A New Zealand scientist has been awarded the Japan Prize, the world's highest accolade for ecological research.
Dr Keith Sainsbury, senior principal marine research scientist at the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation in Tasmania, received the prize for his efforts to conserve fisheries and marine ecosystems.
Educated at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, Dr Sainsbury has worked with the CSIRO in Hobart since 1977.
Dr Sainsbury said the award recognised his emphasis on understanding and managing fisheries and other human uses of marine ecosystems.
"We need to look at our fisheries as just one element of the marine environment, and sustainably manage the combination of all the human uses of the marine environment - uses in the catchments, on the coasts and in the oceans.
"This is what is necessary for truly sustainable development and continued enjoyment of our coasts and marine environment by future generations."
Dr Sainsbury is also chairman of the technical advisory board of the London-based Marine Stewardship Council, which assesses the sustainability of fishery resources and gives an EcoLabel to fisheries that pass - including New Zealand hoki - so consumers can recognise sustainable seafood products.
Recently Dr Sainsbury, 53, headed a research team to develop and apply the scientific basis for multiple-use planning and management of marine ecosystems in Australia's exclusive economic zone.
The research team was also responsible for scientific input which resulted in the declaration of large marine protected areas around Macquarie Island and off southern Tasmania.
- NZPA
Herald Feature: Conservation and Environment
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