Two scientists with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s (DELWP) Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research (ARI) have been inducted into the Australian Society for Fish Biology (ASFB) Hall of Fame.
In a statement, the Department said ARI was a leading centre for applied ecological research, with an emphasis on flora, fauna and biodiversity issues.
DELWP said ARI researchers, John Koehn and Charles Todd were celebrated for their long-term contributions to fish, fisheries research, management and the scientific community.
It said Dr Koehn (pictured left) was honoured for his substantial contributions to freshwater fish ecology, particularly in the Murray-Darling Basin, and was a key figure in the preparation of the Murray-Darling Basin Commission’s Native Fish Strategy.
“He is also notable in the field as a leading member of expert panels, ministerial committees and national recovery teams throughout his career, and has more than 250 publications to his name,” DELWP said.
“The Hall of Fame honours are a recognition of John’s and Charles’ immense professional standing and the ARI’s position as one of Australia’s leading ecological science institutions.”
It said Dr Todd (pictured right) was noted by the ASFB as a true exemplar of the Hall of Fame award, who had made outstanding contributions to the Society.
The Department said Dr Todd was a leader in population modelling and his work had shaped major fish research and management responses.
“It’s a great honour to be recognised in this way and very humbling,” Dr Todd said.
“These awards highlight the ongoing contribution that ARI and DELWP make to these important scientific organisations,” he said.
