Professor Kathy Townsend of the University of the Sunshine Coast is a leading marine biologist known for her pioneering research on manta rays.
As the lead academic for Project Manta, she has spent 19 years uncovering the biology, behaviour and habitat use of mobulid rays, building one of the world’s most comprehensive long‑term datasets on these species. Her work combines advanced scientific methods with the powerful contributions of citizen scientists, whose sightings and photographs have helped reveal migration patterns, key aggregation sites and surprising new discoveries.
Kathy is also a founding and board member of the Manta Foundation, a non-government organisation dedicated to manta ray research, conservation, and public engagement. At the Friday Forum on Friday 27 February, Kathy will share insights into the basic biology of mobulid rays, highlight the impact of community‑driven science, and showcase the major discoveries that Project Manta team has achieved over nearly two decades. Come along to learn the wonders of this majestic animal.
Everyone is welcome at the Noosa Parks Association Environment Centre, 5 Wallace Drive, Noosaville which starts at 10.30am with morning tea available from 10-10.25am. Entry is $5 by ‘tap & go’ at the door which includes morning tea/coffee.
Join the bird observers at 8.30am in the carpark for interpretive birding.
For more information: www.noosaparks.org.au
