Mark Garkaklis

Director - Ecological Sciences

  • BSc Mineral Science 1985 - Murdoch University
  • BSc Biological Sciences (Honours) 1992 - Murdoch University
  • PhD Biological Sciences 2001 - Murdoch University

Mark is a conservation biologist with broad experience in mining, mineral processing, hydrocarbon, water resource, timber industry and conservation sciences in Australia. He is one of Australia's most experienced conservation biologists and his work has been published in a number of international scientific journals.  This extensive experience provides Mark with a great insight into the scientific drivers behind National and State environmental legislation, policy and management.  As Principal Ecologist with the Department of Environment and Conservation Mark:

  • Project managed investigations into modified fire regimes to maximize water storage to the Gnangara Mound. The mound provides 60% of the water supply to the southwest of Australia and its sustainable use in a drying climate is vital to water resource management in WA. His experience in managing resource and conservation values for future climate is demonstrated by his collaboration with CSIRO in Premier's Water Foundation research;
  • Was a team member within the DEC Nature Conservation Directorate to develop a Statewide Biodiversity Management Effectiveness monitoring and evaluation framework. This framework was designed to inform WA and National State of the Environment reporting, and aligned with the World Conservation Union (IUCN) protected area management effectiveness monitoring framework. He presented this work at the 2007 meeting of the Ecological Society of Australia. Monitoring and the analysis of monitoring data is Mark's specific area of expertise;
  • Implemented Adaptive Management programs for the in situ recovery of threatened flora and Threatened Ecological Communities (TEC);
  • Chaired the Forest Black Cockatoo Recovery Team and was active member of several threatened fauna and TEC recovery teams.

Mark has provided client and government assessment advice on a number of infrastructure and resource projects including mine developments, water resources (including seawater desalination), highway construction (e.g. Roe 6 & 7, Perth-Bunbury,  Perth-Darwin), windfarms and LNG projects.

Mark remains active in the academic development of environmental management and conservation biology in Australia and provides lectures, student supervision and thesis examination for Universities around Australia.