Marine biologist wins Smithsonian study grant

Press, 26 October 1989, Page 16

Marine biologist wins Smithsonian study grant

PA Wellington The American Smithsonian Institution, regarded as one of the world’s foremost research institutions, has awarded a New Zealand marine biologist $7OOO to study deep-sea animals. The acting National Museum director, Dr Alan Baker, heads for the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. in November. He is considered a world authority on marine animals and caused a sensation in zoology circles three years ago when he discovered a new class of echinoderms — spiny-skinned animals such as starfish

and sea eggs. The sea daisy, a small flower-like marine animal, was a scientific curiosity because it was the first new class of echinoderm discovered in 160 years. Until Dr Baker’s discovery scientists assumed all classes had been discovered. Dr Baker will continue his marine research with the Smithsonian and take advantage of its huge biological collections and research facilities. He will make use of specimens and photographs taken by a threeperson submarine team which does research in ’ deep trenches off the

Bahamas. A former New Zealander, Mr David Pawson, has been prominent in the submersible work and will assist Dr Baker in his research.

Dr Baker said his work would improve knowledge of the deep seas, which were poorly understood despite increasing commercial interest in deep sea fish and crustaceans.

He planned to examine the distribution and population sizes of marine animals such as brittle stars. His work could then be used to determine the distribution of fish species which use echinoderms for food.