Dr Ben Stobart
Biography
Dr Stobart has over four decades of experience in marine science with a focus on coral ecology, marine protected areas, and fisheries management. He earned his Ph.D. from James Cook University, focusing on coral reproduction and taxonomy, and subsequently conducted extensive research on Mediterranean marine protected areas and coral reefs in the Indian Ocean.
In his current role as the Principal Scientist and Molluscan Fisheries Sub-Program Leader at SARDI Aquatic Sciences he oversees the strategic and operational management of molluscan fisheries research at SARDI, focusing on sustainability and value-adding research. Dr Stobart is experienced in experimental design, data analysis, and underwater fieldwork, with extensive experience in diving and leading remote field operations. He has managed multiple large-scale research projects, authored numerous peer reviewed publications, and has advanced skills in underwater photography and videography.
Dr Stobart is also highly skilled in emergency management and has contributed multiple incident responses for the South Australian Government (eg the Japanese Encephalitis outbreak in 2022 and Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis in 2024) and is also the Regional Manager of the Lincoln Marine Science Centre.
Research interests
- The protistan parasite Perkinsus olensi and its impact on the South Australian abalone fishery
- Improving the sustainability and returns from molluscan fisheries (value adding)
- Accelerating Greenlip Abalone stock recovery in South Australia using release of hatchery-reared juveniles
- Design, planning and implementation of baseline monitoring work on coral reefs in the southern Seychelles
Qualifications
- PhD, 1994, James Cook University
- BSc (Joint Hons), 1987, University College of North Wales
Research affiliations
- Affiliate Senior Lecturer, Flinders University
- Affiliate Senior Lecturer, The University of Adelaide
Professional affiliations
Founding member, Aldabra Marine Programme
