew to Masig (Yorke Island), in the Eastern Group to join Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) researchers Dr Alan Duckworth and Mr Carsten Wolff, to help raise community awareness about their sponge aquaculture project. Mr Tony Whybird, principal of Masig State School, and staff welcomed the team to conduct a program of sponge activities with the school children. For two days, children from the primary grades enjoyed learning about sponges as animals and ‘super suckers’. They looked at sponge spicules under a microscope donated by AIMS, and used sponges to powder their noses and paint colourful patterns. Children from Grades 5-7 met the two AIMS scientists and donned SCUBA gear as part of their discussion about growing sea sponges in the waters around Masig. The excitement of the children, and positive feedback from the teachers confirmed that science IS fun, and that there’s more to a sponge than meets the eye. For more information, contact Annabel Jones, James Cook University, annabel.jones@jcu.edu.au |
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PO Box 772 Townsville
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