Two members of the Western Australian Museum’s scientific staff have received a commendation in this year’s prestigious 2010 Whitley Awards, which recognise outstanding publications dealing with the promotion and conservation of Australasian fauna.

The authors - Marine Invertebrates Emeritus Curator Loisette Marsh, and Curator of Molluscs Shirley Slack-Smith - received the commendation for their new edition of Field Guide to Sea Stingers and other Venomous and Poisonous Marine Invertebrates of Western Australia.

Between them, Ms Marsh and Ms Slack-Smith have given 62 years of service to the WA Museum and to the public and their work is recognised both nationally and overseas.

The guide aims to make people aware of animals in the sea other than fish and sea snakes, which can cause injury, including jelly fish, cone shells and the blue-ringed octopus and includes medical contributions by Dr Desmond Gurry.
Ms Marsh said that most dangers could be avoided by recognising the animals that might cause injury, by being aware of the surroundings at all times and by taking precautions.

“We should remember that the animals that live in the sea belong there, and that the venoms and poisons produced by some are normally used to deter predators or to subdue and capture their natural prey,” she said.
“Marine animals do not set out to injure or kill humans, however, by entering their territory, we may appear to them as a threat and so we run the risk of being injured as they try to protect themselves.”

The guide lists the symptoms and treatment for injuries that could be caused by each ‘stinger’ for mild to moderate injuries and for first aid in severe cases with this new edition includes significant information on the effects and treatment of injuries caused by some recently-described new species of jellyfish.

Ms Slack-Smith said it was interesting to note that today many of the toxic substances produced by marine invertebrates were now being analysed and assessed for their therapeutic use to humans.

“It is very likely that these substances will eventually contribute significantly to our well being in a number of ways,” she said.

“Meanwhile, both Loisette and I have spent most of our lives swimming and snorkelling off the WA coast and in other seas with no more than minor stings and we hope our book will help others do the same.”

WA Museum CEO, Alec Coles said the award was an outstanding achievement by two exceptional women.

“They have devoted an enormous part of their lives to the WA Museum and we are both delighted for them, and very proud of them,” Mr Coles said.

The guide, first published in 1986, is available from the Museum’s shops at its six public sites as well as all good bookstores.

The Whitely Awards are a tribute to Gilbert Whitley, who was the Curator of Fishes at the Australian Museum from 1922 to 1964. For many years, Whitley was also the editor of the Society's publications. The awards were first presented in 1979. They are hosted by the Royal Zoological Society of NSW and presented at a ceremony at The Australian Museum in Sydney.

Media Contact: Caroline Lacy on (08) 92123860 or 0414 381761