Does the principle of academic freedom protect Australian academics who engage in pointed public criticism of their academic colleagues, and university governance? A case in the High Court this week provides a rare opportunity to consider academic … [Read more...] about The Idea of Academic Freedom, Explained by Stone and Forrest*
Blog
The Injustice of Blowing-Up Turtles, for Convenience
It is World Ocean Day, an opportunity to learn more about the Great Barrier Reef and also artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. It is an injustice that turtles are blown-up in the Gulf of Mexico because American oil companies choose a … [Read more...] about The Injustice of Blowing-Up Turtles, for Convenience
In Search of Monster Corals – My Latest Film and Underwater Adventure
Marlin fisherman Rob McCulloch, and I, talked about going searching for the monster corals. I wanted the skipper to take me all the way to Myrmidon Reef, where I knew The Australian Institute of Marine Sciences had once cored these largest Porites. … [Read more...] about In Search of Monster Corals – My Latest Film and Underwater Adventure
My Daughter is Getting Married, And
They went in search of oysters. He didn’t find a single pearl, rather he found the whole world. That’s true love. I’ve always wanted the very best for my daughter. Now she is marrying the very best. Yep. She is engaged. With a ring … [Read more...] about My Daughter is Getting Married, And
Know Your Plates (Part 1)
Reef building hard corals in the order Scleractinia are animals that could be mistaken for plants. One of the most common such corals at the Great Barrier Reef is Acropora hyacinthus. At Myrmidon reef last December, we found ridges replete … [Read more...] about Know Your Plates (Part 1)
Britomart – Mostly Dead Coral, with Fish on Top
Coral reefs are the most extraordinary places, and they are essentially layer upon layer of death. Topped with the most extraordinary diversity of life forms. Consider Britomart Reef, for example, it is a mid-shelf coral reef 120 kms north of … [Read more...] about Britomart – Mostly Dead Coral, with Fish on Top