- New monitoring boat named after estuary science pioneer, Dr Ernest Hodgkin
- Vessel to support vital water quality monitoring in South West waterways
- Funded by the WA Government through Healthy Estuaries WA
A new purpose-built boat that will allow scientists to monitor estuaries in the South West has been named after a trail-blazing marine expert whose research shaped environmental studies in the State.
Dubbed Ernest in honour of Dr Ernest Hodgkin, the $212,654 replacement vessel will be used by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation for water quality monitoring in the Hardy Inlet, Augusta and the Leschenault Estuary, which runs through Australind and Bunbury.
Made and designed in Western Australia by Westerburg Marine in Albany, the boat is equipped with a water quality sampling station, a davit (small crane), and a dive door to deploy and maintain water quality buoys and monitoring instruments.
The boat's features will allow scientists to record pH levels, turbidity, salinity, oxygen levels, algal presence, and nutrient concentrations to measure estuary health.
This data is critical for understanding the effects of nearby catchment land uses on the estuaries, informing local communities and climate-resilient management and policies.
Dr Hodgkin was a senior lecturer of zoology at the University of Western Australia for many years. His work led to key investigations into river and estuarine systems throughout WA.
His series of published works on estuaries and coastal lagoons in the South West were renowned and later featured in a book summarising his life's work, titled Swanland.
Dr Hodgkin also contributed as an environmental consultant to the former Department of Conservation and Environment after retiring. He also founded the Ernest Hodgkin Trust so it would continue his lifelong study of estuarine environments.
Comments attributed to Water and Climate Resilience Minister Don Punch:
"Dr Hodgkin was a pioneer in his field who dedicated most of his life to understanding and preserving our estuaries.
"It is fitting this new vessel is named in his honour as it recognises his lasting contribution to estuary science.
"Estuaries are sensitive and complex ecosystems that provide our regional areas with economic, recreational, environmental and cultural value.
"The monitoring data collected from this new boat will be critical to maintain our most at-risk waterways and ensure their resilience for future generations."
