Rob Lewis (marine scientist)

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Rob Lewis is a South Australian marine scientist and retired senior civil servant. He discovered the first known upwelling system in southern Australia and was professionally involved in fisheries and aquaculture management for 38 years. He was head of South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) from 1992 to 2010. [1]

Great South Australian Coastal Upwelling System A seasonal upwelling system in the eastern Great Australian Bight

The Great South Australian Coastal Upwelling System is a seasonal upwelling system in the eastern Great Australian Bight, extending from Ceduna, South Australia, to Portland, Victoria, over a distance of about 800 kilometres (500 mi). Upwelling events occur in the austral summer when seasonal winds blow from the southeast. These winds blow parallel to the shoreline at certain areas of the coast, which forces coastal waters offshore via Ekman transport and draws up cold, nutrient-rich waters from the ocean floor.

The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) is a state government funded institute with locations throughout South Australia. SARDI is part of Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA)

Contents

Career

Lewis joined South Australia's Department of Fisheries as a research officer in 1973, where he worked in support of the rock lobster fishery. By 1987 he was working in a research management capacity, balancing fisheries, aquaculture and marine conservation interests. He joined SARDI in 1992, and was appointed Executive Director in 1993. There he was responsible for guiding SARDI in its development as a "model state research agency" supporting the interests of South Australia's primary industries. He promoted collaboration between Government, private sector interests and academic institutions and helped secure South Australia's role in the establishment of Collaborative Research Centres (CRCs) for Aquaculture, Finfish, Molecular Plant Breeding and Seafood.

In 2002, Lewis named the growth of aquaculture, the development of plump and juicy cherries and research in soil-born diseases as highlights of the first ten years of SARDI. [2]

Aquaculture Farming of aquatic organisms

Aquaculture, also known as aquafarming, is the farming of fish, crustaceans, molluscs, aquatic plants, algae, and other organisms. Aquaculture involves cultivating freshwater and saltwater populations under controlled conditions, and can be contrasted with commercial fishing, which is the harvesting of wild fish. Mariculture refers to aquaculture practiced in marine environments and in underwater habitats.

Cherry Fruit of some plants of the genus Prunus

A cherry is the fruit of many plants of the genus Prunus, and is a fleshy drupe.

Under Lewis' leadership, SARDI obtained the research vessel Ngerin , established the SA Aquatic Sciences Centre, refined plans for the Plant Research Centre and supported the development of the Lincoln Marine Science Centre. Lewis was "a major driver" in the establishment of the Marine Innovation South Australia initiative; a collaborative project involving SARDI Aquatic Sciences, Flinders University, the University of Adelaide, the South Australian Museum and the seafood industry with the goal of increasing the value of South Australia's seafood sector.

Flinders University public university in Adelaide, South Australia

Flinders University is a public university in Adelaide, South Australia. Founded in 1966, it was named in honour of British navigator Matthew Flinders, who explored and surveyed the South Australian coastline in the early 19th century.

University of Adelaide Public university in Adelaide, South Australia

The University of Adelaide is a public university located in Adelaide, South Australia. Established in 1874, it is the third-oldest university in Australia. The university's main campus is located on North Terrace in the Adelaide city centre, adjacent to the Art Gallery of South Australia, the South Australian Museum and the State Library of South Australia.

South Australian Museum museum in Australia

The South Australian Museum is a natural history museum and research institution in Adelaide, South Australia, founded in 1856 and owned by the Government of South Australia. It occupies a complex of buildings on North Terrace in the cultural precinct of the Adelaide Parklands. Plans are under way to split its Australian Aboriginal cultural collection, some of which will be housed in a new building housing these along with other works of art, in a new National Gallery for Aboriginal Art and Cultures.

Lewis retired from SARDI in 2010 but continues to hold an honorary fellowship there. [3] He went on to become the independent chair of the Fisheries and Aquaculture National Priorities Forum. [4]

The South Australian Aquatic Biosecurity Centre, a collaboration between the University of Adelaide and SARDI opened in 2011. Lewis was involved in the project as the chair of Marine Innovation South Australia. [5]

He is also a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. [1]

He was awarded a Centenary Medal for services to marine sciences in 2003 and an Australian Honours Public Service Medal for services to primary industries research and development in 2011. [6]

Lewis was appointed the inaugural President of Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries, [7] a not-for-profit organisation which offers guided snorkeling tours within South Australian waters.

Board memberships

Lewis has been a member of various management and advisory boards.

They include:

He had acted as Chair of the following entities:

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References

  1. 1 2 "Rob Lewis retires - 30/06/2010". www.abc.net.au. Retrieved 28 September 2017.
  2. ↑ "SA Country Hour - 25/10/2002: SARDI celebrates 10 years of R&D". www.abc.net.au. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
  3. 1 2 "Rob Lewis - SARDI reflects on an enduring leader" (PDF). 30 June 2010.
  4. ↑ "SARDI gets new chief as Lewis moves on - Plains Producer". Plains Producer. 16 July 2010. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
  5. ↑ "Adelaidean -- Net tightens on aquatic pests". www.adelaide.edu.au. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
  6. ↑ (DEWNR), Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. "Meet our board members". www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au. Retrieved 28 September 2017.
  7. ↑ "About Us". Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries Inc. Retrieved 13 June 2018.
  8. ↑ AMLR NRM Board > Meet our board members Retrieved 14 August 2018.
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