Stephen Keable
Invertebrate Taxonomist [organisation: Australian Museum]
What is your job title?
Collection Manager, Marine Invertebrates, Australian Museum
What do you study and why is it important?
My research expertise deals with the identification of invertebrates,
particularly aquatic slaters (isopods). Identification is important
because it is the first step in correctly relating organisms to
each other and the environment, and in making valid observations
or comparisons. Slaters are important because they are biologically
diverse, abundant, cosmopolitan in distribution, significant contributors
to ecosystems (particularly in trophic interactions), and sometimes
commercially important as pests.
What will you be doing on the voyage?
My role during the voyage is to assist with the sorting, identification,
curation and documentation of the zoological specimens collected.
Where were you educated?
New South Wales University and Macquarie University, Sydney.
How did you become interested in the ocean?
Through family holidays.
Do you get seasick? And if so, any tips on how not to?
Not usually.
What do you enjoy about your work?
The variety, the opportunity for new experiences, meeting people
and travel.
What are some of the challenges you face?
Loss of funding and reduction of resources, increased bureaucracy.
What have you learned/discovered? What do you hope to
learn?
My research has demonstrated that some marine isopods make a significant
contribution to food webs as scavengers, feeding on the remains
of other organisms and playing a fundamental role in the recycling
of nutrients. During this study I developed a collection method
using baited traps that has led to collection and description of
a number of new species of invertebrates. My work now is mostly
in collection management so I want to improve my skills in effectively
utilising resources available to me and in communication with various
stakeholders.
