From teaching an eager group of postgrads, to water sampling and weighing fish – there is no such thing as an "regular day" for Dr Katarina Doughty.
This year, School of Molecular Sciences Associate Lecturer Dr Doughty took over the academic management of the Aquaculture Facility at the UWA Shenton Park Field Station.
Her varied role includes developing, initiating, and overseeing research projects at the facility as well as integrating its use into UWA's new Aquatech and Blue Economy units.
"Depending on the time of year, my days can range from teaching, running master's and industry projects, water sampling, microscopy work, weighing fish, engineering tank systems or exciting meetings about innovative research and partnerships," she said.
"This position has opened my eyes to the growing importance of modern aquaculture and potential of new Aquatic (Blue) Technologies.
"It has allowed me to step outside food production and see its potential in transforming the exploitative aquarium trade, combating climate change, producing sustainable materials such as bio-fuel, bio-plastics, and much more."
Dr Doughty said she was looking forward to advancing UWA's Blue Economy and AquaTech research impact through new industry partnerships and research collaborations in Australia and internationally.
"If done correctly, aquaculture supports a sustainable earth as it improves food security and nutrition by increasing food production, reducing dependence on land and water resources, boosting economic growth in coastal and rural areas, and conserving our aquatic ecosystems."
Dr Katarina Doughty
"Without question, aquaculture will be vital if we want to address the significant imbalance that exists between the little remaining unused land and water on our planet and our need to grow more food for our growing population," she said.
"If we meet our commitment to sustainably manage 100 per cent of our aquatic resources by 2025, we will produce six times more food, generate 40 times more renewable energy and lift millions out of poverty, using less land, oil and water.
"Our research plans to align with global efforts into sustainable development and growth of Aquatech, which serves as a framework for international cooperation to help people and the planet thrive."
The facility is currently running a novel Living Ecosystem project determining the feasibility of growing "live sand" in the context of developing a "living coral reef ecosystem".
In 2025, researchers plan to initiate additional marine fish projects and re-introduce trout and salmonid studies aimed to drive sustainable and novel technologies in the field.
