NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the Hunter Central Catchment Management Authority are holding a series of free information sessions this week as part of ‘Aquatic Threatened Species Awareness Week’ in the Hunter, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today.

"These Marine Discovery Information Sessions are being held on Tuesday at Terrigal, Wednesday at Forster and Thursday at Salamander Bay, Port Stephens," Minister Macdonald said.

"The aim is to raise public awareness of aquatic threatened species and help in the preservation of these species and their local populations."

NSW DPI Conservation Management Officer Shaun Morris said very little information was available on species such as white sharks and black cod due to their secretive lifestyles and remote migrations.

"The information sessions will provide an opportunity to hear some of the most recent findings in white shark research by Barry Bruce from CSIRO in Hobart," he said.

"Barry and his team have over 20 years experience studying white shark ecology and their movements around Australia.

"The information session at Tomaree Library will also provide an opportunity to hear some interesting findings from recent black cod surveys conducted in the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park area by David Harasti from the Marine Parks Authority.

"Everyone is invited to come along and learn a little to save a lot. No bookings are required and light refreshments are provided."

Times and locations for the information sessions are:

• 7:00pm - 8:30pm, Tuesday 16 June at Crown Plaza, Terrigal.
• 6:00pm - 7:30pm, Wednesday 17 June at Cape Hawke Surf Life Saving Club, Forster.
• 6.30pm - 8:00pm, Thursday 18 June at Tomaree Library and Community Centre, Salamander Bay.

Further reading

Threatened species conservation

Media contact: Phil Bevan, NSW DPI, Wollongbar Ph 6626 1350 or 0429 458 053