New Zealand Sea Lions of Stewart Island

What the first new colony, away from New Zealand Subantarctic Islands in 200 years, can teach us

Massey University professor and Wildbase Oil Response co-director, Louise Chilvers, presents her research, which was undertaken on Stewart Island, on the recently discovered New Zealand sea lion colony. The first area to have a newly confirmed colony away from New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands in 200 years, this environment is vitally important for the New Zealand sea lion and their conservation.

Professor Chilvers also discusses this colony’s significant ties with the New Zealand sea lion population on the Otago Peninsula, and the importance of this to both populations.

Her research focuses on marine wildlife, particularly New Zealand sea lions and sea birds, and includes population biology, behaviour, foraging ecology, and human impacts. Professor Chilvers has extensive experience in wildlife research, conservation management, oil spill response, and representation at international commissions, including being the lead scientist for New Zealand at the International Whaling Commission for seven years.

Hutton Theatre.