At Niche, we work in an array of Australian environments including the coastal, marine and estuarine environments of the eastern seaboard of NSW.
To show our support for the coastal communities, businesses and government organisations responsible for the sustainable management of our coastal zone, Niche is proud to support the annual NSW Coastal Conference.
This year’s event will bring together professionals from all aspects of coastal management, science, research, education and planning under the theme of “Connecting Coast, Catchment and Community” and will focus on the links between our coastal and estuarine environments, their catchments, and the values we as a community place on those resources.
Dr Morgan Disspain, senior heritage consultant and expert in archaeological fish otolith analysis, has been selected to present at the conference. Her presentation is entitled Fishing Deep Time: How archaeological fish remains can reveal connections between human inhabitants and their environment.
In her presentation, Dr Disspain will discuss the significance of the cultural, social, environmental, spiritual, and economic connection of Aboriginal people to water resources, and especially fish.
“Water sources, including estuaries and coastal zones, have always been important meeting places for Aboriginal families, not only to fish and learn about traditional practices, but also to engage in ceremony,” explains Dr Disspain.
“The health of these water sources and fish is directly linked to the contemporary health and well-being of people,” she continues.
Dr Disspain’s presentation will describe how ancient fish remains from archaeological sites can be subjected to numerous analyses allowing investigations into the past human inhabitants of an area and informing investigations around human exploitation of, and connection to, coastal and estuarine environments.
The NSW Coastal Conference takes place 30 October to 1 November 2019 at the Crowne Plaza, Terrigal. For more information visit the event website.
Excellence in your environment
Read more about our specialist services and coastal project experience, or contact us to discuss your project.
Dr Morgan Disspain – Fish ear bones, the ‘time capsules” of river health
Case study: Minnamurra Estuary Boardwalk
Case study: Bluey’s Estate
Meet our local team in Northern NSW
Marine and coastal ecology
Freshwater ecology
