Adam Harman MEIANZ  Principal Environmental Consultant | Wetlands Research & Management (WRM) Qualifications: Bachelor of Science (BSc). Marine Science (Marine Biology & Coastal Planning & Management). University of Western Australia

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What do you do?

In my role as Principal Environmental Consultant at WRM, I provide high level technical advice to industry, community and government agencies on environmental management and regulation issues on all aspects of aquatic ecosystems. This entails specialist assessment of water and sediment quality, overall management and ecology of fish (& elasmobranchs), invertebrate and waterbird communities of tropical and temperate freshwater, estuarine and inland saline systems. I am responsible for project management and execution, proposal management, scientifically robust sampling designs, univariate and multivariate data analyses, report writing, and business development.

Best aspect of your work?

I have been fortunate over the last 10 years to conduct fieldwork in some of the most remote and remarkable landscapes both within Australia and internationally (Papua New Guinea). Working alongside Traditional Owners to mitigate impacts to, and/or protect freshwater aquatic ecosystems which provide secure drinking and food resources for local communities has been immensely rewarding.

How did you get there?

I started as a research associate with Dr Jane Prince at the University of Western Australia focussing on marine benthic invertebrate fauna and habitats. I moved to the Centre for Ecosystem Management at Edith Cowan University under Professor Pierre Horwitz to work primarily on macroinvertebrate and water quality monitoring and investigations for the Gnangara and Jandakot Mounds. I loved the mixture of field work, community engagement, taxonomy and statistical analysis of data. During this time, I was fortunate to be offered a position under Dr Andrew Storey at Wetland Research and Management, transitioning to the field of consulting, where I continue to work closely with industry, government, universities and conservation groups.

Biggest environmental concern?

Declining rainfall in the South West of Western Australia and increased abstraction of groundwater from finite resources is a huge concern.

How and why did you get involved in the EIANZ?

I see EIANZ as the peak body to support the environmental practitioner community across all Western Australia and to promote excellence in the development of environmental policy and practice. This sparked my interest in a role within the WA Division. There is much room for improvement in environmental practice in WA, particularly in the field of freshwater ecology, and I am confident that the EIANZ can play a leading role in engaging practitioners and leading best practice.