We would like to congratulate Prof Steven Chown from Stellenbosch University in South Africa, the recipient of the Martha T. Muse Prize for Science and Policy in Antarctica, for his outstanding work on the study of invasive alien species and the effects of climate change and human interactions in the region.
Prof. Chown has been studying Antarctica and sub-Antarctic ecology for the better part of twenty years. He and his team have not only demonstrated that substantial numbers of seeds actually enter the region, but also that many of them are from species typically known to be invasive elsewhere on the planet. They have also been able to demonstrate how simple interventions concerning proper warehousing, cleaning of clothing and different shipping routes can greatly reduce the risks and problems associated with the transfer of invasive species to the region.
The Martha T. Muse prize brings him well-earned recognition and an award of $100,000. We wish him the best in continuing his research on this most important issue so we may keep Antarctica unspoiled.
No comments:
Post a Comment