SCU Media Releases

High school students get a head start into University

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Southern Cross University has welcomed the first group of senior high school students who are embarking on their tertiary studies through a new and innovative program, SCU Head-Start.

SCU Head-Start has been designed to give exceptional Years 11 and 12 students across the University's footprint, from Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast, the opportunity to complete a unit of university study while still at school.

Students who successfully complete the program will be offered a place in a select number of Southern Cross University courses and receive advanced standing.

This week the SCU Head-Start students attended a tailored pre-Orientation session on campus. Next week they will take part in Orientation activities alongside other first year University students.

Danielle Fisher, project officer for SCU Head-Start and an experienced secondary school teacher, said 49 students were starting their studies this session.

"We are excited to be welcoming the first cohort of SCU Head-Start students to the University this year."

Applications for 2012 exceeded expectations. Of the 96 senior high school students applying for a position from more than 30 secondary schools and colleges, 54 offers were made.

"We were impressed by the number of students applying for the program as well as the level of academic excellence displayed in the applications," Ms Fisher said.

"The application process was competitive and those students who have been successful now have the opportunity to challenge themselves academically.

"It's pleasing to see such a high standard of students emerging from our local high schools."

SCU Head-Start has been designed to fit in with most high school timetables. Two units of study are available through the program, with each unit mapping to a variety of undergraduate degrees. The program is exempt of University fees.

Photo: (left to right) 16-year-old Nada van Kempen who's in Year 11 at Ballina High; Year 11 student Sonny Thomas, 16, from Trinity Catholic College; and Ballina High Year 12 student Ellyssa McGinley, 17, have been selected for the SCU Head-Start program.

Media contact: Sharlene King, media officer, Southern Cross University Lismore, 02 6620 3508 or 0429 661 349.

Researchers study the impacts of flood events on greenhouse gas emissions

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1100

As communities across Australia's eastern states clean up after recent heavy rain and flooding, Southern Cross University researchers are testing the waters to understand what drives the de-oxygenation of rivers and estuaries that follows in the wake of flood events.

Damien Maher, a post doctoral fellow, and Dr Isaac Santos, a senior lecturer, both with the University's Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry Research, are investigating the effect of the current flood event on the carbon cycle, with a particular focus on the Richmond River estuary located on the New South Wales North Coast.

"The run off from these flood events delivers a lot of nutrients from the catchment to the estuary and we know the potential for a fish kill is high. We're wondering how these events influence greenhouse gas emissions from estuaries," said Mr Maher said.

"We want to understand how much carbon delivered to the estuary is released to the atmosphere and how much is buried and sequestered for long term storage."

"Like many estuaries the Richmond River catchment has significant areas of acid sulphate soils. Our preliminary findings indicate that the carbon dioxide concentrations in these waters are among the highest ever measured."

Mr Maher said one hypothesis under investigation is that water draining from acid sulphate soils drives the de-oxygenation of estuarine water and an associated release of carbon dioxide.

"Anecdotally fish kill events occurred prior to development of the catchment but development has certainly exacerbated the problem," he said.

"When the land was forested water on the floodplain was retained and released slowly into the main estuary, giving organic material a long time to break down. Now land clearing and the construction of extensive drain systems enable water that's very low in oxygen to be rapidly delivered back into the river."

Researchers from the Centre for Coastal Biogeochemistry Research expect to be conducting tests on the Richmond River for six weeks, taking water samples at a fixed station and doing surveys at 15 sites extending from the river mouth at Ballina to just beyond Broadwater.

Radon concentrations are also being measured. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that alerts researchers to groundwater.

"Radon is a good groundwater tracer because it is naturally high in groundwater while being low in surface water," says Dr Isaac Santos, who recently brought radon technology to Australia.

"By monitoring concentrations of radon along the estuary we will be able to determine the role of groundwater in estuarine de-oxygenation and greenhouse gas emissions."

This research is funded by grants by the Hermon Slade Foundation and the Australian Research Council.

Photo: Damien Maher testing water samples in the laboratory.

Media contact: Sharlene King, media officer, Southern Cross University Lismore, 02 6620 3508 or 0429 661 349.

Southern Cross University rejects complementary medicine claims

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Southern Cross University has rejected claims by the self-named group Friends of Science in Medicine that complementary medicine should not be taught in Australian universities.

Southern Cross University offers majors in naturopathy and complementary medicine as part of the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences degree, which also provides a pathway into graduate medicine, dietetics and physiotherapy. It is offered alongside traditional health studies.

Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee said the University was proud of the quality of the naturopathic studies and complementary medicine majors offered within the degree.

"The rigour of our teaching, the qualifications of our staff and the quality of our graduates are the best defence against such generalised condemnation of a field in which we have set the highest standards," Professor Lee said.

"Universities provide increased academic standards with transparent processes and educational quality assurance that leads to higher standards of education. In turn this will ensure a much greater level of regulation and professionalism with the industry."

Dean of Health and Head of the School of Health and Human Sciences Professor Iain Graham said the School worked with professional associations to design and deliver contemporary courses that meet the demands of a growing health industry.

"The Australian public are actively seeking these types of treatments, therefore we take seriously our commitment to provide appropriate education in areas of real community need.

"Of course you need evidence, both empirical and experience, to justify any practices and we welcome any scrutiny of education practices," Professor Graham said.

In the past 15 years Southern Cross University has contributed to two comprehensive reviews of complementary medicines.

Both reviews, the 2005 Victorian health department review on Naturopathy and Western Herbal Medicine and the 1996 Traditional Chinese Medicine joint review by the Victorian, NSW and Queensland health departments, supported the movement of those professions into a university setting to increase educational standards.

Photo: Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Lee.

Media contact: Brigid Veale, Southern Cross University, head of Communications and Publications, 02 66593006 or 0439 680 748.

Call for anglers to join mangrove jack study

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Recreational anglers are being invited to help Southern Cross University researchers learn more about the habits of the iconic mangrove jack.

PhD student Toby Piddocke from the University's National Marine Science Centre based at Coffs Harbour is using acoustic telemetry to follow the movements of mangrove jack in Northern New South Wales and is offering fishers a gift voucher to the value of $50 for each the first 20 live specimens donated to the study.

The research is funded by the NSW Saltwater Recreational Fishing Trust.

At this stage, the research team is seeking live fish from the NSW North Coast locations of Deep Creek (near Valla) and the Clarence River.

"The use of acoustic tags will enable us to track the jacks over a two-year period," Toby said.

"We're particularly interested in seeing whether they move from estuaries to offshore reefs once they reach maturity. As well as that, we're interested in seeing how jacks move around within an estuary. For example, where they spend the day as opposed to the night, and where they go on high tide versus low tide."

Mangrove jack (Lutjanus argentimaculatus) are found in estuaries, coastal swamps and rivers across northern Australia, stretching from Northern NSW into Queensland, the Northern Territory and down to Shark Bay in Western Australia.

Toby said that southern mangrove jack possess some unique characteristics that make them highly prized by recreational anglers.

"In North Queensland estuaries mangrove jack are relatively abundant but their average size is fairly small, around 45 centimetres. However in southern estuaries, between Coffs Harbour and the Queensland border, they tend to be fewer in number but considerably larger, up to about 60 centimetres and three kilograms in weight," he said.

The research will determine whether the size difference might reflect longer inshore residence times by adult fish.

"Not only does the size of mangrove jack in Northern NSW waters make them popular with anglers but they're seen as being really challenging. They're elusive and when you do snare one it puts up a good fight," said Toby.

In addition to the tagging component of the research, mangrove jack frames (filleted skeletons with head and guts intact) are also being sought to study the age, growth, diet and reproduction of the species.

The outcomes of the research will be used to help ensure the long term viability of the recreational mangrove jack fishery in Northern NSW.

Anglers interested in taking part in the research can find out more information by contacting Toby Piddocke at the National Marine Science Centre on 02 6648 3900 or via email mangrovejackresearch@gmail.com

Photo: Toby Piddocke measuring a mangrove jack.

Media contact: Sharlene King, media officer, Southern Cross University Lismore, 02 6620 3508 or 0429 661 349.

Georgia ready to dive into the deep end

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Ballina's Georgia Quinn has decided to study one of her passions at Southern Cross University this year.

Georgia, who completed her Higher School Certificate at Xavier Catholic College, Skennars Head, in 2011, has accepted an offer to study a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science. She has also received an SCU scholarship.

Sport, in particular running and swimming, is a major passion for the 18-year-old but playing the piano and music run a close second.

Georgia scored 94.85 in her ATAR results and selected Southern Cross University as her first preference citing the accessible location as one of her main reasons for studying at SCU.

"I didn't really want to leave home and this way I can keep living in Ballina and travel to Lismore for uni," she said.

"Also, my brother went to SCU and he had a great time, he really enjoyed it. I've also gone to a few study days at Lismore and the facilities are up to date."

Being able to stay at home and study will also mean Georgia can continue working for her father, Francis, who runs learn to swim, stroke correction and squad training at the Ballina Memorial Pool.

In the meantime, the talented teenager is preparing to head to Sydney for Encore , an annual showcase of high-performing HSC music students. Georgia scored 97 out of 100 for music in the HSC.

"I was just so happy with my HSC marks," she said.

"I was hoping to get about 85 so I'm very happy, but I also worked very hard every day to get there. I was really determined to do well to achieve the best score I could.

"A lot of my friends are moving away for uni and I don't know that many people at SCU, which will be very different to school because we were pretty close knit. But I'm kind of excited about meeting new people."

While Georgia selected Southern Cross University as her first preference, there is still time for other students to change their preferences despite main round offers having been issued for both NSW and Queensland tertiary institutions.

Changing preferences once an offer round is completed enables an applicant to compete for a different place at university, especially if they are still undecided about the course or destination that is right for them.

For UAC, the next round of offers will be Wednesday February 1, with the change of preferences closing on January 25. The last round will be finalised on February 8, with the change of preferences closing on February 2.

For QTAC, the next and last round of offers is February 9, with the change of preferences needed to be completed by February 2. Further information on changing preferences is available on the UAC and QTAC websites listed below. If an applicant proceeds with an offer and changes their mind once they get to Southern Cross University they can lodge an application to 'Course transfer'.

Meanwhile, Southern Cross University is gearing up for orientation which marks the beginning of university life for new students. Orientation activities, including campus tours and social events, are designed to smooth the transition into university and provide information for students to fully prepare themselves for the start of classes.

Orientation activities at Southern Cross University start from February 15 and run for three weeks across the three campuses, allowing all students the opportunity to engage in important academic support sessions. For all orientation schedules head to www.scu.edu.au/orientation

UAC change of preference information
www.uac.edu.au/undergraduate/faq/change-preference.shtml
You can't change preferences by phone or fax, it must be done online

QTAC change of preference information
www.qtac.edu.au/Applying-Current/changepref.html
Change of Preferences can only be done through 'Current Applicant Online Services'

Photo: Georgia Quinn.

Media contact: Steve Spinks, media officer, Southern Cross University Gold Coast and Tweed Heads, 07 5589 3024 or 0417 288 794.

Expressions of interest needed for student accommodation

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1100

As more than 6000 students prepare to study at Southern Cross University campuses at the Gold Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour for Session 1, the search is on for appropriate rental accommodation.

A number of international and domestic students will be seeking accommodation in private homes, units, flats and rental houses. Members of the community who have a room to spare or a dwelling to rent out are invited to contact their local UniLife accommodation officer or register as an accommodation provider and submit their listing online at scu.studystays.com.au

"From simply renting out a room in your house to sharing your home with a student can be a rewarding experience and provide wonderful insights into other cultures," UniLife's Senior Manager Erin Miller said.

"Renting rooms can bring welcome additional income or bring youthful excitement back to your house each night."

The three campuses attract a number of international students with varying lengths of stay. These may range between six weeks and four months or longer so shorter term leases and other flexible arrangements are helpful.

"The beginning of February marks the University's peak period for student arrivals, and most will want to be settled in suitable accommodation prior to the start of orientation on February 15," Ms Miller said.

Southern Cross University's UniLife is currently implementing a new and improved online accommodation service. The enhanced service, UniStays, will benefit both students and providers with greater user efficiency and the opportunity for providers to upload photographs of their dwellings. The site will also have contemporary functions like Google Maps. The new service is due to go 'live' by mid-February 2012.

Ideal properties at the Gold Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour are either in close proximity to public transport routes or within a reasonable walking distance to the University's campuses.

Expressions of interest in supplying student accommodation can be made by contacting the appropriate UniLife accommodation officer at the Gold Coast on 07 5589 3001, in Lismore on 02 6620 3220 or at Coffs Harbour on 02 6620 3220 or alternatively by email on accomm@scu.edu.au.

Southern Cross University also offers a range of affordable on-campus accommodation options. At the Lismore and Coffs Harbour campuses, SCU Village provides a range of fully furnished apartments located minutes from classes. The Villages are focused on enhancing the resident experience, offering an extensive residential life program at each location, and recently refurbished common areas at the Lismore Village. Apply for on-campus accommodation at www.scuvillage.com.au

Photo: University students will be looking for suitable accommodation this session. Picture: Courtesy of Campus Living Villages.

Media contact: Steve Spinks, media officer, Southern Cross University Gold Coast and Tweed Heads, 07 5589 3024 or 0417 288 794.

Fatigued fathers pose a risk in the workplace

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Working fathers with new babies experience cumulative fatigue which may pose a risk in the workplace, according to new research from Southern Cross University.

The study conducted by Southern Cross University senior lecturer Dr Gary Mellor from the School of Health and Human Services in conjunction with Dr Winsome St John, of Griffith University, investigated the relationship between fatigue and work safety behaviour of fathers with new babies using a survey that included 241 fathers mostly living on the Gold Coast.

The research, published recently in the American Journal of Men's Health, found that fathers do experience increased fatigue during early fatherhood and are unable to recover due to poor sleep and furthermore that fatigue was related to decreased safety behaviour at work.

"I came up with the idea while I was at a barbecue just after we had had our second child and I was telling the guys how tired I was and how I had nearly run off the road," Dr Mellor said.

"The guys at the barbecue then told me similar stories and I checked the research and not much had been done about sleep deprivation in fathers and how that affected their safety at work or to and from work.

"The survey was completed once by the fathers at six weeks and then again at 12 weeks and we found that while fatigue was increasing, the way fathers thought about safety at work changed.

"We had very little attrition from the study with 93 per cent of participants seeing it through. Men were keen to tell their story and it seems they are 36 per cent more likely to have a near miss at work and 26 per cent more likely to have a near miss on the road to and from work than someone else.

"The results paint a disturbing picture of fathers with babies undergoing worsening fatigue over the first 12 weeks of their baby's life, unrelieved by poor and interrupted sleep and with potential consequences to their work safety."

Dr Mellor suggests that measures may need to be implemented to help fathers cope with the strain of a new baby on their occupational health and safety.

"Parental leave may need to be reconsidered with the way it is allocated," he said.

"Most of the men in the study had time off at the birth but perhaps parental leave for fathers should be taken later in the baby's life rather than the first two weeks. This is when fathers are most fatigued and it would allow them time to overcome it.

"Or perhaps parental leave could be taken over a period of time with fathers taking a long weekend or two over the first months of the birth.

"Employers may also be able to modify the risks at the workplace. They can modify the work environment to ensure fatigued new fathers are not doing dangerous jobs or perhaps they could dilute the job or be flexible so that the fatigued workers can rearrange their work."

Dr Mellor said participants in the study worked an average of 49 hours per week and only took five days off at the birth of the baby. He said while they loved being a Dad they felt the need to work longer hours because their family needed the money, which could exacerbate the fatigue of fathers.

Photo: Dr Gary Mellor.

Media contact: Steve Spinks, media officer, Southern Cross University Gold Coast and Tweed Heads, 07 5589 3024 or 0417 288 794.

Study finds popularity of internet gambling on the rise

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1100

The rate of internet gambling is on the rise in Australia, according to new research from Southern Cross University and the University of Sydney, with factors like convenience and ease of access contributing to its popularity.

'An investigation of internet gambling in Australia' was led by Dr Sally Gainsbury from Southern Cross University's Centre for Gambling Education and Research (CGER), with the assistance of CGER director Professor Nerilee Hing, Professor Alex Blaszczynski from the School of Psychology at the University of Sydney and the University of Lethbridge's Dr Robert Wood.

"Internet gamblers had significantly more positive attitudes towards gambling," said Dr Gainsbury.

"People appear to be gravitating towards online gambling because of the availability and the convenience. It can be accessed anytime, anywhere.

"But for people with existing gambling problems, internet gambling may create additional risks."

The findings are part of the largest survey of internet gamblers to date in Australia, with more than 6680 participants taking part in the self-selected, online questionnaire.

Dr Gainsbury said overall the research showed internet gamblers were not more likely to be problem gamblers, but they do appear to be at higher risk of developing problems.

"Internet gambling poses unique risks to players; it is constantly available and people can play online in private with relative anonymity.

"The use of electronic funds did increase spending for some players and may create negative consequences for some people."

Over half of the 450 problem internet gamblers responding to the survey said the use of credit cards or internet bank transfers increased the amount they spent compared to less than one in 10 of the 2270 non-problem internet gamblers.

While internet gambling has been around since the 1990s its popularity has soared in the past few years, with clear trends indicating an increasing number of participants starting to gamble online.

More than half of the survey participants started gambling online from around 2006.

"Gambling problems do take a while to set in before causing really severe consequences so as people continue to play online we may see more problems emerge from this form of gambling," said Dr Gainsbury.

The researchers have called for the online gambling space to be made safer for users. Among the recommendations, players being encouraged to set limits on their spending; pop-up messages suggesting a break in long continuous sessions; and self-tests to determine the risk of developing gambling problems.

The study set out to explore the characteristics of internet gamblers and found:

� Internet gamblers were more likely to be from higher income households, and to either work fulltime or be a student.

� Online players tended to participate in a greater number of gambling activities overall and were technically savvy.

KEY FINDINGS

� The main advantages of internet gambling were related to the convenience and availability of internet gambling as well as the lack of crowds, unpleasant people and anonymity. This may suggest internet gambling may appeal to those who prefer not to gamble in land-based venues. Internet gamblers may represent a new group of gamblers and venue gamblers may shift to gamble online.

� Players choose internet gambling sites based on reputation, payout rates, and money being safely and easily retrieved. Most participants played on Australian-based sites where these are available (wagering and lottery), but there was little concern about legality of sites and where they are based. This is concerning as playing on offshore sites may result in identify theft, fraud, losing funds and cheating, with little recourse for Australians.

� Internet gambling was perceived to be too addictive by 15% of players and poses unique risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, such as young, single, uneducated and unemployed gamblers.

Photo: Dr Sally Gainsbury

Media contact: Sharlene King, media officer, Southern Cross University Lismore, 02 6620 3508 or 0429 661 349.

Annual dolphin research underway at Byron Bay

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1100

A team of Southern Cross University researchers and local marine parks staff have once again hit the waters of the Cape Byron Marine Park to monitor the movements and behaviour of dolphins and assess the levels of dolphin-human encounters.

The Dolphin Ecology and Acoustics Project team, led by Dr Liz Hawkins, are conducting their summer field work in conjunction with Cape Byron Marine Park staff from January 14 to February 18.

The research team will be observing the dolphins on land from the Cape Byron Lighthouse and in the water from kayaks and by boat.

"We have been monitoring this dolphin population since 2003. During that time we have identified over 550 individual dolphins. We have also identified the area off the Cape Byron Lighthouse as critical habitat for the resident dolphin community," Dr Hawkins said.

"This time of year is the peak birthing time for our local dolphin populations. It is important that anyone who encounters a group of dolphins does so with care and abides by the NSW dolphin watching regulations (do not approach dolphins closer than 50 metres or closer than 150 metres if calves are present)."

Dr Hawkins said the mothers and calves that can be regularly found resting near to shore and close to Watego's Beach are vulnerable to disturbance particularly at this time of year.

"These resident females and their calves are the most vulnerable dolphins in the population as they are living in a zone where there is the chance of high levels of human interactions so we need to monitor them closely to ensure their protection," she said.

The Dolphin Ecology and Acoustics Project aims to examine the ecology of dolphins and monitor the population dynamics, trends and health over time. This information will assist in ensuring their ongoing protection within the Cape Byron Marine Park.

The researchers have also been conducting studies in the Gold Coast and Tweed Heads area and off Coffs Harbour.

The public are invited to participate in the research by reporting their dolphin sightings at the Project's website www.dolphinresearchaustralia.com

Photo: Common dolphin surfacing off the Gold Coast (CREDIT: Liz Hawkins, SCU)

Media contact: Sharlene King, media officer, Southern Cross University Lismore, 02 6620 3508 or 0429 661 349.

Technology could lead to Tweets in the classroom

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Teachers should not be afraid of the technology boom associated with Generation Y, according to a researcher from Southern Cross University.

Jeremy Novak, a lecturer with the Southern Cross Business School, along with Central Queensland University's Dr Michael Cowling, looked into the implementation of Twitter as a way for students to ask questions and give feedback during lectures. The research was presented at the ISANA International Education Association Conference recently.

The research found that students were happy to embrace Twitter as a way of interacting during a lecture, particularly those students who often found it difficult to ask questions in front of a large class, however the technical competency of the lectures emerged as an issue.

"We wanted to see if there was a way for students to ask questions without having to put their hands up," Mr Novak said.

"We found, particularly with international students, that there were plenty of times when students were too embarrassed or didn't want to lose face by asking questions in front a group.

"By using Twitter, simply as a ticker bar at the bottom of the lecturer's power point presentation, students can ask questions anonymously, no matter how stupid they think their question is, and not get embarrassed.

"This is not something that would be used by all students, but rather is just another way for lecturers or teachers to get feedback during a class.

"We found that lecturers used the feedback of Twitter to amend their teaching style and provide a response to queries and comments. However one of the major findings of the research was that the technical competencies of staff emerged as a real issue for the implementation of Twitter in the classroom."

While the study was undertaken within the environment of a University, Mr Novak suggests classrooms across the different levels of education could implement Twitter and technology to their advantage.

"Obviously you would want all students to have access to the technology, while teachers would also have to be savvy with the technology, but if those things were overcome there is no reason this could not be used to augment teaching methods," he said.

"Twitter is another exciting teaching aide that is highly underutilised by lecturers and teachers in the education sector. Hopefully it would lead to less 'passengers' in the classroom and allow those students who are less likely to engage with teachers, for social or cultural reasons, to participate."

Photo: Jeremy Novak

Media contact: Steve Spinks, media officer, Southern Cross University Gold Coast and Tweed Heads, 07 5589 3024 or 0417 288 794.

Divers hit the water for citizen science

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1100

Volunteer underwater diving groups from Eden on the south coast of New South Wales to Tweed Heads in the north are being assisted by Southern Cross University researchers to undertake 'citizen science' by collecting data on marine debris and threatened marine species.

The University has been contracted by the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority to undertake the project to build the skills of underwater volunteers across NSW with funding from the Australian Government's Caring for Our Country program.

Throughout 2011, volunteer divers were trained by researchers from Southern Cross University's National Marine Science Centre, in partnership with NSW coastal Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) and community members.

National Marine Science Centre project officer Bob Edgar said the organisation 'Underwater Volunteers NSW' (UVNSW) was formed to help the 11 community based underwater volunteer groups in NSW work together effectively.

"The activities undertaken by UVNSW members develop a sense of stewardship of their 'local patch' and raise community awareness about marine biodiversity along the NSW coastline," Mr Edgar said.

The second stage of the project will provide support for underwater groups to actively collect data, which will contribute to ongoing conservation and management of the state's marine environment.

"Standardised training protocols will enable volunteers to practice good citizen science and get out there and collect accurate data," he said. "We have provided a framework and the training for these groups to ensure the data is robust and is useful for government agencies charged with managing the state's marine environment."

Mr Edgar said collecting data on marine debris was a focus for the project.

"Recent surveys by volunteers in the Nambucca and Red Rock areas revealed higher levels of marine debris than people might think. Fishing tackle was a common debris item along with beer bottles, plastic and the occasional shopping trolley," he said.

Mr Edgar said the aim was also to equip the volunteers with the knowledge and skills to assess threatened and marine species, targeted fish species, pest species and large macro-invertebrates such as sea urchins, seastars and marine snails.

Associate Professor Steve Smith from the National Marine Science Centre said this project would provide much needed information.

"We have such a vast coastline and relatively few marine scientists. There is a critical need for data to effectively manage our marine ecosystems and these groups, involving around 300 individuals, will play an essential role," Professor Smith said.

The volunteer dive groups involved in the project are: Byron Underwater Research Group, Solitary Islands Underwater Research Group, Port Macquarie Underwater Research Group, Great Lakes Underwater Group, Combined Hunter Underwater Group, Terrigal Underwater Group, Underwater Group of NSW, Eco Divers, Jervis Bay Dive Club, Nature Coast Marine Group and the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre.

For information about the UVNSW visit: www.uvnsw.net.au

Photo: A volunteer diver with some of the debris collected during an underwater clean-up in Coffs Harbour.

Media contact: Brigid Veale, Southern Cross University, head of Communications and Publications, 02 66593006 or 0439 680 748.